Depression can feel like a dark cloud that seeps into every aspect of your life. If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, then you are likely experiencing feelings of hopelessness and isolation – making it hard to see a way out of this debilitating mental health condition.
The good news is that hope is available. An inpatient treatment program might be the key factor to help you regain control of your life once again. In this article, we are providing an overview of inpatient mental health programs, to help you decide if this is the right path for your unique needs.
Our caring team at First Light Recovery is always here to assist, offering resources and solutions for those who are seeking help. We provide inpatient depression treatment for patients throughout Orange County, including Mission Viejo, Irvine, Laguna Beach, and San Juan Capistrano.
Inpatient Depression Treatment: What You Need to Know
When you need intensive therapy and support, then an inpatient service is the ideal solution for depression treatment. As a patient, you stay in the residential center for the entire treatment period, giving you access to 24/7 support at all times.
While outpatient care can be beneficial for some patients, there are limitations to this approach. Outpatient services involve short therapy visits while a patient continues to live at home and maintain their same daily routines. In comparison, an inpatient treatment program is much more intensive and structured – helping each person recover as quickly as possible and overcome the most severe major depression symptoms.
An inpatient depression treatment program involves multiple therapies and modalities. We use a combination of therapeutic and science-backed methods, as well as holistic therapies to provide the best healing and recovery possible. Here is a quick overview of some of the services that might be included in your customized treatment plan:
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one support from experienced therapists. Common services include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed therapy. These programs teach each person how to better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors so they know how to manage their mental health more effectively.
- Group Therapy: Community and connection can be key aspects that help a person in recovery. These group sessions are designed to give you a place where you can share and learn from the experiences of other people who are also in treatment.
- Medication Management: Some patients benefit from the use of prescription medications for temporary support or ongoing treatment. Our team not only helps with diagnosis and prescriptions, but we also monitor the ongoing results to determine if dosage and frequency need to be adjusted.
- Holistic Therapy: There are many ways that holistic therapies can complement the other treatments you are receiving. Common types of holistic services include art, music, and yoga therapy.
- Recreational Activities: Exercise and movement can be powerful tools to support recovery. Not only are you moving and strengthening your body, but the fun activities can also be a great way to elevate your mood and promote overall well-being.
- Structured Daily Schedule: Having a structured schedule for therapy and activities can be very supportive for people in recovery. This in-patient environment provides support throughout the day, which is often a big change for people who are normally living chaotic or busy lifestyles. Taking space for themselves can be an important factor in prioritizing healing and focusing on recovery.
The reality is that inpatient services are common for people with a behavioral health diagnosis. In fact, over one-third of all patient hospitalizations in 2020 and 2021 were for people with mental health challenges.
Signs You Might Need Inpatient Depression Treatment
Will you benefit from inpatient depression treatment? Here are a few warning signs that could be an indication you need professional services for your recovery:
- Severe depression symptoms
- Feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth
- Inability to function
- Loss of interest in activities
- Disrupted sleep
- Self-harming behaviors
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Lack of support at home
- Unsuccessful attempts with outpatient treatment
If you are experiencing any of these things, then it’s time to reach out to a mental health professional for a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Our team at First Light Recovery is here to help.
Why Choose Inpatient Care Over Outpatient Depression Treatment?
The benefits of inpatient depression treatment are undeniable, especially for patients suffering from moderate or severe depression. Most of the time, outpatient therapy is the first line of defense. But, when you don’t achieve the desired results, then inpatient care might be the solution you need for recovery.
Some of the benefits of inpatient depression treatment include:
- Safety: 24/7 monitoring by a team of trauma-informed experts ensures safety for every patient. This safe environment is especially important for patients who are suffering from self-harm or suicidal ideation.
- Structure: A supportive environment provides structure, making it possible for each person to step away from their daily stressors. By eliminating triggers and ongoing stress, it’s easier to get back on track in the recovery plan.
- Intensive Therapy: Patients receive frequent and focused therapy sessions, helping to address the small nuances, thoughts, and behaviors that are coming up throughout the treatment program. The intensiveness of this approach can result in faster progress.
- Medication Observation: Prescriptions can be helpful for stabilizing mood and managing symptoms. But many of these drugs require careful monitoring to ensure the optimal outcome. Using medication in an inpatient environment can be the perfect solution to ensure each patient is taking the right type of medication and dosage to achieve the ideal results.
- Peer Support: It’s common to feel isolated and alone in recovery. An inpatient program makes it easier to connect with other people, giving you a supportive environment filled with caring professionals and new friends who understand the challenges you are facing.
- Holistic Approach: It can be powerful to combine traditional treatments with holistic therapies. Our approach is to go beyond symptom management – we treat the whole person. We understand that true healing comes when the patient is addressing their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Since each patient is unique, these holistic therapies are customized to your preferences.
Is an Inpatient Program Right for You?
While the benefits of inpatient depression treatment are undeniable, there are also challenges that might come up if you choose this path to recovery. The good news is that there are many ways to overcome these challenges, making inpatient services attainable for many patients who need support.
Potential challenges of an inpatient program include:
- Cost: A full-service program costs more than outpatient therapy, so the financial details must be considered. Talk to our team about your options. We will help you explore possibilities, including insurance coverage that might be available to pay for a portion or all of your treatment costs.
- Scheduling: Being in an inpatient center means that you will need to leave your home and step away from family and work responsibilities. This change can be challenging, but it’s worth the sacrifice because of the results that can be achieved. If you choose inpatient services, know that it is a significant time commitment, and other arrangements will need to be made with childcare, your employer, etc.
- New Environment: Sometimes, there is a bit of a transition period as you are adjusting to this new environment. Expect to experience a bit of discomfort in the beginning. But rest assured knowing that our staff members are always here to help you feel as comfortable as possible at all times.
Tips for Choosing an Inpatient Depression Treatment Program
Once you decide that you would like the explore the possibility of an inpatient depression treatment program, the next step is to research your options. The most important thing is to choose a facility that has the proper licensing and accreditations. You need to be sure that you are working with a team that has the experience and skill set to support your recovery.
Also, learn more about the treatment approaches that will be used in the center. You can talk to the providers to explore available treatment programs, then choose the solutions that are an ideal fit for your unique needs.
Finally, consider the location and amenities of the inpatient program you are considering. The most convenient solution is to choose a location that is close to home. Not only do we offer beautiful surroundings here in Orange County, but we make it convenient to get started since you don’t have to travel far.
Help is Available: Contact First Light Recovery
You don’t need to continue suffering from the debilitating symptoms of depression. Our team at First Light Recovery is here to provide the support and encouragement you need to recover and have a fresh start in life.
If you are wondering whether inpatient depression treatment is right for you, then we invite you to schedule a consultation to learn more. We will evaluate your medical history and provide information about your options, empowering you to choose the therapies that align with your preferences. Contact us at First Light Recovery for your free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to answer your questions and help you find the ideal solutions to fast-track your recovery: (949) 326-3658.
