As many as 20% of college students experience a mental health disorder, with young women much more likely to experience stress-related disorders than men. If you’re struggling, seeking mental health treatment is a courageous step that can change your life for the better. However, knowing where to start can be intimidating.
Many students worry that treatment will impact their academics and overall schedule. Between studying, work, and social pressures, it can feel like there’s never a good time to focus on your mental health. Thankfully, there are many treatment options available that can fit into most schedules and meet different levels of need. Understanding these options can make it easier to find the level of support that’s right for you.
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Do I Need Therapy, an Outpatient Program, or Inpatient Mental Health Care?
The best way to determine the appropriate level of care is to talk to a mental health professional. Going into that conversation with some basic knowledge can help you prepare and begin thinking about the right fit. The right level of care typically depends on your symptoms, your schedule, and how well you are functioning day-to-day. These levels of care include:
- Weekly or biweekly (every other week) therapy sessions. In a therapy session, you discuss your challenges and symptoms with a trained mental health professional. They provide guidance and teach skills to help you manage your symptoms and improve your mental health. Therapy is often a great fit for students whose symptoms are manageable and still allow them to keep up with daily responsibilities. Your campus mental health centers can likely connect you with free or low-cost therapy and counseling services.
- Outpatient Programs: Both Half-Day Treatment Programs (IOPs) and Full-Day Treatment Programs (PHPs) are forms of outpatient mental health care. These programs allow you to receive comprehensive care at a dedicated center while living and sleeping at home. The main difference between them is time and intensity.
NAMI notes that a Half-Day Treatment Program (IOP) may fit best when weekly therapy has not helped you manage your condition effectively. For instance, if your mental health is causing you to fall behind in your studies or turn to substances despite regular therapy, a step up in care may be appropriate.
A Full-Day Treatment Program (PHP) may fit when symptoms are serious enough that you benefit from most of the day in treatment. Full-Day programs are also a common form of step-down care after a hospital stay or a crisis.
- Inpatient care. Mental Health America explains that a hospital stay may be helpful when someone cannot meet basic needs, is at risk of harm, has severe symptoms, or has found that other support is not enough. They note that most people with mental health conditions will not need hospital care.
If you ever have thoughts of suicide or feel unsafe, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. You don’t need to wait for a scheduled appointment to ask for help.
Half-Day Programs (IOP) vs. Full-Day Programs (PHP): Understanding the Difference
Both Half-Day Programs (IOPs) and Full-Day Programs (PHPs) provide more direction and structure than therapy alone while still allowing you to live at home. However, they differ significantly in their time commitment. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) notes that Half-Day Programs provide structured treatment several days a week, often for a few hours at a time. For adults, Half-Day Programs provide at least nine hours of care weekly.
Full-Day Programs (PHP) are more intensive. They offer full-day treatment several days a week, for at least a total of 20 hours. Specific schedules vary from one program to another.
These levels of care often work together, with individuals transferring up or down based on their needs. For instance, a student may move from weekly therapy sessions to a Half-Day Program if therapy alone isn’t providing enough support. Or, a student might move from a Full-Day Program to a Half-Day Program, then step down to weekly therapy as their symptoms improve.
Outpatient programs provide much more flexibility than inpatient services in terms of their impact on your daily life and schedule. However, they are still a big commitment. If you’re considering an outpatient program, speak to your academic advisor or campus mental health services about your situation. They can help you stay on track academically and assist with any accommodations you may need. These may include reduced course loads or a leave of absence.
What Happens in Structured Outpatient Mental Health Programs?
Half-Day Programs (IOPs) and Full-Day Programs (PHPs) combine several types of care into a structured schedule. While each program is different, common components include:
- Group therapy, where you practice coping skills and share experiences with peers
- Individual therapy with a licensed clinician
- Psychiatric care, including medication evaluation and management when appropriate
- Education about your mental health condition, symptoms, and treatment
- Planning for the transition to less intensive care, as well as relapse prevention training if appropriate
Many programs use evidence-based treatment approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help individuals manage symptoms and build new emotional skills. The comprehensive approach of these programs is a major strength. They provide a safe, supportive environment where you can work on your mental health and recovery. At the same time, the outpatient structure allows you to return home and apply what you have learned in daily life. You can then bring those experiences back to your group and clinician.
This approach lets your treatment team adjust your plan based on how things are going outside the program. The length of such programs depends on your progress, with PHPs typically running shorter than IOPs due to their higher level of care.
What to Expect During a Mental Health Assessment
If you decide that a mental health program is the right fit for you, it will likely begin with a comprehensive assessment. This is a conversation with a clinician who gathers information about your symptoms, history, and goals. The results help determine which level of care is appropriate. They also help your treatment team personalize care to your needs.
The American Psychiatric Association recommends that an initial evaluation include a review of your mood, anxiety level, and thinking, along with any history of trauma and psychiatric care. This history includes past diagnoses, treatments, and any previous hospital or emergency visits for mental health. In addition to this conversation, you may be asked to complete forms about your symptoms and history. NAMI notes that some helpful information to have ready can include:
- Your current symptoms and when they began
- Any medications, supplements, and past treatments
- Any relevant insurance information
- Any questions you want to ask about your care or treatment plan
Honest answers give your clinician the clearest picture, including answers about substance use or thoughts of self-harm. You may also ask what level of care is being recommended, what the schedule would look like, and what happens after the program ends.
A primary care provider or your campus counseling center can help connect you with care programs in your area. If your insurance covers mental health services, your plan can also tell you which programs are in network.
Find Support for Your Mental Health and Recovery at Luna Recovery for Women
The right level of care should help you manage your symptoms and build new skills with as little disruption to your daily life as possible. That care looks different for everyone, but finding the proper fit can make a huge difference in your overall well-being.
If you are struggling with your mental health and are looking for an outpatient treatment program, we are here to help. Luna Recovery for Women is proud to offer women-centered mental health and addiction treatment that empowers women to heal in a compassionate, supportive, and understanding environment.
To learn more about treatment options, please contact Luna Recovery for Women at (888) 491-3722 today.