Are you considering mental health treatment in San Diego? If so, you’ve likely come across two popular options: outpatient mental health treatment and traditional therapy. Both can be effective in treating several mental health concerns.
But what is the difference between outpatient mental health treatment and traditional therapy?
Believe it or not, there are several differences. Understanding them can help you determine which option is best suited for your needs. At BOLD Health, we specialize in high-quality outpatient mental health treatment options, no matter what you’re struggling with.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences to help you better understand and make the best decision for you or someone you love.
Mental Health Treatment In San Diego
Defining the Differences Between Outpatient Mental Health Treatment and Traditional Therapy
Each treatment option offers unique benefits when it comes to treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. However, there are key differences.
Traditional Therapy
When you think about “going to therapy,” you may bring to mind someone lying on a long, comfy couch, telling their psychotherapist about their struggles. Sure, maybe some therapists work this way, but traditional therapy actually simply refers to “talk therapy.”
Talk therapy involves meeting with a licensed mental health professional, typically a certified counselor or therapist, in their private office or online and, yes, talking through what’s troubling you. These sessions may be weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or whatever you need.
The key characteristics of traditional therapy are as follows:
- Structured meetings: You can attend one-on-one or even group sessions. They typically last between 45 minutes to an hour.
- Flexibility: Because you make the appointments yourself, traditional therapy can work around your work, school, or other commitments.
- Common approaches: Some of the most commonly used therapeutic approaches in traditional therapy include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy, among others.
- Duration: Traditional therapy can vary in the time you attend – anywhere from months to years, depending on your progress.
Traditional therapy is best suited for you if you need help managing mild to moderate mental health concerns. It can also be helpful if you’re seeking personal growth and better self-awareness.
Outpatient Mental Health Treatment
Both treatment options are outpatient because you don’t stay in a residential facility. Outpatient mental health treatment is different. It is a more intensive level of care. Outpatient mental health treatment differs from traditional therapy. It uses a team approach. This team combines therapy, psychiatric services, and case management. It addresses more complex mental health issues.
The key characteristics of outpatient mental health treatment include the following:
- Comprehensive treatment: Outpatient mental health treatment goes beyond traditional talk therapy. At BOLD Health, we offer individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, medication management, and an intensive outpatient program (IOP). You get a much more in-depth treatment because we are a physician-led team of experts.
- Frequency options: With outpatient mental health treatment, you aren’t limited to attending sessions once per week. Depending on your needs, you can see us several times weekly, with IOP sessions lasting several hours.
- Specialization: At BOLD Health, our outpatient mental health services are delivered by highly-trained team members, several of which have specialties in certain areas of mental health concerns.
- More in-depth care: One of the most significant benefits of outpatient mental health treatment is the level of care you get without spending time in an inpatient facility.
If you are looking for more structured support than what traditional therapy offers but don’t require inpatient care, outpatient mental health treatment is the right choice.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Outpatient Treatment and Traditional Therapy
When it comes down to it, your individual needs dictate what is most beneficial for you. Here are some factors to consider:
- The severity of your symptoms
If you are dealing with mild mental health issues and are looking for just a little more direction in your life, traditional therapy can help. However, outpatient mental health treatment is best if you struggle with mild, moderate, severe, or acute mental health issues.
Outpatient treatment can help you learn emotional regulation and healthier coping skills and include additional treatment like medication management if needed. And if you’re dealing with addiction, which is significantly complex, then outpatient care is definitely the way to go.
- Your support system
If you don’t have much of a support system in your corner, outpatient mental health treatment provides that for you. Not only will you have a team of exemplary clinicians to care for you, but you’ll also have the opportunity to attend group therapy and support groups. This can be significantly helpful if you have limited support.
With that said, even if you have family and friends to help you through your treatment, outpatient care is still an excellent option. Afterall, the more support, the better! Outpatient care provides a built-in support system during your sessions, while any members of your support network outside of treatment can also bolster your recovery efforts.
- Your availability
Outpatient mental health treatment may require more of a time commitment (but not always!) So, if you have minimal time, traditional therapy may be a great place to start.
Get the Benefits of Both Traditional Therapy and Outpatient Mental Health Treatment in San Diego at BOLD Health
While the two treatment options may be different in some ways, in the end, getting the help you need is what matters most. Sometimes, it can be challenging to really know exactly what you need.
At BOLD Health, we’ll help you figure that out. Our options for mental health treatment in San Diego include a spectrum of care levels – from one-on-one therapy to our highly acclaimed intensive outpatient program (IOP). Our team of experts will take the time to get to know you and what makes you tick. We’ll consider your structural, biological, and historical underpinnings to curate your ideal treatment program.
We can help. Whether you need clarity on how to overcome your depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues or need intensive treatment with clear therapy goals and next steps.
Contact us to learn more about our outpatient mental health options in San Diego, and let’s get you on the path to feeling better faster!