Mental Health Treatment Centers
Compare 5 levels of care: Inpatient, PHP, IOP, Outpatient, and Residential. Detailed guide with costs, insurance coverage, and when to consider each option.
Treatment centers provide specialized care. Whether you need intensive inpatient care, flexible outpatient services, or residential treatment, these resources help you find facilities that match your needs and insurance coverage.
Understanding Treatment Options
Compare different levels of care to find what matches your needs
Treatment centers offer different levels of care. This comparison helps you understand the differences and determine which level might be appropriate for your situation.
This information is educational only. A professional should assess your specific needs and recommend the appropriate level of care.
Inpatient/Residential
Who It's For:
Individuals who need 24-hour care and supervision due to severe symptoms or safety concerns
Structure:
24/7 medical and psychiatric care in a hospital or residential facility. Includes individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and structured activities.
Duration:
Typically 1-4 weeks, depending on needs and progress
Typical Cost:
$500-$1,500 per day ($15,000-$45,000 per month)
Insurance Coverage:
Usually covered by insurance with pre-authorization. May have limits on length of stay.
When to Consider:
- •Risk of harm to self or others
- •Severe symptoms interfering with basic functioning
- •Need for medication stabilization
- •Outpatient treatment hasn't been effective
- •Require 24/7 medical monitoring
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Who It's For:
Individuals who need intensive treatment but can safely return home at night
Structure:
Treatment 5-7 days per week, 6-8 hours per day. Includes therapy, medication management, and skill-building. Return home in evenings.
Duration:
Typically 2-6 weeks
Typical Cost:
$300-$600 per day
Insurance Coverage:
Often covered as a step-down from inpatient or alternative to hospitalization
When to Consider:
- •Symptoms are severe but you're not at immediate risk
- •Transitioning from inpatient care
- •Need more support than outpatient can provide
- •Have a safe home environment
- •Can manage evenings and nights independently
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Who It's For:
Individuals who need structured treatment but can maintain some daily activities
Structure:
Treatment 3-5 days per week, 3-4 hours per day. Includes group therapy, individual therapy, and skill development. Attend while living at home.
Duration:
Typically 6-12 weeks
Typical Cost:
$200-$400 per day
Insurance Coverage:
Usually covered with pre-authorization
When to Consider:
- •Symptoms are manageable but need regular support
- •Stepping down from PHP
- •Need more than weekly therapy
- •Can manage daily responsibilities with support
- •Want to maintain work or school
Outpatient Therapy
Who It's For:
Individuals with stable symptoms who need ongoing support and treatment
Structure:
Individual therapy sessions, typically 1-2 times per week, 45-60 minutes each. May include medication management appointments.
Duration:
Ongoing, from months to years depending on needs
Typical Cost:
$100-$250 per session
Insurance Coverage:
Usually covered with copay or coinsurance
When to Consider:
- •Symptoms are stable or mild
- •Maintenance after higher level of care
- •Working on specific goals
- •Functioning well in daily life
- •Need periodic support and guidance
Residential Treatment (Long-term)
Who It's For:
Individuals who need extended structured environment for recovery
Structure:
24/7 care in a non-hospital setting. Focus on life skills, therapy, and community living. Less medically intensive than inpatient.
Duration:
Typically 30-90 days, sometimes longer
Typical Cost:
$10,000-$60,000 per month
Insurance Coverage:
Limited coverage; often requires out-of-pocket payment or special authorization
When to Consider:
- •Need extended time away from triggering environment
- •Require structure to develop coping skills
- •Transitioning from inpatient care
- •Co-occurring conditions need integrated treatment
- •Previous shorter-term treatment hasn't been sufficient
How to Determine the Right Level of Care
Healthcare providers use several factors to recommend treatment level:
Severity of Symptoms
How much symptoms interfere with daily functioning, work, relationships, and self-care
Safety Concerns
Risk of harm to self or others, ability to maintain safety
Support System
Availability of family, friends, or other supports outside of treatment
Previous Treatment
What has or hasn't worked in the past
Medical Needs
Need for medication management or monitoring of physical health
Motivation and Engagement
Ability to participate actively in treatment
Functional Impairment
Impact on work, school, relationships, and daily activities
How to Find Treatment Centers
Resources for locating mental health treatment facilities:
SAMHSA Treatment Locator
Searchable directory of mental health and substance use treatment facilities nationwide.
Visit Website →1-800-662-4357 (24/7)
Psychology Today Treatment Centers
Directory of treatment centers with detailed information about programs and specialties.
Visit Website →Mental Health America
Resources for finding treatment and support services in your community.
Visit Website →Your Insurance Provider
Contact your insurance company for a list of in-network treatment facilities.
Ask about coverage levels, pre-authorization requirements, and out-of-pocket costs
Choosing a Treatment Center
Important factors to consider when selecting a facility:
- Accreditation and licensing
- Specialized programs for your condition
- Treatment approaches and philosophies
- Staff credentials and experience
- Insurance acceptance and costs
- Location and accessibility
- Amenities and environment
- Family involvement opportunities
- Aftercare and continuing support
- Success rates and outcomes data
Questions to Ask
Important questions when evaluating treatment centers:
Treatment Approach
- •What treatment modalities do you use?
- •How is the treatment plan individualized?
- •What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
- •Are evidence-based practices used?
Logistics
- •What insurance do you accept?
- •What are the total costs?
- •How long is the typical stay?
- •What is the daily schedule like?
Staff & Credentials
- •What are the qualifications of the staff?
- •Is there 24/7 medical supervision?
- •Are psychiatrists available?
- •What is the staff turnover rate?
Specialized Treatment Programs
Many centers offer programs tailored to specific needs:
- ✓Adolescent and young adult programs
- ✓Women's or men's only programs
- ✓LGBTQ+ affirming programs
- ✓Trauma-focused treatment
- ✓Dual diagnosis (mental health + substance use)
- ✓Eating disorder programs
- ✓Veterans programs
- ✓Executive/professional programs
Payment & Insurance
Understanding costs and coverage:
- Verify your insurance benefits before admission
- Ask about in-network vs. out-of-network coverage
- Inquire about sliding scale fees or payment plans
- Check if pre-authorization is required
- Understand what services are covered
- Ask about financial assistance programs
- Consider state-funded treatment options if uninsured
This page provides general information about mental health treatment centers. Always verify facility credentials, licensing, and insurance coverage. If you're in crisis, call 988 or visit your nearest emergency room.