Are There Alternatives to Psych Wards?

There are times when a person needs to enter a hospital setting for treatment of mental health disorders. This includes instances of psychosis, self-harm, or threats to others.

Most of the time, alternatives to a psych ward are a viable option. If you are not facing these types of intense feelings, getting treatment outside of an inpatient mental health hospital may be an option.

At Mental Health Hope, we work with those who need help but are unsure where to find it. Let us help you explore the options available and choose care that fits your needs.

Alternatives to a Mental Health Hospital

There are many ways to access mental health treatment. The “right” way for you depends on your symptoms and goals. Outpatient treatment is often preferable for many people. If you do not want to or cannot commit to inpatient care, one of these alternatives may be applicable to you.

Note that it’s best to allow a mental health therapist to diagnose your condition and then determine which level of care fits your needs. With various degrees of support available, there is treatment to match your existing symptoms.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

The most intensive form of outpatient care is partial hospitalization programs (PHP). This level of care provides mental health disorder treatment and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment if necessary. It allows you to receive a significant level of help even though you can live at home.

You might be a good candidate for PHP if:

• You do not need 24-hour, around-the-clock care in a residential treatment center.
• You are ready to commit to care. PHP requires meeting with therapists 5 to 7 days a week, for 4 to 6 hours a day, with some flexibility.
• You can attend therapy with reliability, for several days a week.
• You need medication management, including prescription and monitoring over time.
• You expect to receive group and individual therapy in an individualized therapy program.

Many people begin with PHP if they have co-occurring disorders, significant mental health disorder symptoms, or may benefit from residential care but cannot enroll in it. PHP does not and cannot replace a psych ward in high-risk situations.

However, it is an alternative to a psych ward for many people who are not in crisis mode.

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Another treatment option that is an alternative to a mental hospital is an intensive outpatient program (IOP). This treatment provides more intensive care than a traditional outpatient program. However, it is less than expected in a PHP program. You can expect care to happen every 4 to 5 days, sometimes less, for 3 to 4 hours at a time. This, too, is somewhat customized to fit your needs.

IOP care may be best suited for you if:

• You have a stable place to live outside of treatment.
• You were in inpatient treatment and are moving on to your first step in outpatient care (IOP can be a step-down from inpatient care).
• Your needs are significant right now. You need help navigating symptoms and difficult situations.
• You are ready to commit to changes that involve individualized therapy, including family therapy, individual counseling, and group therapy.
• You can meet with your providers on a consistent basis at a treatment center.

IOP can be a starting point for many people. You’ll remain in this level of care until you can achieve your goals and move towards more confidence in daily life. It’s very flexible in terms of the type of therapy used and the length of care.

Traditional Outpatient Counseling

Individual therapy through traditional outpatient counseling may be an option for many people. It cannot be a direct replacement for a psych ward in critical situations. However, it can provide a strong foundation for you to start from. Outpatient care can happen several times a week at first, usually for 1 to 2 hours at a time. There’s ample flexibility here. Your team may decide you need less care as you advance.

You may be the ideal candidate for traditional outpatient care if:

• You have overall good stability, including both mentally and physically.
• You have a supportive at-home environment.
• You need a way to continue to work or go to school while you receive care.
• Diagnosis may not have happened yet, as you may just be starting this journey.
• You are willing to commit to therapy on a routine basis.

Traditional outpatient counseling can be helpful for many reasons. It allows you to work on the specific needs you have, usually with a one-on-one counseling appointment. This allows people to navigate trauma, grief, and stress in incredibly versatile ways.

Additional Alternatives to a Psych Ward

In situations where your care needs are unknown but you are looking for an alternative to a mental health hospital, consider the following treatment options.

Group Therapy

A behavioral health professional leads group therapy. Instead of working solely one-on-one with a therapist, you’ll work in a group. Each person can share their stories, questions, and thoughts. This type of peer-specific level of care creates connections. It can help you to feel better about opening up.

Group therapy often incorporates educational content. It’s often strongly focused on developing skills for real-world situations. Group sessions can be effective for treating various symptoms associated with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. However, most people benefit from a combination of outpatient care and group therapy.

Mental Health Retreats

This term relates to a range of locations and facilities offering differing levels of care and support. To be used as an alternative to a psych ward, seek out those retreats that are:

• Using evidence-based therapy
• Led by licensed therapists
• Providing a range of different types of care
• Supporting individuals through full-body, mind, and spirit support
• Specific to the type of mental health disorder you have

Some mental health retreats are ideal for stress reduction or a break from everyday life. Others are intense sessions that put you in an invigorating environment, allowing you to focus on healing. Compare several retreats to determine which is best for your needs.

Medication Management and Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication can be a critical part of mental health recovery. It’s available to you after a formal diagnosis by a licensed practitioner. Medication management refers to the use of medications to support mental health disorder care. It incorporates antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety medications.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) refers to medications used to support withdrawal and provide treatment for SUDs, such as opioid use disorder. These medications work to ease the body through the detox process.

Finding the Level of Care You Need

Mental Health Hope offers a wide range of treatment options for those who are ready to find relief and stability. If you are looking for alternatives to a psych ward, for any reason, seek out our team as a first step. Let us guide you in getting care.

FAQ

What is a 12-step program?

A 12-step program is a type of mental health and SUD treatment program that follows a person on a journey through 12 steps towards care and recovery. It’s not necessarily its own alternative to a mental hospital, but rather a type of treatment offered in these settings.

Can PHP help me in an emergency?

PHP treatment is not meant to be used for an emergency. Instead, it’s designed to provide outpatient support. Call 988 for the one-on-one care you need now in situations of self-harm, harm to others, or psychosis.