What to Know About Treatment for Mental Health and Addiction

What Is Treatment?

Treatment addresses mental health, substance use, or both through professional support. It often includes therapy, medical care, coping skills, and community connection to help people regain stability and function.

It’s not a quick fix. Treatment is a process—whether it means managing anxiety, working through trauma, or recovering from addiction. The goal of treatment is lasting recovery beyond the crisis.

Types of Treatment Options: Inpatient vs. Outpatient

The most effective treatment plans are flexible and built around the whole person—not just the diagnosis.

• Inpatient (Residential) Treatment
  Live-in care with 24/7 support. Ideal for severe symptoms, risk of frequent relapse, or situations that require structure and stability.
• Outpatient Treatment
  Day or evening care while you continue with your every day responsibilities. Best for those with a safe and supportive home environment.
  • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): 5–6 hours a day, five days a week.
  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): 3–4 days a week for several hours.
  • Outpatient Therapy: Weekly or biweekly sessions.

Treatment is offered at different levels of intensity based on your symptoms, safety needs, and support system.

What Treatment Involves

No matter the level of care, most treatment plans include a combination of evidence-based services designed to support physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

These components work together to address not just symptoms but the underlying issues behind them.

• Individual Therapy – One-on-one sessions using CBT, DBT, trauma therapy, and more.
• Group Therapy – Peer support led by a licensed professional.
• Psychoeducation & Skills Training – Tools for managing stress, emotions, and relapse risk.
• Holistic & Experiential Therapies – Mindfulness, yoga, art, music, and movement-based care.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – Medication combined with therapy, often used for opioid or alcohol recovery.

How Long Does Treatment Last?

There’s no set timeline. It depends on the level of care, severity of symptoms, and how you respond.

The goal isn’t to finish fast—it’s to make real progress that lasts.

• Inpatient programs: 30–90 days, sometimes longer.
• PHP and IOP: Several weeks to a few months.
• Outpatient therapy: May continue long-term as ongoing support.

What Happens After Treatment?

Recovery doesn’t end after treatment. Aftercare helps maintain progress and reduce relapse risk. These services reinforce what was built during treatment and offer support through transitions.

Aftercare may include:

• Ongoing therapy or counseling
• Medication check-ins
• Relapse prevention planning
• Peer support groups (AA, NA, SMART Recovery)
• Sober living homes
• Alumni programs for continued connection