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ToggleMillions of people in the United States live with a mental health condition that requires treatment. Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and more typically respond to comprehensive treatment. People have different needs throughout treatment. There are several levels of mental health care to meet these varying needs.
Long-term residential mental health facilities offer intensive, round-the-clock supervision and treatment for people with mental health conditions. Long-term mental health care can help stabilize a person’s symptoms and give them the tools to manage their mental health condition more effectively.
This article will explore the benefits of long-term care for psychiatric disorders. You will learn:
- What to expect from long-term psychiatric care programs
- Signs you may require mental health treatment
- Where to find long-term residential programs in Florida and other levels of mental health care
If you or someone you love lives with a mental health condition, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Agape Behavioral Health to learn about our comprehensive treatment and support programs. You may also reach out to verify your insurance or schedule an intake appointment.
What is Long-Term Mental Health Treatment?
Long-term mental health treatment programs in Florida provide intensive, 24/7 treatment plans and supervision for people with psychiatric conditions. Most long-term mental health programs are residential treatment programs. This means people live in a residential treatment center while receiving care.
Long-term treatment programs typically last at least 30 days. A person’s length of stay depends on their symptoms, medical conditions, existing support in the community, and other factors.
Residential treatment facilities for adults generally offer mental health services for people aged 18 and over. Some facilities also have programs for children, adolescents, and young adults.
Research shows long-term inpatient treatment and residential care can lead to better outcomes than short-term programs. People may begin their mental health treatment journey in an inpatient program before transitioning to outpatient care.
What to Expect from Long-Term Mental Health Treatment?
Long-term mental health treatment programs offer comprehensive therapies. People receive supervision, treatment, and support that can help them learn to manage their mental health condition more effectively.
Here is an overview of what to expect during a long-term psychiatric treatment program.
Assessments
Assessments are a key component of long-term mental health treatment. Mental health and medical professionals typically assess people at the beginning of their treatment program to determine which therapies are necessary. Then, they will continue to re-assess people as their needs change during treatment.
Agape Behavioral Accepts Private Insurance Plans
Behavioral therapies
Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are common in long-term mental health care. CBT and DBT are short-term therapies that can help people reduce stress, change behaviors, and work toward wellness goals.
Medication management
Some people take medications to manage the symptoms of a mental health condition. During a long-term mental health treatment program, people work with licensed medical providers to find the most effective prescription medications to treat their symptoms.
Coping skills
People learn to manage their mental health symptoms with healthy coping strategies. These strategies may include learning about community resources, stress reduction techniques, better communication skills, and more.
Individual and group therapy
People may attend individual and group therapy sessions. During therapy, people work with a licensed mental health provider to process experiences, express emotions, and work toward mental health-related goals.
Holistic therapies
People may participate in holistic therapies during long-term mental health treatment programs. These may include:
- Exercise
- Mindfulness
- Yoga
- Breathing exercises
- Art therapy
- Nature therapy or outdoor recreation
- Writing
- Music therapy
These therapies can provide a welcome break from an intensive treatment schedule. They soothe the mind and body and offer healthy ways to reduce stress.
Aftercare planning
In most cases, people will need to manage their mental health condition for life. During treatment, people work with their treatment teams to create an aftercare plan. An aftercare plan might include:
- Individual therapy
- Support groups
- Regular medical care
- Ongoing mental health treatment
These and other strategies can help people maintain their mental health recovery and reduce the risk of inpatient treatment in the future.
Do I Need Long-Term Mental Health Treatment?
Long-term treatment programs have many benefits for people who require intensive treatment. Long-term treatment programs may be best for people who:
- Have new, worsening, or severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition
- Require round-the-clock supervision to ensure safety
- Engage in self-harm
- Have delusions, hallucinations, odd thoughts, confusion, or other psychotic symptoms
- Are experiencing symptoms of mania
- Have suicidal thoughts
Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to learn when to seek inpatient treatment. If you or someone near you is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911 right away.
Find Long-Term Mental Health Facilities in Florida Today
It is possible to manage a mental health condition and live a full, healthy life. If you or someone you love lives with a mental health condition, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to explore our comprehensive mental health treatment or support programs. We have multiple locations across the Sunshine State. Reach out with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.