Types of Mental Health Treatments

Mental illness treatment can take place in a variety of settings and typically involves a multidisciplinary team of providers such as counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, mental health aides, and peer support professionals.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health treatment. Treatment should instead be tailored to the individual. Mental health problems can vary greatly from person to person, even among those with the same mental health diagnosis.¹

This article will discuss mental health treatment options, including:

• Psychiatric hospitalization.
• Inpatient or residential mental health treatment.
• Outpatient mental health treatment.
• Dual diagnosis treatment.
• Psychotherapy.
• Medication.
• 12-step programs and support groups.
• Complementary and alternative treatments.
• How to find a recovery program.

Psychiatric Hospitalization

Psychiatric hospitalization occurs when a person is admitted to a:

• Private psychiatric hospital.
• Medical hospital with a psychiatric floor.
• State psychiatric hospital. 

Psychiatric hospitalization treatment typically consists of stabilization, close monitoring, medication, administration of fluids and nutrition, and other necessary emergency care. ⁴

People may be voluntarily or involuntarily hospitalized. A person may be involuntarily hospitalized when they either are gravely disabled or are a danger to themselves or others.

A person is a candidate for psychiatric hospitalization when they have:

• Severe mental health symptoms.
• Hallucinations or delusions.
• Suicidal or homicidal ideation.
• Not slept or eaten for days.
• Lost the ability to care for themselves due to mental health symptoms.

Inpatient or Residential Mental Health Treatment

Inpatient treatment, also referred to as residential mental health treatment, takes place in a residential facility on a 24/7 basis. This level of care is best suited for those who need constant medical supervision as well as those with relatively severe, long-term symptoms who have not shown significant progress after outpatient mental health intervention.

Mental illness treatment at an inpatient facility typically consists of the following types of treatment:

• Individual psychotherapy/counseling
• Group therapy
• Medication
• Medical supervision
• Recreational therapies
• Complementary therapies (e.g., yoga or meditation)

Some treatment centers may also offer luxury and executive options. In addition to the types of treatment listed above, these centers may include:

• Private rooms.
• Gourmet meals.
• Massage and spa treatment.
• Fitness centers.
• Swimming pools.
• Other luxury or executive amenities such as computers, Internet access, and workspaces.

Do you need help finding a mental health treatment program? Call today.

Outpatient Mental Health Treatment

Outpatient mental health treatment does not require participants to live at the treatment center. Instead, participants visit the treatment center or therapist’s office on certain days of the week.

Outpatient mental illness treatment is best suited for those with:

• Mild to moderate symptoms.
• A solid support system.
• The ability to function outside of the treatment environment.

Many different types of mental health treatment options are offered on an outpatient basis. These include:

• Individual therapy.
• Group therapy.
• Family therapy.
• Support groups.
• Intensive outpatient care.
• Partial hospitalization.
• Psychiatric medications and outpatient medical management.