Here are some details about the different levels of mental health care and how to choose which is right for you. There are times and places for each level of care and it is generally considered best practice to have the individual in the lowest level of are that is clinically indicated. This is why individuals are considered “graduating” when they are able to transition from a higher level of care to a less intensive program.

Levels of Care and Types of Treatment

• Inpatient Hospitalization

  • Forensic: At the highest level of psychiatric care, individuals are in a secure, locked down unit, and as a forensic patient are normally sentenced by a judge to be placed in inpatient care. Most states have a hospital designated for this purpose, Colorado currently has two (Pueblo and Fort Logan).

  • Non-Forensic: This level of care is similar to forensic inpatient hospitalization and is still a locked down unit, but there are not security guards and client are not usually at the hospital as a result of legal involvement. An individual may be admitted voluntarily, on an M1 hold (72 Hours) or a certification which can continue being renewed by a judge for as long as clinically necessary.

• Partial Hospitalization Program

  • At this level of care, the individual may have just been released from an inpatient hospitalization and is safe to return home, but would still benefit from increased contact and care following discharge. Most inpatient psychiatric hospitals will have a program of this type and although the majority of clients will be discharged without participating in this step-down, it does significantly benefit individuals who need it.

• Intensive Outpatient

  • This level of care is very similar to a partial hospitalization program, but may be less intensive and/or include less time out of the day or fewer groups. These programs help promote community connection, ongoing treatment, and giving structure while still allowing the client to return home at the end of the day.

• Residential

  • At this level of care, the individual may have unstable housing or need a supported living environment while they complete their treatment and/or work towards getting independent housing. Some residential facilities are designated as “sober living” communities where one of the conditions for remaining in the community is complying with regular drug screenings.

• Assertive Community Treatment

  • At this level of care, the individual benefits from a clinician coming out to them in the community. The primary focuses of this treatment type is to help keep the individual connected to resources and supporting with targeted activities. An example of this is case management. Case managers help the client work towards getting their basic needs met and supporting with completing activities of daily living like going to the grocery store.

• Outpatient

  • At this level of care, the individual is able to connect with services without outreach and is able to join sessions by coming to the provider or connecting through Telehealth. Examples of this include: therapy, psychiatry, groups, and classes.

• Self-Directed

  • At this level of care, the individual might be doing some of their own self-exploration or work without the assistance of another provider. An example of this might be bibliotherapy, where an individual utilizes literature to support them in learning or reinforcing topics to support their well-being.

Call-To-Action

Now that you know more about the different levels of care for mental health treatment and some of the options available, consider what option might be best for you or someone you know. If you need any help getting connected to resource, feel free to reach out, call the national help line (988), or your local mental health agency.

Take care, be well, and Companion Your Journey!