Residential Treatment (RTC) isn’t just a way to stabilize after a mental health crisis or build up healthy habits, though it can do both. Some people are concerned that receiving such a high level of support 24 hours a day might cause them to become too comfortable and lose progress when they return home. That’s rarely the case.
Most people make significant progress, and they’re able to sustain it long after treatment. Plus, you can follow up RTC with other intensive forms of treatment, such as the Partial Hospitalization Program (also called our Day Treatment Program) to help generalize your skills to your everyday life.
Could Residential Treatment be the next step on your journey? In this article, we’ll share seven ways residential treatment can support long-term mental health recovery.
7 ways Residential Treatment supports recovery
There are some misconceptions about Residential Treatment that may keep people from getting the help they need. Some people may have concerns about living conditions, privacy, or use of restraint techniques.
Lightfully RTCs are peaceful, clean, and comfortable private homes. You may share a room with another person, and random room searches may be conducted, but our team is trained to approach them with care and respect. Our staff has been trained to be respectful and thoughtful throughout this process, as we know that it can be invasive and uncomfortable. Clients are responsible for taking their medication themselves under staff supervision, and physical restraint is not used in our treatment model.
Some might think, “My symptoms aren’t severe enough,” or “I don’t really have a serious condition.” Even common conditions like depression and anxiety can have debilitating effects. If your condition is having a significant impact on your life, if you’re unable to function, or if you have extreme difficulty with everyday tasks, you may benefit from higher levels of treatment.
The following are seven ways residential treatment supports long-term mental health recovery:
24/7 therapeutic environment
The goal of RTC is to help you rehabilitate and learn helpful ways to manage your symptoms at home. You have access to as much support as you need, but you’re encouraged to do things for yourself.
RTC offers safety and structure during vulnerable periods. The predictability of daily routines can help you feel calm and in control, and you get plenty of practice asking for help and communicating with others.
Intensive therapy multiple times per week
Clients in RTC see their individual therapist three times a week. This allows them to gain deep insights, work through complex challenges, make big breakthroughs, and maintain the progress they make.
Our licensed clinicians provide specialized treatment modalities like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Our programs include daily group sessions and weekly family therapy sessions as well.
Peer support and shared experiences
Connecting with people who are facing similar challenges in RTC adds a social dynamic to the experience. You can feel a different type of kinship and moral support with other residents. You can also learn from them and gain inspiration from their stories. It’s a powerful way to fight the shame, stigma, and isolation that often come with mental health conditions.
Medical and psychiatric support
Many clients in Residential Treatment benefit from medication. Medication decisions are made case-by-case by the treating psychiatrist. Many people also have other co-occurring conditions that require medical care. RTC allows for an integrated and holistic approach. It includes weekly sessions with a staff psychiatrist for medication management and progress monitoring
Life skills development
In RTC, you have the support you need to work on daily living skills at your own pace, with the goal of helping you define what independence looks like. You spend dedicated time learning about coping strategies and trying out different things to see what works best. Our RTCs have a culture of compassion and grit, so many residents come out feeling more confident in their abilities.
Family therapy and healing
Your loved ones play a huge role in supporting you and helping you stay well. RTC includes family therapy sessions to help you work on communication and learn how to work together effectively.
Clients can include anyone they view as family or part of their support system. They’ll learn about your condition and what you’re doing to care for yourself. They’ll also get a better understanding of their roles in supporting your mental well-being.
Comprehensive discharge planning
Most people don’t leave RTC and go back to working or managing family life full-time — at least, not right away. We help you plan your transition out of RTC and coordinate follow-up care. You may decide to spend some time in one of our lower-level programs. We can also help connect you with resources in your community to ensure continuity of care.
Making the decision to start Residential Treatment at Lightfully
RTC sets people up for long-term recovery because you get uninterrupted time to really work through what you’re feeling and learn how to manage your symptoms on a daily basis. You’ll work on coping skills that will serve you at home and in the community, and you’ll work on your social support system and relationship skills.
Some signs that Residential Treatment may be the right next step for you include experiencing difficulties with everyday activities such as maintaining your personal hygiene or managing your work responsibilities. These challenges can feel overwhelming, and support at a higher level of care may help you regain a sense of stability and capability. Residential Treatment is also helpful for people experiencing severe mental health symptoms such as psychosis or suicidality.
At Lightfully, our licensed clinicians see clients as people first, not a diagnosis. Our Precision Care Model (PCM) ensures each person receives a personalized treatment plan, and clients and their families work with their care teams to make decisions. We focus on the basic core processes that make up your mental well-being: your thoughts, emotions, behaviors and relationships.
If you’re considering Residential Treatment, we’d like to meet with you and discuss your options. Our program is covered by most major insurance providers. Please reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team or contact us today.
