If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. If they are thinking about suicide or are in emotional crisis, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time.
Weekly therapy works for many people. When symptoms are getting worse despite it, or daily life is falling apart, a more intensive level of care may be the next step.
The levels of care
- Outpatient therapy and medication management. Regular appointments while living at home.
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP). Group and individual therapy for several hours, several days a week.
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP). A full-day treatment program most weekdays, returning home in the evening.
- Residential treatment. Living at a treatment facility for structured, round-the-clock support, often for weeks.
- Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Short-term hospital care focused on safety and stabilization during an acute crisis.
Signs a higher level of care may be needed
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or talk of not wanting to be alive.
- Unable to work, attend school, eat, sleep or care for themselves.
- Losing touch with reality, such as hearing voices or extreme paranoia.
- Substance use that is making symptoms worse.
- Repeated crises or emergency room visits.
Questions to ask a program
- What conditions and age groups do you specialize in?
- Who provides treatment, and how often does the person see a psychiatrist?
- Do you treat co-occurring substance use?
- How are families involved, and what is the plan for step-down care afterward?
- Which insurance plans do you accept?
Support for families
The NAMI HelpLine, 1-800-950-6264, offers free information and support for people with mental health conditions and their families.
Not sure which kind of care fits? A Grace With Care guide can talk it through with you. Tell us about your loved one or call 855-330-2200.
Sources
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Coverage rules change; confirm details with the program or your plan.
