Residential Treatment could be the first step in your mental health journey. Or it might be something you try when outpatient therapy or a Day Treatment Program doesn’t provide enough support. Many people don’t even know there are treatment facilities that look more like homes than hospitals. 

At Lightfully, our Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) work a bit differently than most others. Each program varies in the levels of care they provide and the conditions they can help with. This article will shed some light on what you can expect from most adult Residential Treatment facilities and what makes treatment at Lightfully unique.

What can I expect in an adult Residential Treatment facility?

A Residential Treatment Program is slightly different from inpatient treatment. Residential programs typically last up to a few months or more, and clients have more independence than clients in a hospital setting. However, nurses are usually present for 24-hour support. Many Residential Treatment facilities specialize in treating either mental health conditions, substance use disorders, eating disorders or a combination of these. Some have a religious affiliation. Each facility varies in the types of therapies they provide.

Individuals see a therapist one-on-one multiple times a week in Residential Treatment. Residential Treatment also creates a central location for people with similar mental health challenges to have powerful group therapy sessions and provide peer support. Clients get to practice the skills they’re learning immediately, in a safe and supportive environment. 

What to expect at Lightfully’s adult Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs)

While you’re looking at adult Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs), you may want to know about the clinic’s guiding treatment philosophy, their values and the types of treatments they offer. The size of the care facility can also be important — the average number of beds in a facility is 49. Our RTCs are much smaller, with about six beds per residence.

At Lightfully, we don’t approach mental health as a set of symptoms to eliminate or focus too much on diagnostic labels. Instead, we help our clients get connected with their present selves and work toward future-oriented goals. We help people understand their conditions and develop skills that work in the context of their daily lives for long-term healing and resilience, for example, skills for managing their thoughts, feelings, behaviors and relationships. We use a process-based therapy (PBT) approach that puts each individual at the center of their care plan for a highly personalized and holistic treatment experience.

Here are some of the finer points about Lightfully adult Residential Treatment Centers: 

• Where you’ll stay — Each Lightfully RTC has a unique personality. But they all create a modern and cozy atmosphere for healing. From the main lounge space to roomy kitchens and plush bedrooms, there are plenty of places to talk with other residents or have a quiet moment to yourself. Some locations have an art therapy room, a yoga den, outdoor space or a master spa where you can engage in different healing activities or just relax.

• Your treatment plan — Your individual treatment plan supports new practices and skills training for healthy thoughts, feelings, behaviors and relationships. We’ll recommend several different types of therapy based on your assessment, and everyone in our programs takes part in Safe and Sound Emotional Regulation sessions. 

• Emphasis on health and safety — Registered nurses are present at all times to support you, and our in-house chefs prepare healthy meals and snacks every day. You’ll get opportunities for movement every day, too. Our staff psychiatrists can prescribe medications and help with medication management during weekly sessions. This means they can make suggestions to help you manage side effects and adjust your medication and dosage as needed. You ultimately get to decide which medications you’ll take, and we encourage clients to take their own medication. No alcohol or controlled substances are allowed on the premises. Everyone in our programs is focused on their own healing journey. 

• Group therapy sessions — Group therapy sessions offer a unique opportunity to connect with others who are on a similar journey of healing and growth. Led by experienced therapists, these sessions provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can share their thoughts, feelings and experiences openly. Through group discussions, individuals gain valuable insights, receive feedback from peers and develop coping strategies to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. 

• Outings and activities — We take residents on weekly outings to practice new skills. You’ll be able to participate in yoga classes, do art therapy and even go surfing. Our RTCs are stocked with puzzles, games and TVs for weekends and rainy days. 

• Family therapy sessions — You and your therapist can meet with family members or people who support you to help them with their role in your healing journey. They’ll learn about what you’re going through during visits or virtual sessions and develop some new skills to support you in helpful ways. This includes setting and maintaining healthy boundaries.

Get a preview of Lightfully’s adult Residential Treatment Centers

People travel from all over the country for treatment in our tranquil and homey RTCs. Right now, we have four adult Residential Treatment Centers in California: in Thousand Oaks, the Brentwood and Santa Monica neighborhoods of Los Angeles, and Carlsbad in San Diego. Take a look at the individual location pages for a peek at each one. There could be more soon!

If you’re looking at programs right now, you probably have some questions. Contact us for answers or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team to get started with an assessment. We’ll be here when you’re ready to take your next steps toward healing.