Understanding Inpatient Treatment Programs
What Is Inpatient Treatment?
Inpatient treatment is a mental health treatment program where you stay at a treatment center for typically 7-10 days.
During inpatient treatment, patients have round-the-clock symptom and medication monitoring, giving loved ones peace of mind that they are in a safe, contained setting with trained psychiatric professionals.
Another key benefit of inpatient treatment is the safe, supportive environment it provides, allowing you to open up and share with others.
During inpatient treatment, patients receive individualized care and treatment planning. Treatment plans are developed by members of the medical and clinical teams, which include daily medication compliance and monitoring. Their treatment plan will also include goals, learning coping strategies, life skills, and aftercare planning.
During inpatient treatment, patients have round-the-clock symptom and medication monitoring, giving loved ones peace of mind that they are in a safe, contained setting with trained psychiatric professionals.
Another key benefit of inpatient treatment is the safe, supportive environment it provides, allowing you to open up and share with others.
During inpatient treatment, patients receive individualized care and treatment planning. Treatment plans are developed by members of the medical and clinical teams, which include daily medication compliance and monitoring. Their treatment plan will also include goals, learning coping strategies, life skills, and aftercare planning.
What Conditions Are Addressed in Inpatient Treatment Programs?
Inpatient treatment programs help address patients with conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, thought disorders, trauma-related disorders, and personality disorders who are in acute crisis.
Inpatient care is essential for providing immediate intervention, crisis stabilization, and comprehensive treatment — especially when symptoms become unmanageable or life-threatening. Throughout this process, it’s crucial to work closely with the dedicated medical staff, whose role is vital in monitoring your physical health and addressing your mental health needs. Their expertise ensures comprehensive care, helping to stabilize symptoms and lay the foundation for ongoing recovery.
Conditions frequently treated in inpatient programs include, but are not limited to:
Inpatient care is essential for providing immediate intervention, crisis stabilization, and comprehensive treatment — especially when symptoms become unmanageable or life-threatening. Throughout this process, it’s crucial to work closely with the dedicated medical staff, whose role is vital in monitoring your physical health and addressing your mental health needs. Their expertise ensures comprehensive care, helping to stabilize symptoms and lay the foundation for ongoing recovery.
Conditions frequently treated in inpatient programs include, but are not limited to:
- Mood Disorders: Severe episodes of bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder accompanied by thoughts of self-harm, suicidal ideation, or extreme functional impairment often necessitate inpatient stabilization.
- Psychotic Disorders: Symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking—common in disorders like schizophrenia—require intensive intervention when these symptoms become unstable or disruptive to daily life.
- Anxiety Disorders: Conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or panic disorder can become overwhelming, disrupting everyday routines and safety, requiring structured treatment.
- Trauma-Related Disorders: Severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially when symptoms include flashbacks, hyperarousal, or self-destructive behavior, may need stabilization in an inpatient setting.
- Personality Disorders: Extreme behaviors, self-harm, or risk of harm to others associated with disorders like borderline personality disorder can be managed effectively with inpatient care during crises.
The goal is to stabilize symptoms, reduce immediate risks, and set the foundation for ongoing outpatient treatment and recovery.
How Do Inpatient Programs Work?
Inpatient programs provide a structured, monitored, and intensive program where individuals stay at a mental health crisis unit for a short time while their psychiatric symptoms are stabilized.
Once you’re admitted, your multidisciplinary team at Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility, will develop a comprehensive treatment plan based on your specific needs that includes medication management and aftercare planning.
Throughout your stay, your treatment plans will be evaluated daily to reflect clinical improvement and make adjustments as needed.
Once you’re admitted, your multidisciplinary team at Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility, will develop a comprehensive treatment plan based on your specific needs that includes medication management and aftercare planning.
Throughout your stay, your treatment plans will be evaluated daily to reflect clinical improvement and make adjustments as needed.
What Are Some Inpatient Program Options?
Your options for inpatient mental health treatment include hospitalization for acute psychiatric crisis and residential treatment for longer-term stabilization and symptom management.
Hospitalization includes intensive, short-term medical and psychiatric care. Residential treatment provides structured treatment in a home-like setting.
Ocean View’s inpatient program provides personalized, empathetic, comprehensive care in a stigma-free setting. Medication management is a key part of our inpatient crisis stabilization, where medications are carefully reviewed and prescribed based on each individual’s medical history, needs, and potential side effects.
Hospitalization includes intensive, short-term medical and psychiatric care. Residential treatment provides structured treatment in a home-like setting.
Ocean View’s inpatient program provides personalized, empathetic, comprehensive care in a stigma-free setting. Medication management is a key part of our inpatient crisis stabilization, where medications are carefully reviewed and prescribed based on each individual’s medical history, needs, and potential side effects.
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Understanding Outpatient Treatment Programs
What Is Outpatient Care?
Outpatient mental health treatment that typically offers structured care through a day program, allowing individuals to continue living at home while receiving support.
Outpatient services include partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs.
Individuals in an outpatient program receive structured care and medication management, but they don’t have to stay at the facility overnight. Instead, they can live at home and go to work or school while attending their outpatient program.
Ocean View’s outpatient levels of care are available after an inpatient stay or when symptoms aren’t severe enough to require hospitalization. Once your symptoms are evaluated, you will be admitted to either our partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP).
Outpatient services include partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs.
Individuals in an outpatient program receive structured care and medication management, but they don’t have to stay at the facility overnight. Instead, they can live at home and go to work or school while attending their outpatient program.
Ocean View’s outpatient levels of care are available after an inpatient stay or when symptoms aren’t severe enough to require hospitalization. Once your symptoms are evaluated, you will be admitted to either our partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP).
What Conditions Are Addressed in Outpatient Treatment Programs?
Outpatient programs focus on managing:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Trauma-related disorders (PTSD)
- Personality disorders
- Thought disorders such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder
What Are Some Outpatient Program Options?
Mental health outpatient treatment options include:
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): PHP is often referred to as day treatment because it is the most intensive of the outpatient programs. Most include treatment at least 5 days a week for several hours a day.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): IOP is more intensive than traditional outpatient, but less structured than PHP. Participants meet 4 days a week in group and individual treatment settings.
- Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient therapy is the least structured form of treatment. Individuals meet a few days a week and receive medication management.
Treatment Goals & Focus
What Are the Long-Term Goals of Inpatient Treatment?
Long-term goals of inpatient mental health treatment include:
- Stabilization of symptoms during acute phases
- Developing a thorough treatment and aftercare plan
- Learning coping and life skills to ensure symptom management and clinical improvement
The initial goal of inpatient treatment is to stabilize acute crises. Once symptoms are stabilized, the next step is to set realistic goals that address needs and safety, and facilitate a smooth transition back into the real world.
How Does Inpatient Care Address Immediate Crises?
Inpatient care provides 24/7 medical monitoring, stabilization, and management of acute psychiatric crises in a safe and controlled environment.
For example, individuals who receive care at Ocean View are provided:
For example, individuals who receive care at Ocean View are provided:
- Licensed psychiatric care
- 24/7 nursing and monitoring
- 6 daily group sessions
- Psychoeducational groups that focus on understanding acute psychosis and its symptoms
- Therapeutic recreation to develop skills that help you find inner peace (art, painting, and music)
- Coping skills development to help with symptom management and quieting negative thoughts or feelings
- Patients are placed in groups based on the severity of their symptoms
How Do Treatment Priorities Differ Over Time in Each Program?
During the initial stages of treatment, the priority is to stabilize an individual’s symptoms and then shift into long-term management, enabling them to manage daily responsibilities.
Patients admitted to inpatient care at Ocean View are in the most acute phase of their symptoms and receive 24/7 support focused on medication stabilization and safety. Once their symptoms are stabilized, the focus shifts to providing care in an outpatient setting designed to support real-world transition, rather than serving as therapy sessions.
Patients admitted to inpatient care at Ocean View are in the most acute phase of their symptoms and receive 24/7 support focused on medication stabilization and safety. Once their symptoms are stabilized, the focus shifts to providing care in an outpatient setting designed to support real-world transition, rather than serving as therapy sessions.
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Environment and Accommodations
What Is the Typical Environment Like in Inpatient Programs?
Most inpatient mental health treatment settings are set in hospital or crisis care settings that are highly structured and include 24/7 medical monitoring and support.
Inpatient programs recognize the need for healthcare monitoring and creating an empathetic support system during symptom stabilization.
Ocean View’s 39-bed inpatient facility is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring everyone feels welcome and able to participate in group sessions. Patients are encouraged to develop an understanding of their mental health issues and discover healthy ways to manage their symptoms.
The benefit of a full-time stay during the initial treatment phase is the safety and structure of a contained environment. This setting fosters trust and security, making it easier for patients to connect with others through group activities and social areas on the unit.
Inpatient programs recognize the need for healthcare monitoring and creating an empathetic support system during symptom stabilization.
Ocean View’s 39-bed inpatient facility is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring everyone feels welcome and able to participate in group sessions. Patients are encouraged to develop an understanding of their mental health issues and discover healthy ways to manage their symptoms.
The benefit of a full-time stay during the initial treatment phase is the safety and structure of a contained environment. This setting fosters trust and security, making it easier for patients to connect with others through group activities and social areas on the unit.
How Do Outpatient Environments Differ in Atmosphere?
The intensity and structure of care are what make outpatient programs different in their atmosphere.
PHPs are intense, structured programs that require patients to attend sessions 5 days a week, for several hours a day. Once a patient has completed their PHP at Ocean View, they will transition to a lower, less structured level of care.
PHPs are intense, structured programs that require patients to attend sessions 5 days a week, for several hours a day. Once a patient has completed their PHP at Ocean View, they will transition to a lower, less structured level of care.
How Long Do Residents Typically Stay In Each Program?
The length of stay in each level of care depends on the individual’s progress.
For example, the average length of stay in an inpatient acute crisis facility is 7 to 10 days. However, the length can also be determined by medical necessity and by how well a patient is responding to medications and treatment.
On average, the length of stay in an outpatient program is three or more months.
For example, the average length of stay in an inpatient acute crisis facility is 7 to 10 days. However, the length can also be determined by medical necessity and by how well a patient is responding to medications and treatment.
On average, the length of stay in an outpatient program is three or more months.
Is the Length of Stay Adjustable Based on Needs?
Yes, the length of stay varies based on individual needs.
However, several factors are considered when the length of stay is determined.
These factors include:
However, several factors are considered when the length of stay is determined.
These factors include:
- Severity of the condition
- Response to treatment
- Personal support systems and support networks
- Insurance coverage
Can Programs Accommodate Both Short-Term and Long-Term Care?
Residential treatment can accommodate short-term and long-term care.
Mental health treatment centers that offer different levels of care often have acute crisis units, inpatient (short-term and/or long-term) treatment, and outpatient treatment facilities.
Mental health treatment centers that offer different levels of care often have acute crisis units, inpatient (short-term and/or long-term) treatment, and outpatient treatment facilities.
Medical and Psychiatric Needs
What Level of Medical Supervision Is Provided?
- Inpatient Treatment: Inpatient acute psychiatric crisis care includes medication monitoring, stabilization, and management. Once the patient’s medication is stabilized, they will continue to receive medication management during their stay.
- Outpatient Treatment: Individuals in outpatient treatment will receive medication management every week while they attend sessions at Ocean View.
How Do Programs Tailor Medical Treatment to Individual Needs?
When you enter a mental health treatment program, you will receive a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Patients receive psychiatric care, and a medical doctor oversees any other physical health conditions.
There is no intensive therapy offered during inpatient.
The results of the comprehensive assessment determine the level of care, medication management, psychological, and other treatments necessary to treat your unique needs.
There is no intensive therapy offered during inpatient.
The results of the comprehensive assessment determine the level of care, medication management, psychological, and other treatments necessary to treat your unique needs.
Which Program Is Best Suited for Severe Psychiatric Needs?
The best mental health program for severe psychiatric needs is short-term, acute psychiatric crisis stabilization in an inpatient facility.
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Benefits of Inpatient Mental Health Treatment
How Does Inpatient Care Provide Quick Crisis Resolution?
The benefit of inpatient care is its ability to provide 24/7 structured, medically supervised support that allows for immediate symptom stabilization through constant monitoring and ongoing medication management.
What Are the Benefits of 24/7 Medical Supervision?
The many benefits of continuous medical supervision include:
- Added safety through immediate emergency response
- Early interventions and continuous monitoring improve health outcomes
- Increase quality of life by reducing social isolation and increasing the feeling of being safe
How Does Inpatient Treatment Handle Severe or Acute Psychiatric Conditions?
You will benefit from inpatient treatment that provides acute psychiatric stabilization care because of its:
- Secure, supportive setting with 24/7 monitoring and nursing care
- Daily psychiatric visits and ongoing medication adjustments as part of medication stabilization
As well as being able to participate in:
- Psychoeducation with social workers
- Recreational therapy led by a certified therapist (art, music, games)
- Coping skills and emotional regulation
- Daily one-on-one sessions with a social worker
- Individualized treatment planning based on daily team reviews
Benefits of Outpatient Mental Health Treatment
What Are the Advantages of Outpatient Treatment?
The two main advantages of outpatient treatment include:
- The flexibility of its schedule and living environment
- Its cost-effectiveness
The outpatient setting allows patients to live at home, attend work or school, and also attend sessions. The lessons they learn in their sessions can be applied throughout the day at home, work, or other social settings.
How Does Outpatient Care Foster Community and Skills?
Outpatient treatment encourages community engagement by utilizing psychoeducational groups and peer support to foster a sense of belonging, reduce social isolation, and facilitate participants’ reintegration into their lives.
Through active participation in an outpatient program, individuals learn to share their experiences with others who have similar experiences.
Sharing their experiences with others can also:
Through active participation in an outpatient program, individuals learn to share their experiences with others who have similar experiences.
Sharing their experiences with others can also:
- Increase their accountability to others
- Create long-term support networks and bonds
Why Is Ongoing Support Beneficial?
Continued or ongoing support is beneficial to your long-term symptom management and clinical improvement because:
- Routine check-ins help keep you accountable to your mental health and medical care
- Ensure medication management occurs if needed
- Addresses early signs of symptom destabilization
Participation in aftercare or a program like Ocean View’s Patient Resource Network keeps you connected to those who support you, offering realistic hope through personalized symptom management.
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Someone from our admissions team is standing by to help you find the best treatment for your teen.
How to Choose Between Inpatient and Residential
How Do I Choose Between Inpatient and Outpatient Mental Health Services?
When you talk with a mental health professional about your symptoms, they will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the level of care you need.
What Factors Should Be Considered When Deciding on Treatment Options?
Most residential treatment programs conduct telephone assessments in advance of admission. Many times, this is where the need for inpatient stabilization is identified and recommended.
When symptoms are severe enough to affect the patient’s ability to cohabit with others, participate effectively in groups, or simply carry out their activities of daily life, inpatient stabilization is recommended.
When symptoms are severe enough to affect the patient’s ability to cohabit with others, participate effectively in groups, or simply carry out their activities of daily life, inpatient stabilization is recommended.
How Does the Severity of My Mental Health Disorder Influence My Choice?
The level of care you need is based on the severity of your mental health symptoms.
The more severe or harmful your symptoms are, the more you will require a higher, more intense level of care, such as inpatient treatment. If your symptoms can be managed at a lower, less intense, and structured level of care, you may be placed in an outpatient treatment program.
The more severe or harmful your symptoms are, the more you will require a higher, more intense level of care, such as inpatient treatment. If your symptoms can be managed at a lower, less intense, and structured level of care, you may be placed in an outpatient treatment program.
How Do I Decide Which Program Is Right for Me or My Loved One?
Your first call with an intake coordinator at Ocean View will include a conversation about what you’re currently experiencing, frequency, severity, and your insurance benefits. Together, you’ll determine if inpatient stabilization is the appropriate first step.
When Does Someone Need Inpatient Mental Health Care?
Inpatient care is appropriate for anyone whose symptoms have begun to impact their ability to perform activities of daily living, such as sleeping, eating, bathing, socializing, maintaining safety, and providing for oneself.
More severe symptoms like passive or active thoughts of harming oneself or another person, audio or visual hallucinations, or delusions are other symptoms that would warrant an inpatient stay.
More severe symptoms like passive or active thoughts of harming oneself or another person, audio or visual hallucinations, or delusions are other symptoms that would warrant an inpatient stay.
When Does Someone Need Outpatient Mental Health Care?
An individual needs outpatient mental health treatment when their symptoms are mild to moderate and don’t require 24/7 monitoring.
FAQs: Inpatient vs Outpatient Mental Health Treatment
Does my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
Yes, most insurance plans cover the cost of inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment.
However, coverage can vary from one insurance plan to another, so you should check with your insurance provider to see what treatments and the length of stay they cover.
How can families participate in treatment?
When is hospital-based or emergency care necessary?
What is the most common reason for psychiatric hospitalization?
Is inpatient care the same as residential treatment?
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