Every person conjures up their own set of mental images when they think about mental health treatment. Some may be accurate, but the majority are often misinformed. These perceptions can sometimes act as barriers to seeking swift mental health assistance and help.
Even those with a good understanding of treatment options and levels of care may still harbor a few misconceptions and questions about certain treatment types. While treatment options for mental health are widely discussed, knowledge about the various levels of mental health care is not commonly known.
Take inpatient treatment, for example; a specific level of care is often riddled with misunderstandings and half-truths. In this blog, with insights from our in-house psychiatrist, we aim to dispel myths and provide accurate information about this level of care (as it is called).
Today, we briefly touch on levels of care in mental health treatment and then discuss answers to a few commonly asked questions that can improve awareness about inpatient treatment. Read on:
Common Levels of Care in Mental Health/Psychiatric Treatment in Boston:
Levels of care in psychiatry or mental health treatment are the various incremental stages of treatment available for individuals based on their specific treatment needs and the severity of their symptoms. These levels of care are tailored and structured to provide the appropriate support and intervention needed at different stages of mental health disorders and conditions.
Some of the most commonly available levels of care are Outpatient Mental Health Services, Partial Hospitalization Programs, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment, and Residential Treatment Programs. Let us know more about Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment today.
What is inpatient psychiatric treatment?
Inpatient psychiatric treatment is an essential and potentially life-saving level of mental health care treatment for patients suffering from severe psychiatric disorders. It is a short-term treatment phase where the patients get all the psychiatric help and support they need to help them get through their challenges.
An expert multidisciplinary team of therapists, psychiatrists, counselors, and support staff coordinate at an inpatient treatment centre to treat the patients with utmost care and 24/7 monitoring. "Usually, it tends to be a short-term procedure, but the length of stay depends on the various factors that include the patient's response to the treatment and incidence of co-occurring conditions," says one of our in-house psychiatrists at Psych Boston.
What are the different types of inpatient psychiatric treatment?
There is no concrete type of inpatient treatment, as the types vary and are tailored based on the patient's needs. Different types of inpatient treatment include:
Inpatient Treatment for Medical Stabilization: Inpatient treatment provides immediate medical attention for severe conditions and effectively resolves acute mental health issues within a safe recovery environment.
Inpatient Treatment for Psychiatric Intensive Care: Specialized care, tailored for severe psychiatric cases requiring intensive and continuous monitoring, is ensured for comprehensive support and treatment.
Inpatient Treatment for Dual Diagnosis Problems: A dual diagnosis inpatient treatment helps address mental health and substance use issues concurrently.
Inpatient Treatment for Therapeutic Support: Inpatient treatment facilities facilitate supportive environments for peer connection and shared recovery goals.
Inpatient Treatment for Crisis Intervention: Inpatient treatment facilities excel at enabling prompt intervention and support during moments of heightened distress.
When might one need inpatient psychiatric treatment?
Any individual can suffer from intense mental health challenges regardless of their current and previous circumstances. Mental health care offers varying levels of care and treatment based on the severity of symptoms. When the mental health challenge intensifies and begins to worsen to a point where the individual cannot safely manage on their own, inpatient psychiatric treatment is the most suitable and effective mental health treatment option available today.
So, what psychiatric and mental health conditions call for inpatient psychiatric treatment?
Manic episodes, severe depression, psychotic episodes, self-harming behavior, escalating impulsive behavior, substance abuse, extreme physical or emotional trauma, mood disorders, and substance abuse disorders are some of the most common mental health conditions that may require treatment at inpatient psychiatric centres.
"However, the appropriateness of inpatient psychiatric treatment isn't solely determined by the condition but rather by the severity of the symptoms," says one of our expert psychiatrists at Psych Boston.
Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment in Boston:
Every mental health disorder is unique, and so is the course of treatment. An inpatient treatment option in one case doesn't necessarily indicate a need for inpatient treatment in another. Only a certified mental health professional can prescribe the right course of treatment based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on day-to-day life.
The first step in choosing the right inpatient treatment is to understand whether inpatient care is necessary. Therefore, it is essential to consult a qualified mental health professional who can assess the symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action.
As one of Boston's leading mental health clinics, Psych Boston is equipped with board-certified psychiatrists and mental health professionals who can help you determine the right course of treatment. You can take your first step towards swift and appropriate psychiatric treatment by consulting our in-house psychiatrists here.
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