What Is Outpatient Therapy for Depression?
Outpatient therapy for depression is a general term that encompasses three distinct levels of care: partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programming, and traditional outpatient therapy.
At each of these levels, patients only need to be at the center when treatment is in session. During non-treatment hours they can spend time relaxing at home or tending to their personal responsibilities.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Partial hospitalization programs typically provide full days of treatment, five or six days a week. For example, at Valor Behavioral Health, PHP patients are at our center six hours a day, Monday—Saturday.
A typical week in a PHP includes several types of therapies and support services, including educational sessions, skill-building activities, and therapeutic recreation opportunities. Lunch and breaks are also built into the daily schedule.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs for depression offer a greater amount of flexibility, which can be ideal for patients who want (or need) to work, take classes, or take care of other obligations while still receiving quality clinical care.
At the IOP level, patients usually receive about three hours of care per day. Depending on their needs and progress, they may attend sessions two to five days per week. Groups are often a significant component of therapy in IOPs, though other types of care are also offered.
Outpatient Therapy
Outpatient therapy can include individual or group sessions. Treatment is often scheduled on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis.
These types of outpatient sessions can be excellent sources of long-term support, helping patients build on the progress they made at the PHP or IOP level while also addressing specific challenges as they arise.
Types of Therapy in Outpatient Depression Treatment
The types of therapy that are included in outpatient depression treatment programs can vary depending on factors such as the patient’s unique needs and the parameters of the program they are currently enrolled in.
At Valor Behavioral Health, our scope of services includes:
Benefits of Outpatient Therapy for Depression
The specific benefits that you receive from outpatient therapy for depression will of course depend on your symptoms, progress, and expectations. In general, though, common benefits of outpatient treatment include:
- Progressing through the continuum of care from a PHP to an IOP to outpatient programming can give you the time and guidance you need to learn how to most effectively manage your symptoms, so that you can make a seamless transition out of treatment and successfully reintegrate into your family, community, and workplace.
- Outpatient therapy can help you explore the issues and concerns that may have contributed to your struggles with depression, and that could undermine your successful recovery. You can then begin to develop, practice, and hone skills and strategies for dealing with these triggers in a healthy manner.
- While you are receiving outpatient therapy for depression, you will have the opportunity to work alongside others who have experienced similar challenges and who are working toward similar goals. This can help you overcome the sense of isolation that often accompanies depression. It can also introduce you to the mental health benefits of forming healthy friendships and both giving and receiving support.
- During non-treatment hours, when you’re not at the outpatient center, you will have many opportunities to practice your newly developed skills in various real-world scenarios. During your next treatment session, you can process your experiences, review how you responded to certain challenges, and make necessary adjustments in your strategies.
How to Choose an Outpatient Program
The good news about outpatient therapy for depression is that patients have a wide range of options. The not-as-good news is that it can sometimes be difficult to decide which options are best for you.
While you are evaluating treatment centers, remember that there is no perfect type of treatment or ideal course of care. What’s most important is finding a provider who will work with you to understand your unique needs, then develop a personalized plan to help you achieve your specific goals.
To make the most informed choice, you should never hesitate to ask questions or request additional information when speaking to a representative of a center that you’re considering. Examples of the types of questions that can help you decide if a center is a good fit for you include:
- Does the center offer multiple outpatient options, or just one?
- Does the center offer virtual services – and, if so, what are the admissions requirements for online care?
- What types of therapies and support services will you receive?
- Does the center develop customized plans for each patient, or does everyone follow the same course of treatment?
- Who provides treatment at the center? What are their qualifications and specific areas of expertise?
- Does the center offer treatment for patients who have co-occurring substance use disorders (addictions)?
- What policies and procedures are in place to ensure patient safety and maintain a respectful treatment environment?
- What is the typical length of stay at the center, and how will they determine how long you will need to remain in treatment?
- Does the center offer therapy, educational sessions, or other support services for family members?
- Are you able to tour the facility either in person or online?
- Does the center provide discharge planning or aftercare support services? If so, what do those services involve?
- Can you use your insurance to pay for your treatment? If you don’t have insurance, will the center work with you to develop a payment plan that fits your budget?
Learn More About Outpatient Therapy for Depression in Atlanta
Valor Behavioral Health is a trusted provider of personalized outpatient care for adults and adolescents who have been living with depression, other mental health concerns, and co-occurring addictions.
We offer age-specific programming at the PHP, IOP, and outpatient levels. To best serve patients who have busy schedules, our IOP includes evening and virtual options.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free consultation, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.
