Residential Treatment Centers (RTC) create an immersive mental health treatment experience unlike any other program. RTCs may be the right choice for you, as it can provide step-down care after leaving a psychiatric hospital.
RTCs are more nurturing, intimate settings, and clients have frequent sessions with their primary therapist. At Lightfully, RTC treatment plans include three primary therapy sessions each week.
RTCs are private, home-like environments where clients stay overnight and receive 24-hour nursing support in addition to their treatment. This is a bit different from inpatient hospitalization, which takes place in a hospital setting. Some people may stay in RTC for a while after being discharged from a hospital. For others, it’s the first step on their treatment journey.
In this article, we’ll share seven things you should know before you start mental health treatment at RTC.
7 things to know before you start mental health treatment at a RTC
RTCs offer a few unique benefits compared to hospitalization and less intensive programs. It’s one of the rare places where people can access treatment at any hour of the day or night outside of a hospital.
RTC is a stable, supportive environment where you can focus on your mental health and connect with people who are going through similar experiences. At Lightfully, you can also stay in touch with our alumni program for up to a year after you finish treatment.
Here are seven things to know about Residential Treatment before you go. While some of them apply to most RTCs, others are specific to Lightfully:
Daily schedule and structure
In Residential Treatment, the structure of daily routines helps clients recover basic functions and build healthy habits. Everyone eats meals, attends group treatment and enjoys recreational activities together.
Participating and feeling like part of a community helps create a sense of motivation. Residents also have a lot of support from Client Care Techs, nurses and their care team.
Intake and assessment process
Lightfully takes a unique approach to treatment called Precision Care Model (PCM), which combines the most effective aspects of evidence-based treatments to create highly personalized treatment plans.
Our licensed clinicians get to know you during an in-depth assessment. Then you’ll meet with your whole care team to discuss your individual treatment plan. We’ll send you a virtual questionnaire first, and then we’ll schedule a phone assessment.
Treatment team
At RTCs, your treatment team will include a primary therapist, a psychiatrist, nurses, Client Care Techs as well as you and your family. You’ll also work with other licensed clinicians who lead group sessions, and each of our locations has an on-site chef.
Family involvement expectations
Establishing a support system outside of treatment will help you maintain your mental health in the long term. That’s why your treatment plan should include family therapy sessions.
You can invite anyone with whom you have a close relationship. This could include family members, your partner, or anyone you consider chosen family.
During these sessions, they will learn about your condition and how to support you. You can also create some new norms for communication, set boundaries and identify other goals to work on together.
Technology and communication policies
Cellphones, electronics, and other restricted items are allowed at most RTCs. However, they’re usually stored in the staff offices or a designated location in the facility, and items can be checked out for a limited time. This is for your safety and to help you stay focused on your treatment.
Length of stay considerations
Each person has a unique set of factors that help determine how long they’ll stay in RTC. The first consideration is your treatment needs and your progress. Your insurance coverage and disability benefits or your employer’s medical leave policies may also be a factor.
At Lightfully, many people stay in RTC for several months and then transition to our Day Treatment Program. We also have a Short-Term Option, which is a two-week stay.
What to bring and what to leave home
You should pack personal items such as clothes to wear, toiletries, personal care items and a journal. Again, some will need to be kept in a secure location.
You won’t need to pack towels, bedding or blankets. Some items are not permitted, including glass picture frames, belts and weapons.
These are not complete lists — see our full list of things to pack for RTC and things to leave at home.
How to prepare for Residential Treatment at Lightfully
Residential Treatment provides an opportunity to step away from daily stressors and focus entirely on healing with support from a compassionate team of clinical experts who see you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. Learning about what to expect at a Residential Treatment Center is the first step in the process, so you’re already well on your way.
If you have an idea of how long you’ll be staying, you can start planning what to pack and making arrangements with work and other responsibilities. There’s also an element of mental preparation. Take some time to reflect on how you’re feeling about treatment, what concerns you have and what goals you want to work on. Our Admissions Concierge Team can answer any of your questions.
Let your loved ones know that you’ll be away from home for a while to focus on your mental health. If you have pets or kids, make some arrangements with someone who can take care of them while you’re gone. You should also talk to any family or chosen family members you want to include in family therapy sessions.
Are you ready to start your Residential Treatment journey? We’re here to help you through the process so you can focus on you. Let’s schedule your assessment and talk through your options.