What are the levels of care in the Mental health System?

Have you ever felt an anxiety attack? They typically come on fast and without notice. Our heart pounds in our chest as we try to catch our breath only to feel like we are swallowing our words. Panic attacks are a physical manifestation of the anxiety within. Someone who is living with frequent panic attacks will tell you, it’s a medical emergency and that they need relief quickly. But with a mental health system that is hard to navigate and tougher to crack than the DaVinci Code, how is someone in that vulnerable state expected to not only find support, but once the resource is identified, they have to wait the 3-4 months it will take before the therapist has an opening.

What happens during those three months while we are waiting?

Typically, by the time the patient gets to their first outpatient appointment, they require a higher level of care, resulting in another three to four-month wait.

It’s time we get off the mental health merry-go-round and get on the bullet train to get well.

So, what are the different levels of care?

Level one: Outpatient care &/or Medication Management

This is your typical once or twice a week 45-60 minute session individually or with your family. There can also be a medication management aspect that is typically prescribed and monitored by a Psychiatrist.

Level two: Group and Outpatient Care

This is your level-one care in conjunction with a peer support group or another therapeutic support group.

Level There: Intensive Outpatient Care

This is a three-five hour group session two to three times per week. This level is best when done in conjunction with level one. This can be done virtually.

Level Four: Partial Hospitalization

This is five to seven days per week five to seven hours per day.

Level Five: Residential or In-Patient Facility

This is when the patient checks in for any length of stay. This is typically between fourteen days and up to years, depending on the program chosen and the acuity level of the patient.

Level Six: Emergency Room with Psych Hold

When mental health threatens physical health, this is considered a crisis. Crisis intervention can be self-imposed or set by a governing entity.