Mental health care is available in different levels. The highest level, referred to as residential treatment, is designed to help people go through a crisis in a safe, comfortable setting. These facilities are equipped to provide round-the-clock psychiatric care. Typically, patients will undergo both individual and group therapy. The duration of residential treatment may range from three to fifteen days.
Most treatment for mental illness is done through outpatient treatment. For people who are experiencing serious symptoms or are suffering from chronic conditions, weekly talk therapy is an effective way to begin the treatment process. Sometimes, though, a person may need to stay in an inpatient facility for a long period of time. While this option is sometimes necessary, it’s not always the right tool for the job. In addition, weekly talk therapy is often too intensive and can actually impede recovery. Knowing the different levels of care available will help you find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
In 2002, the Journal of Health and Social Behavior published a study of 3,000 individuals. In their study, they found that one-sixth of the sampled individuals were flourishing, while five percent were moderately healthy, while 12% languished. The authors cited that the highest levels of mental health are among those with tertiary education, while the lowest levels are among those with lower education or no education.
