Making the decision to benefit from either mental health or substance use treatment is a monumental step in the right direction. Often, deciding to seek treatment is the most difficult part of the treatment journey. Unfortunately, with so many treatment centers and programs available, you will still have to go through the challenging process of narrowing down a best-fit treatment center.
While finding the right treatment center can seem intimidating, it can also be a breath of fresh air to recognize how many options are available for mental health treatment. Here, we will discuss some ways to help you identify the best-fit treatment center.
Before even looking at treatment programs, it is important to identify your personal needs and goals for treatment. If this is your first time seeking mental health treatment, you may have no idea where to start in terms of your needs. If this is the case, you will benefit from reaching out to your primary care doctor or another physician to discuss your concerns and what you hope to gain from treatment.
Still, there is a significant possibility that you already know what you are looking for from treatment. For example, perhaps you have depressive symptoms that cause you to feel numb or hopeless about the future. In turn, your potential goal for treatment may be to work on your emotional regulation and strive to find the motivation to go about your daily routine without feeling numb. Similarly, if you are struggling with intrusive thoughts, you may have a treatment goal of managing or overcoming your debilitating thought patterns.
Here are some questions that you will want to ask yourself to recognize your own unique needs and goals for treatment:
When you have a better idea of your own needs, you will want to understand what types of treatment programs are available. While all of these treatment programs have something unique to offer for your healing journey, you will have to identify the level of care that you are looking to have in treatment. Oftentimes, you will be recommended a specific level of care upon arrival at a treatment facility after a thorough evaluation and assessment.
Early intervention services are short-term educational programs that can help lead clients in the right direction for treatment. This level of care is recommended for individuals that may be at higher risk of developing an addiction or substance use disorder.
Outpatient services are programs where an individual can attend treatment while living at home. This type of treatment is best for those with a stable living environment and a reliable support system at home. Clients can tend to their responsibilities and obligations — such as work, school, or childcare — while attending treatment on a flexible schedule.
Intensive outpatient services bridge the gap between flexible outpatient programs and highly-structured residential programs. Treatment is much more intensive; however, it empowers clients to function more independently than residential treatment.
Residential services offer live-in care for clients. They offer a stable setting for long-term treatment, which is particularly valuable for individuals that may not have a safe or secure home environment to return to after outpatient treatment. Residential treatment is recommended for those who struggle with severe mental health disorders or struggle to stay sober after several attempts.
Medically managed services are among the highest level of care. An individual with a severe substance use disorder may use these services to receive medically managed detox or withdrawal. It can include both crisis stabilization and long-term psychiatric hospitalization.
Once you have decided on what level of care you require for treatment, there are still other aspects to consider when narrowing down a treatment center. Every treatment center offers unique and specialized treatment interventions to help them stand out among the crowd.
For example, if you are someone that has a deep connection to music, you may benefit from a treatment program that offers music therapy. Similarly, if you do not like the idea of talking with a counselor in a therapist’s office, you may benefit from experiential therapy.
If you are financially able, there are also benefits to receiving treatment from a center outside of the city that you reside in. Traveling for treatment can help you alter your entire mindset and perspective on life, which can help you with your long-term recovery goals.
Deciding to seek treatment is a significant and commendable step, but finding the right treatment center can be overwhelming. Start by assessing your needs and objectives for therapy. Consider various levels of care and explore treatment facilities that cater to your specific requirements. Consulting with your primary care physician can provide valuable insights and recommendations to simplify your search process.
SoCal Mental Health serves as a pivotal resource, connecting individuals to an array of specialized treatment centers. Each facility offers distinct treatment options, ensuring a personalized approach tailored to each client’s unique needs. With a focus on individualized treatment plans and a range of specialty therapies, SoCal Mental Health aids in guiding individuals towards the most suitable treatment options. For those needing further assistance in pinpointing their treatment needs, SoCal Mental Health provides additional support and information to ease the decision-making process.
