A safe space sounds like a simple term that we might be able to envision easily. But it can be a bit more difficult to clearly define what a safe space truly means. What does an environment require to be a safe space? And better yet, how do we create a safe space? 

Adults, no matter their background or upbringing, can utilize a safe space to feel calm and confident in their environment. A safe space should signify that a person will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment or other forms of emotional or physical harm. 

One of the most important environments to feel safe in is a mental health treatment program. For example, during a therapy session, your clinician might develop a safe space by establishing a trusting relationship with you, practicing empathy and actively listening. A safe space can also be created by crafting a comfortable physical environment with gentle lighting, soft pillows or comfy couches. 

When enrolling in a program, such as a Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP), it is perfectly normal to wonder how your care team will create a safe space for you in a virtual setting. Many people worry that virtual mental health treatment programs might not provide the same warmth or connection that an in-person program would. 

With the right elements in place (a predictable schedule and a compassionate team of clinical experts), a vPHP can be just as safe and effective as in-person care. 

• Protecting your privacy with secure technology

The first step to building trust in a virtual treatment program is understanding that what you share in treatment will remain private. There is only one exception. If a licensed mental health professional believes you are at risk of hurting yourself or others, they will have to share that information to get you the help you deserve. 

Beyond that, anything you share in session stays between you and your counselors, therapists or psychiatrists. For example, you can ask your clinicians to confirm that the virtual platform your program utilizes is HIPAA-compliant. 

HIPAA is a law that was passed in 1996 to set standards for protecting patients’ personal and sensitive health information. It prohibits your health care providers from disclosing any sensitive or personal information that you share with them without your consent. Safety starts with protecting privacy. Your care team wants you to feel safe and confident that your sessions will be uninterrupted and confidential. 

• Establishing a predictable daily routine 

Most virtual mental health treatment programs will provide patients with a structured and supportive daily schedule. For example, at Lightfully, our vPHP incorporates at least four hours of sessions into your daily routine, five days a week. 

Participating in a treatment program with a consistent schedule allows you, as a client, to know what to expect when it comes to your treatment. With predictability, you can create a sense of psychological safety between yourself and your care team. 

• Building trust with a compassionate care team

At Lightfully, our experts are proud to provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment for you to disclose whatever you are comfortable sharing. Mental health professionals are ready to support you in your journey to feeling safe while completing a vPHP. 

Lightfully’s care teams consist of licensed therapists, psychiatrists and care techs who will interact with you multiple times a week. Creating strong and trusting relationships with your mental health providers is an important step in creating a safe space in treatment. Connecting with your clinicians, even on screen, can help you feel seen and supported. 

• Tailoring your treatment to your unique needs 

To create a safe space, your clinician should know that mental health treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Each client is entirely their own and should not be defined by a set of symptoms in a diagnosis. You can find safety in knowing that your care team created a treatment plan that was fully personalized to fit your needs and treatment goals. 

The framework of everything Lightfully does is based on whole-person-centered care. Our compassionate experts rely on evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven modalities to create a new, fully personalized treatment plan for you each week. These updated treatment plans are based on the progress you make each week, or any areas you want to prioritize. Our clinical experts’ priority is making sure you feel heard and understood in your virtual treatment program. 

• Creating connection and community through groups

One facet of a vPHP that can make you feel safe and comfortable is group therapy. A great way to reduce isolation is to engage with your peers, even virtually. Group sessions can help you practice vulnerability and help connect you with a supportive community. During group therapy, you might be able to engage with peers who have similar mental health experiences as you. Together, you can share stories or tips to build a safe and understanding community. 

Lightfully also offers a mental health online support group as a potential first step to see if virtual treatment is right for you. An online support group can help connect you with peers who have similar experiences to yours, which helps build a connection. Even through a screen, you can form meaningful connections. 

It may be easy to assume that only in-person care can create a safe environment for your recovery. But with structure, connection and clinical expertise, a vPHP can feel just as healing and supportive as in-person care would. 

At Lightfully, you can feel safe showing up as who you are. With tailored treatment, focused on your values and goals, you can feel safe taking the next step toward your mental health journey. 

Change is possible. If you’re looking for a vPHP that creates a safe space for you to feel seen, heard and understood, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.