Advice For Choosing Inpatient Or Intensive Outpatient Program?

[theshadowoftheliving]

@FridayJones Thank you. I have heard that mentioned many, many times. I doubt my insurance covers it, however. That's a task to find out on Monday.

And thank you, @shimmerz I really appreciate it.

If nothing else, taking control of this and deciding for myself helps me be empowered ... at least that is how I'm trying to look at this incredibly overwhelming situation.

 

[Hope4future]

I've been in both situations over the last 6 months. When looking at either type of program, I'd look for something that is trauma focused. I'd ask what types of group and individual therapy they offer, how often you'd meet, and what other kinds if therapy is available... EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, DBT, Art or music or movement therapy.

Inpatient is more intense, but a good partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP) can be just as good as long as you're safe at home.

PHP and IOPs are better if it's local. Inpatient could be any where in the country.

If you want, I could share some specific names of residential programs that might be worth looking into ( less restrictive than most inpatient programs). I'm not an expert on any of it, but I do have some experience that might be helpful.

Take care
Hope

 

[joeylittle]

@theshadowoftheliving, you might look for dual-diagnosis programs. I don't know a ton about them, but I do know that many of them are designed to deal with substance dependency issues along with mood or trauma disorders. You've mentioned a few times that sometimes, managing alcohol is challenging for you - that's why it occurred to me to bring it up.

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

@theshadowoftheliving, you might look for dual-diagnosis programs. I don't know a...

Thanks, @joeylittle. I know I've posted a few flops with alcohol, but I'm not sure if it's at the root of my troubles, or just a symptom of things going haywire (like my inability to sleep and how I forget to eat or accidentally exercise too much sometimes). I think it might be tied into the bigger issue of the sheer disconnect between me and my physical self.

And thanks for advice on questions to ask, @Hope4future. All smart things.

I also know that sometimes hospital programs are focused more on present-based regulation stuff than trauma processing, and so I'm always a little nervous to spend that much time/money/energy on things I should be able to accomplish myself. Would it just make sense to take a few weeks off and go to a bunch of yoga classes instead?

 

[joeylittle]

just a symptom of things going haywire (like my inability to sleep and how I forget to eat or accidentally exercise too much sometimes). I think it might be tied into the bigger issue of the sheer disconnect between me and my physical self.

That's actually what makes it dual-diagnosis; I think the difference with those programs is that they specifically address substance use and its relationship to the 'main' diagnosis. I'm really not meaning to push on it, tho - just wanted to bring it up as a possibility.

I also know that sometimes hospital programs are focused more on present-based regulation stuff than trauma processing, and so I'm always a little nervous to spend that much time/money/energy on things I should be able to accomplish myself.

This would be why you'd want to go to a trauma-specific program, and one that was clear about how it integrates processing. For many people, it is a great way to get a sort of jump-start on their trauma work. But also, in terms of the coping skills needed while doing trauma processing - those aren't necessarily things you 'should' know how to do on your own, already - dealing with trauma just puts everything we think we know into a big salad-spinner, and getting extra help specifically on how to manage yourself while trauma-processing is absolutely worth the time/money/energy.

I believe there are some trauma-focused inpatient and outpatient programs as part of the Rogers Memorial group of hospitals in Wisconsin - that's just another group that haven't been mentioned yet. I think staying in-state is relevant to insurance, but if it's a national insurance organization, not so much.

I hate how the times we need to figure this stuff out are always the times when we are most incapacitated. Feel free to PM if you need help looking ina more specific geography or insurance network, I'm happy to do some research for you.

 

[Casper1018]

How often do you see your T? Would it be possible to bump up your sessions for awhile until you are feeling more stable?

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

@Casper1018 No. That's the problem. I'm in there twice a week for an hour and a half or two hours each time. It's the limit of what my therapist can offer.

 

[Casper1018]

I totally understand. Was seeing my T twice a week until a month ago when her hubby had heart surgery. Now it's weekly at best, and I'm struggling. Hope you find a program that meets your needs! Take care!