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7 Common Myths Around Mental Health Treatment (and What Virtual PHP Treatment Really Looks Like)
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7 Common Myths Around Mental Health Treatment (and What Virtual PHP Treatment Really Looks Like)

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Our understanding of mental health conditions and how to treat them has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few decades. Things that were once seen as personal failings or shortcomings have been identified as treatable conditions. There’s more regulation and oversight for inpatient clinics. There are also a lot more options in between inpatient hospitalization and outpatient therapy. For the most part, our society hasn’t been able to keep up with all of these changes.

There are a few different reasons for this. The speed of change is one factor. The stigma and shame around mental health conditions also play a role in shutting down conversations. One effect is that high stress, hyperindividualism and depression have become so normalized that people often don’t recognize when they need help. Outdated assumptions about what mental health conditions and treatments look like are still circulating as well. Learning and growth take time, care and attention. Rumors and horror stories travel a lot faster. 

Modern mental health treatment is not about fixing what is broken. It is about understanding yourself fully and developing skills that allow you to live according to your values despite challenges.

Virtual Partial Hospitalization Programs (vPHP) are one of the newest solutions making treatment more accessible, affordable and effective. It combines intensive support through therapy, psychiatry and structured programming. Attending treatment from home is helping people maintain their privacy. Many clients report higher satisfaction and better outcomes from virtual treatment. As more people experience vPHP for themselves, mental health stigma may become a thing of the past.

Educating yourself about mental health treatment is a wise and responsible first step. Here are seven common myths about mental health treatment debunked:

  • Treatment is only for “severe” cases 

Severity can be very subjective, and some people don’t show their symptoms as much as others. Any mental health condition that makes it harder to function or affects your quality of life is worth treating.

  • Virtual treatment isn’t as effective as in-person 

Clinical studies have shown that virtual treatment is just as effective as in-person treatment. Therapy sessions are largely based on face-to-face conversations, which translate well to telehealth platforms. Because virtual treatment reduces barriers, people often attend more sessions and stay in treatment longer than those who attend in-person.

  • Treatment means being medicated against your will 

No one is ever forced to take a medication they don’t want to take. Our staff psychiatrists provide education and consult with clients so they can take an active and informed role in their treatment planning process. 

They’ll help you understand the risks and potential benefits of a medication, and they may give you some different options to consider. If you’re open to taking medication, they’ll guide you through the process of trying different ones until you find the right combination. 

  • Treatment is just sitting around talking about feelings 

Yes, this does happen during treatment, but there’s a lot more to it. Treatment gives you a structured way to reflect and make positive life changes. It involves a good amount of education about how your brain and nervous system work. You also develop healthy coping skills, mindfulness practices and techniques for building healthy relationships.

  • You’ll be labeled and stigmatized forever 

People’s negative reactions toward mental health conditions says more about them than it does about you. If anything, mental health treatment reduces the impact of mental health conditions on your life. Treatment helps you understand yourself better and gives you the tools you need to maintain strong social connections. 

  • Treatment is unaffordable or inaccessible 

Treatment is a lot more affordable than it used to be. Most virtual PHPs are covered by health insurance. Attending treatment from home helps with many barriers to treatment. At Lightfully, we talk about mental health in terms that are easy to understand for increased engagement and accessibility

  • Virtual programs lack personal connection 

Licensed clinicians are great at making virtual sessions engaging. At Lightfully, you’ll attend daily groups with the same cohort of people, so you’ll get to know them pretty well. They may even turn into lifelong friends.

What does Virtual PHP at Lightfully look like?

Virtual PHP looks a lot like going to school online — for your mental health. You should set up your device in an area of your home that’s quiet, comfortable and relatively free of distractions. You’ll log in to treatment each morning and follow a weekly schedule with group and individual treatments. You’ll also have family therapy sessions with any loved ones you want to include in your treatment process. 

We combine different aspects of evidence-based treatments to provide comprehensive and personalized mental health treatment. You’ll start with a detailed intake assessment so we can get to know you. Then our licensed clinicians will make treatment recommendations according to our Precision Care Model (PCM) and work with you to create your individual treatment plan.

Virtual PHP at Lightfully includes the following:

  • At least 20 hours a week of clinical services by licensed or associate licensed providers
  • Weekly psychiatry session
  • Medication management
  • Weekly therapy session
  • Biweekly family session
  • At least four hours per day of group sessions
  • Programming five days a week

Modern mental health treatment is not about fixing what is broken. It’s about understanding yourself fully and developing skills that allow you to live according to your values despite challenges.

Are you ready to explore your Virtual PHP options at Lightfully? Let’s talk about your options. Reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team today.

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The good news is that Los Angeles has many great mental health resources. Finding the right one can truly change things for you. Today, we’ll discuss six important things to think about when choosing treatment for depression in Los Angeles. This isn’t just about picking any therapist; it’s about finding the best fit for you in a city as diverse and complex as LA. What to consider when choosing depression treatment in Los Angeles Los Angeles is huge, with many different areas and types of care available. When looking for help with depression here, keep these points in mind to find support that truly understands and helps you. Does the program fit your lifestyle? Los Angeles is known for its fast pace, focus on wellness and mixed communities. When choosing a depression treatment program, think about how it fits your life here. Pacing and flexibility Can the program work with your work, school or family life? Many people have busy schedules. Lightfully’s LA locations like Brentwood or Beverly Hills can offer flexible programs designed to fit into your life. Virtual options LA traffic is notoriously challenging. A Virtual IOP (vIOP) can be great if commuting is a problem. You’ll get high-quality treatment from home, saving time and stress. Holistic approaches LA often embraces wellness beyond just psychotherapy. Some programs may include yoga, mindfulness or art therapy to help your mind and body heal together. This can be a great fit if you’re open to exploring different treatment methods. Does the program emphasize the importance of community? Depression can make you feel like you’re alone, even though you’re far from it. A good treatment program should help you feel connected and understood. In a big city like LA, where it’s easy to feel lost in the crowd, finding a supportive community is key. Group therapy Most effective depression treatments include group therapy sessions. Here, you can connect with others who are facing similar struggles. Sharing experiences can be powerful and make you feel less alone. You’ll learn from others and get to practice new social skills in a safe, supportive environment. Small, intimate settings While LA has very large hospitals, sometimes a smaller, more personal setting can feel much more comforting when you’re dealing with depression. A Residential Treatment Center (RTC) is designed to feel like a warm, home-based setting, rather than a cold, clinical hospital. This kind of environment can help you feel safer and more open to healing. Does the program go deeper than just your symptoms? Depression isn’t just about feeling sad all the time. It often has deeper, underlying roots and causes. The best treatment programs in Los Angeles will help you understand why you’re struggling, rather than just trying to cover up your symptoms. Does the program fit your needs? Depression can show up differently for everyone, and the kind of help you need can actually change over time as you heal. LA offers a wide range of levels of care, and choosing the right one for your current situation is essential. Outpatient therapy This is usually weekly sessions with a therapist. It’s good for mild to moderate depression or as a step down from more intense programs. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) An IOP is for when you need more support than just weekly therapy, but you don’t need to live at a treatment facility. You attend several hours of therapy a few days each week. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) Sometimes also known as a Day Treatment Program, this is a higher level of care than an IOP. You attend sessions five days a week for most of the day, but you still go home at night. This level is for more severe symptoms that need daily structure and close monitoring. Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) An RTC is for when you need 24/7 support and a safe place to focus completely on healing, away from all daily stressors. This is typically for severe depression or when safety is a serious concern. Does the staff behind the program offer expertise and compassion? The people who are treating you truly matter. Their skills, their training and how they treat you are big factors in how well your healing journey can go. Experienced professionals Look for a program with licensed and highly experienced therapists, psychiatrists and support staff. Compassionate approach Healing from depression requires a lot of trust and openness. A care team that truly cares, deeply listens and sees you as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms, can make a notable difference. Evidence-based practices This means that the therapeutic approaches they use are grounded in clinical research and supported by evidence demonstrating their effectiveness. . Look for a program with proven clinical outcomes. Does the program fit in your budget or is it covered by your insurance? LA has many health care providers, but making sure your health insurance is accepted is extremely important. Many centers accept major insurances and some may also work with Medi-Cal or Medicare. Always call ahead to verify your benefits and understand what your plan covers. Choosing treatment for depression in Los Angeles is a big decision, but it’s a brave and important step toward feeling better and living a more fulfilling life. Carefully thinking about these unique factors can help you find a program that truly meets your specific needs. Experience compassionate depression treatment in Los Angeles with Lightfully At Lightfully, we are dedicated to offering deeply compassionate, whole-person-centered care across all of our levels of care. Our expert clinicians truly see you, not just your symptoms or diagnosis. We work closely with you to understand your life, your values, and what healing truly looks like for you. Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step toward compassionate depression treatment in LA, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.

Depression can feel isolating, but help is available in LA. Look for treatment that offers experienced, compassionate professionals and proven methods. Lightfully is dedicated to whole-person healing, guiding you toward a brighter future. Click “Learn more” below to learn more about what to consider when choosing your depression treatment.