Among the factors to consider when choosing an inpatient residential treatment center is a number of components. Listed below are some of the main components. Read on to discover their components, efficiencies, and alternatives. The next section will focus on the pros and cons of inpatient residential treatment. Ultimately, you can decide whether it is right for you. Listed below are some important considerations to help you choose the best one. You may also want to learn more about the process of undergoing treatment.

Considerations

Residential treatment is a level of care higher than inpatient care, which is especially beneficial in cases where a patient would benefit more from a temporary, structured setting than from a medically supervised environment. Michael Brodsky, MD, a UCLA teaching faculty member and medical director of Bridges to Recovery, offers these considerations when choosing a treatment facility. "Residential treatment is a great option when a patient does not need inpatient care but would be more effective in an outpatient setting," he explains.

Generally, residential treatment centers follow a rigid schedule. Residents wake up at the same time and participate in household duties. They also have set appointments and have more free time than outpatient care does. Many of these facilities also allow patients to engage in daily physical activities, such as exercising. The structure of residential treatment centers helps patients make better decisions and achieve recovery. Often, these programs offer better results than inpatient care, especially when a patient is dealing with an addictive condition.

Components

Unlike outpatient treatment, residential treatment is customized to meet the developmental needs of each individual patient. Residential treatment teams consist of clinicians, psychologists, expressive therapists, teachers, and resident advisors. Residents benefit from a home-like environment. Besides receiving therapy, residential programs have a schedule that allows them to follow daily activities and meetings. The daily schedule helps patients adjust and concentrate on their recovery. Residential care centers can be found in many different settings.

Inpatient care programs include both group and individual therapy. Individual therapy helps the patient understand themselves better, allowing them to make healthy choices. Group therapy provides a safe environment for patients to discuss their problems with peers. Some facilities also include recreational therapy, such as yoga, meditation, art, and music therapy. This treatment may vary slightly from facility to facility. To learn more about inpatient residential treatment programs, read on. The following are some components of inpatient residential treatment:

Efficacy

Although there are many differences between residential treatment and outpatient therapy, many studies indicate a strong or moderate impact. Some studies compare the effectiveness of inpatient treatment to a different form of treatment, while others follow a single group of participants. Researchers should note that the study design should also be based on the severity of the problem being treated. A high-quality residential treatment program should also offer group therapy and individual counseling.

Most studies report on the improvements of mental health symptoms and broader social outcomes. Support for residential treatment is moderate, although methodology for research is improving. Some challenges to research include changing populations and evolving treatment approaches. Researchers should also consider the broader benefits of residential treatment, including continuing care after discharge and monitoring the outcome of a patient's broader functioning. The authors make a number of recommendations to improve future research on residential treatment.

Alternatives

Inpatient treatment programs are usually provided in a hospital, but residential care is usually offered in a more homelike environment. Patients stay in these settings for a period of time, allowing them to become more comfortable and adjust to their new environment. Inpatient care is often recommended for patients suffering from psychiatric symptoms, such as depression or mania. But there are other options for those who don't need such intensive care or who are too afraid to enter a hospital.

Part-time treatment is another option for those struggling with substance abuse. Many alternative residential programs offer highly structured treatment for co-occurring disorders. Patients must complete twenty hours of clinically directed services per week. After completing a partial-time program, many patients transition into regular outpatient treatment, which meets less frequently and for shorter hours. These programs are also affordable for uninsured patients. Those who cannot afford the cost of inpatient treatment may find alternatives to inpatient treatment through private insurance.