What to Expect from a Teen Outpatient Therapy Program

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Medically Verified: December 26, 2024

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What to Expect from a Teen Outpatient Therapy Program

What to Expect from a Teen Outpatient Therapy Program

Millions of teens in the United States struggle with mental health symptoms that impact their emotions, functioning, and well-being. Teens with mental health and substance abuse issues require comprehensive treatment, education, and support.

An outpatient therapy program can give teens the treatment and support they need to manage mental health symptoms. Teens learn healthy coping skills, make connections, and receive guidance from licensed mental health practitioners in a safe environment.

This article will explore what to expect in an outpatient therapy program. You will learn:

  • What types of outpatient treatment programs are available
  • How outpatient services can help teens manage mental health and substance use disorder (SUD)
  • How to determine if a teen in your life needs mental health treatment
  • Where to find adolescent mental health treatment programs

If you or a teen in your life requires mental health treatment, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at The Living Room to learn about our treatment and support programs. Reach out with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment. 

What is Outpatient Therapy?

There are several levels of care in mental health and SUD treatment. Inpatient and residential programs provide round-the-clock supervision and treatment to people with mental health conditions. 

Outpatient programs provide support in a clinic, community, or other setting. Patients may participate in outpatient therapy after attending a higher level of care or begin treatment in this kind of program. 

Outpatient therapy programs are typically flexible, allowing people to receive the tailored care they need while engaging in school, work, and other activities. Several types of outpatient programs are available to meet a wide range of needs. 

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are the most intensive outpatient level of care. PHPs typically meet on most or all weekdays. People may spend 25 hours or more engaging in therapy and other therapeutic activities. 

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer intensive support and treatment. People may attend therapy sessions three or more days a week. 

Outpatient therapy programs may also include outpatient therapy. Participants may meet with a therapist one or more times weekly to work toward goals.

Family involvement is a significant aspect of teen outpatient therapy programs. Family members may engage in therapy sessions, education, and other activities to improve functioning and overall well-being. 

Teen outpatient therapy programs can provide support and education to help teens and their families navigate mental health challenges. 

What to Expect from an Outpatient Therapy Program

Adolescent intensive outpatient programs provide structure, support, and therapy that can help teens manage mental health symptoms. These programs take a holistic approach to mental health treatment, involving family members and teaching teens valuable life skills. 

Typical intensive outpatient treatment program plans include:

  • Individual therapy sessions
  • Group therapy or support groups
  • Life skills training
  • Family therapy sessions
  • Education
  • Coping skills
  • Holistic therapies like nutrition support, exercise, nature therapy, art therapy, mindfulness, and more
  • Aftercare planning

Teens who participate in outpatient therapy programs may be able to remain active in school, hobbies, and work. An outpatient program may be best for people who:

  • Do not require round-the-clock supervision
  • Require intensive treatment
  • Can benefit from aftercare planning
  • Have reliable transportation to and from therapy sessions

Teens with mental health challenges can receive the treatment they need while balancing the other parts of their lives by participating in an outpatient therapy program.  

What are the Benefits of Teen Outpatient Programs?

Teen outpatient therapy programs provide valuable structure, treatment, and support to teens with mental health challenges. Here are some of the most significant benefits of this level of care. 

Tailored treatment

Outpatient therapy program staff get to know each teen as an individual. Mental health and medical practitioners tailor each teen’s program to their unique needs. They can also adjust the treatment plan as the teen’s needs change over time. 

Family involvement

Family involvement is critical when addressing teen mental health issues. Outpatient teen therapy programs offer the entire family support, education, and guidance, allowing family members to work toward a healthier future together. 

Holistic care

People with mental health challenges benefit from holistic care. Outpatient teen therapy programs help to address the behavioral, environmental, emotional, and physical aspects of mental health conditions. People work to process emotions, improve general health, and develop healthy coping and social skills. 

Flexibility

Outpatient programs allow teens to continue attending school, working, and spending time with their support network. 

Focus on aftercare

Teens with mental health conditions require ongoing support and resources. An outpatient therapy program focuses on helping teens develop an effective, holistic aftercare plan that includes other types of treatment, holistic therapies, community resources, and more. 

If your teen has had behavioral changes, sleep or appetite changes, substance abuse, or other signs of mental health challenges, seek treatment right away. The sooner you seek help, the sooner your teen can begin to manage their condition. 

Find Outpatient Programs for Teens

If you or a teen in your life requires mental health treatment, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at The Living Room to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

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More than anybody, we understand that reaching out for help can be difficult. If you have any questions about our programs, services or the recovery process itself; please connect with us now. We are here to provide guidance and support… every step of the way.

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