If you’re struggling with your mental health but know that hospitalization isn’t for you, there are alternative options that don’t require you to leave home for an extended period. Miramont Behavioral Health offers a home-away-from-home solution in Waukesha, WI, that could help you balance your mental health with everyday life.
Through outpatient treatment, you can receive high-quality care for challenges like anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or substance use disorder (SUD), all without putting your life on hold.
This blog can help you understand what Miramont’s outpatient treatment looks like, what the research says about the benefits of these programs, and why they might be the right next step for you or someone you care about in Waukesha or Middleton.
What Is Intensive Outpatient Treatment in Waukesha, WI?
Outpatient care typically includes two main approaches: a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Both options are for adults or adolescents who may need more than just a weekly therapy session but don’t need to stay overnight in a hospital.
You might enter outpatient care directly after an assessment or step down into it after a stay in residential or inpatient treatment. Either way, the goal is the same: to help you feel more stable in your everyday life.
You’ll find that both options usually include some variation of:
- Group therapy sessions
- Ongoing physician oversight
- Medication management
- Psychoeducation and relapse prevention
- Nutritionally balanced lunch and snacks
- Transportation help if needed
- A possible telehealth option for those who qualify
Whether you’re working through psychosis, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, or thoughts of self-harm, outpatient care at Miramont focuses on helping you find stability and move toward a more functional everyday life experience.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers full-day support without overnight stays. You’ll attend 5 days a week for about 6 hours a day, returning home in the evenings. This option is great for anyone with primary psychiatric conditions who needs daily structure and close attention.
PHP gives you consistent, comprehensive care, often through combining evidence-based methods like:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Group process therapy
- Holistic practices like yoga or art therapy
- Individual therapy
- Medication management
PHP is ideal for someone just coming out of inpatient treatment or even just trying to prevent a crisis. Some people use PHP to transition smoothly from inpatient care back into their home lives. Others might see it as a starting point when looking for supplemental support beyond regular therapy and medication.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a bit more flexible. It can run 5 days per week, usually for 3 hours a day, giving you space to manage work, family, or school while still receiving other forms of structured support. IOP works well if you’ve made some progress and no longer need a full-day PHP.
If your symptoms feel manageable, but you’re still struggling to stay balanced, IOP could give you the extra structure you need. You’ll work on recovery goals, build daily skills, and stay connected to licensed professionals without giving up your routine at home.
IOP typically involves:
- A minimum of 9 hours per week for adults
- Flexible schedules that let you keep up with family or work
- A strong peer community for support and growth
This level of care may be a good fit if you’ve already spent time in therapy or PHP, or if you’re trying to avoid a more intensive stay.
Research on Intensive Outpatient Programs
Research shows that intensive outpatient treatment can lead to real improvements in mental health, especially for people dealing with multiple conditions. A recent study of individuals who went through a 2-week IOP found significant reductions in symptoms of PTSD, depression, and substance use. Participants also reported feeling more satisfied in their daily lives.
Based on the study, might benefit from IOPs because:
- They may help reduce treatment drop-out rates compared to weekly sessions
- They can help you focus intensely for a short time without hospitalizing
- They often support recovery across multiple mental health challenges at once
Another study looked at Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), which can include structured programs like PHP and IOP, often under court order. It found meaningful results, including:
- Over 24% improvement in treatment attendance
- Reduced hospitalization rates and fewer nights spent in inpatient care
- Over 19% reduction in violence and more than 24% reduction in suicidal ideation
- A 14% drop in drug use and a 12% decrease in houselessness
Explore Outpatient Treatment With Miramont
If you’ve felt stuck or overwhelmed by your mental health symptoms, outpatient treatment might offer a manageable and effective way forward. Whether you’re coming out of inpatient treatment or have no need for it, Miramont’s outpatient services in Wisconsin can help you find your footing. Contact us today to learn if PHP or IOP might be the right fit for your recovery path.
