Outpatient Mental Health Treatment & Therapy in Tennessee

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What is Outpatient Mental Health Treatment?

Outpatient mental health treatment is a broad term that encompasses a variety of approaches.

It refers to therapy services in a doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic but does not require an overnight stay. Patients who undergo treatment in an outpatient setting instead of residential or inpatient care return home each night.¹

Types of Outpatient Programs

• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): IOPs allow patients to go about their daily lives while receiving intensive treatment.² Several days a week, participants must attend group or individual therapy or treatment as well as recreational activities.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): PHPs are highly structured outpatient therapy programs. They provide active treatment, including psychotherapy, group counseling services, and skill-building lessons, for several hours each day. After daily treatment, individuals can return home or to a sober living community.
• Support Groups: Support groups offer services to help people stay committed to recovery. Belonging to a support group fosters camaraderie among others on the same path, making recovery feel less lonely. Members of support groups can meet once a week under the supervision of certified mental health professionals.

What Happens in an Outpatient Mental Health Program?

Most outpatient mental health programs will begin with an intake assessment. It’s critical to have an open dialogue to be directed toward the correct course of treatment.

Mental health professionals use screenings and other procedures to discover potential mental and behavioral disorders before they become severe and challenging to treat. Patients will learn how to maintain their mental health and cope with challenges.

Outpatient mental health treatment options may include the following, dependent upon the treatment facility:

• 12-step programs 
• Alternative therapies, like music and pet therapy 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Counseling and psychotherapy 
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 
• Education
• Electroconvulsive therapy program (ECT) 
• Grief, hospice, ALANON, among other support groups
• Medication management
• Relapse prevention groups
• Stress management skills
• Substance use treatment programs 

While someone may be able to manage their symptoms with just an hour or two of outpatient mental health treatment a month, another may require more structure, support, and time.

Benefits & Goals of Outpatient Mental Health Treatment

With outpatient mental health services, patients can continue to manage their daily routine, incorporate new coping strategies into their lives, and retain a strong bond with their support system.

Outpatient mental health therapy has a variety of advantages for individuals who have a sound support system at home and can maintain high levels of independence:

• It allows patients to keep a strong connection with their support network.
• It enables patients to continue to manage their daily obligations.
• It gives individuals the chance to incorporate new coping techniques into their daily lives.
• It assists patients in making the transition from inpatient to outpatient care.
• Outpatient therapy is less expensive than inpatient therapy.

The goals of outpatient mental health treatment and outpatient therapy are to reduce psychiatric symptoms, improve independence, and develop self-reliance so that you can live a full and productive life.

What Mental Health Conditions Can Be Treated Through Outpatient?

The following are some of the most common behavioral and mental health conditions addressed in an outpatient setting:³

• Bipolar disorder 
• Depression and Anxiety 
• Eating disorders
• Mood disorders
• Personality disorders 
• Self-harming behaviors 
• Sleep disorders
• Substance use disorders

Does Insurance Cover Outpatient Treatment Programs?

Yes, some insurance carriers provide coverage for outpatient mental health treatment.

Athena Care is in-network with most major insurance plans. To determine if your outpatient therapy is covered, call your insurance company or contact us below. One of our care coordinators can help you navigate your insurance coverage and get the care you need.

Let our highly experienced, expert care coordinators handle the difficulties of contacting your insurance carrier for more information about outpatient mental health services in Tennessee.

How Long Do Outpatient Behavioral Health Programs Last?

An outpatient program typically lasts between 1 and 9 hours per week for a few months to a year and a half. Outpatient therapy and treatment is the least intensive kind of treatment; however, there is no set length of treatment as everyone progresses at their own pace.

How To Find Outpatient Mental Health Programs Near Me in Tennessee?

Thanks to Athena Care, finding outpatient mental health clinics in Tennessee has never been easier. A care coordinator will assist you at one of our three sites: Nashville, Murfreesboro, or Hendersonville, open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

When choosing a mental health specialist, it’s important to ask questions and keep the following in mind:

• Education, training, license, and years of experience
• Specialties and services offered
• Treatment methods and philosophies
• Insurance companies they work with
• Office hours
• Pricing
• Session length

Here you’ll find a list of practitioners organized by city, along with information about their backgrounds and specialties.

Who Are Outpatient Programs Best For?

Outpatient treatment is ideal for people who have a strong support system and a high level of independence. People who do not require a medical detox or 24-hour care are also ideal outpatient therapy candidates. In addition, if you have previously undergone inpatient programs, you can benefit from outpatient therapy.⁴

What is the Difference Between Outpatient & Inpatient Treatment?

The main difference between outpatient mental health treatment and inpatient treatment is the time commitment. You will be supervised 24/7 by a healthcare team in a hospital setting during inpatient care throughout your treatment and recovery.

Outpatient care does not require hospitalization, and you may return home after your treatment. You may also not be attending a hospital, but an outpatient clinic, for your outpatient mental health services.