- Levels of care is a terminology often used in the field of mental healthcare to describe the varying intensities of services offered to clients.
- These levels of care can include different categories, which can either be as simple as hands-off talk therapy or as detailed as residential treatment.
- Enrolling in a residential treatment program depends on multiple factors unique to each client.
Levels of care is a terminology often used in the field of mental healthcare to describe the varying intensities of services offered to clients. These levels of care can include different categories, which can either be as simple as hands-off talk therapy or as detailed as residential treatment. Enrolling in a residential treatment program depends on multiple factors unique to each client. These factors are usually assessed in a comprehensive initial appointment with an aim to create a mental trajectory towards recovery with a tangible goal and crucial milestones. For those who weigh residential mental health facilities as a treatment option, the path entails a combination of holistic and medical approaches in a place where they can visualise their progress as they slowly work towards recovery.
The time spent in a residential mental health facility helps set the tone for the remainder of their healing and recovery process through the provision of a supportive community, multiple evidence-based therapies, and round-the-clock care.
Residential mental healthcare is exactly what it sounds like – patients requiring help reside at the designated treatment center where they spend their days in a supportive environment along with peers and well-trained staff and receive consistent support from therapists, doctors, and other mental health experts. It is considered one of the most intensive levels of care as most clients are under the 24/7 supervision of a designated staff member. The stay at a residential mental healthcare facility is much more peaceful and comfortable compared to long-term hospitalisation, as the former offers a peaceful homely environment in contrast to a hospital wing’s chaotic and high-pressure environment.
Residential treatment facilities mainly focus on adopting a holistic approach and medical therapy to maximise healing in clients as opposed to a hospital that primarily aims at physical stabilisation. Such facilities allow residents to not only take advantage of medical doctors at their disposal but can easily partake in miscellaneous activities, such as music and yoga, to promote healing of the mind and body.
In addition to a comprehensive treatment plan, most private residential mental health facilities in the UK offer a broad range of luxuries, including access to pools and spas, private chefs and drivers, and secluded accommodations to heal in privacy.
While most clients go to residential mental health facilities just for the supportive environment, these centres also offer countless other benefits, such as:
Removal of Stressors
While conventional therapy sessions on an outpatient basis are beneficial for recovery, they usually occur in the counselor’s office and fail to remove the client from their current stress. These clients still go home daily to the same places, things, and people that act as triggers or reminders of their daily struggles. Enrolling in a residential recovery clinic, on the other hand, removes the client from this stressful environment and provides an opportunity to move to a peaceful place to start the process of recovery and carve out a healthy and high-quality life for themselves.
Provision of Comprehensive Therapeutic Care
In a residential care home, clients are able to avail a broad range of therapies and treatment options, including dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication management, medication-assisted treatment, individual and group therapy, and family support groups. The right combination of these evidence-based approaches helps them prepare for a life that waits for them outside the care home.
Round-the-clock Care
Clients with severe mental health issues and suicidal tendencies may endanger their own lives and pose a threat to the safety of others. Residential treatment offers such individuals a safe place with constant monitoring and supervision to ensure they get appropriate medical and holistic treatment without any threat.
Involvement of Families
Most mental health conditions and drug addictions can significantly alter family life. Hence, many residential mental health facilities welcome families to get involved in their loved one’s care plans and offer regular therapy sessions to show their support.
Supportive Community
One of the main components of mental health and addiction treatment is the fellowship that clients share with their counselors, staff members, and fellow residents. This is one of the reasons why many treatment programmes have high success rates. Joining a residential treatment program offers a support system comprising people who understand the struggles of mental health issues and addictions that can serve as a shoulder to lean on and can prove to be extremely beneficial for most clients. Mental health experts agree that relationships and social connections based on love, hope, support, and friendship are an important part of recovery.
High Succes Rates
Studies have shown that clients getting treatment in a residential facility are more likely to enjoy long-term recovery than those seeking outpatient treatment. A residential treatment experience also minimises the chances of relapse in the future and significantly decreases the risk of encountering a new mental health issue or addiction in the future.
Miscellaneous Activities for Daily Wellbeing
In addition to specialist therapy, residential mental health care facilities also offer different well-being activities as a part of their inpatient programmes. These include meditation and relaxation classes, exercise groups, community-based activities, acupuncture, Shiatsu, and Tai Chi classes, and more. With these activities, clients have a better chance to maximise recovery by focusing on their body, mind, and spirit.
Aftercare Programmes
Clients at a residential treatment facility are often offered to enrol in aftercare programmes where they keep up with their peers and therapists to ensure that no relapses are experienced. These programmes are usually conducted on an outpatient basis and provide consistent support to individuals as they navigate their way through life positively.
Residential treatment centres offer long-term, in-depth support and care by offering clients to live on-campus. Such programmes are critical if:
- You have developed severe symptoms that are significantly impacting your ability to work and function in daily life
- You pose a threat to yourself as well as others if you continue to live on your own
- You need physical stabilisation, for example, during detox from drugs that often lead to very intense physical side effects
Remember that inpatient treatment is an intense form of support that can be particularly beneficial for recovery from a range of mental health issues and drug addictions. This kind of therapy provides an opportunity to spend time away from your usual living conditions, leaving any negative influences and stressful triggers behind and focusing solely on recovery and wellbeing.
Mental illness can be frustrating and easily overwhelming for the sufferers and their families. Whether you are experiencing it for the first time or living with it for years, help is available. As one of the best residential mental health facilities in the UK, we understand your struggles and are committed to providing real solutions for sound behavioral, mental, and emotional health. We are passionate about aiding clients in their recovery and treatment processes and also believe in working with their families who share the struggles of their loved ones.
No matter what your experience or story might be, this level of care is guaranteed to offer you the right support and treatment you require. Give us a call today to learn more about our residential treatment facility.
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About This Article
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This article was written by THE BALANCE’s clinical content team and reviewed by a licensed medical or mental health professional (such as an MD, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or equivalent). Our reviewers ensure that the information reflects current research, accepted medical guidelines, and best practices in mental health and addiction treatment. THE BALANCE’s medical editors draw on extensive real-world clinical experience supporting individuals in residential, outpatient, and luxury private treatment settings across Europe and internationally.
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Mental health and addiction conditions are complex and vary significantly between individuals. The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. To maintain accuracy and trust, THE BALANCE updates articles regularly as new research and clinical guidance become available.
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