Healthy Tips
2. Local Therapist (or Online)
Mental health support, first steps. Asking the right questions will help you find the right therapist. Often covered by insurance.
3. Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
Therapy at this level is for more severe needs. Finding either online or local services can make a big difference. IOP is similar to a Local Therapist but has a more “wrap-around” approach whether in-person or online. Sessions are 3-5 times per week and focus on stabilization and support. The IOP process, similar to a Local Therapist, is regularly covered by insurance.
4. Wilderness Treatment— First Stop for Inpatient
Wilderness treatment helps children understand that they need help. A wilderness experience is important for youth as it helps them understand that their needs can’t be blamed on friends, parents, family, drugs, etc. It is their problem to face. Wilderness sometimes is the only therapy needed, often needs to be coupled with a Residential Treatment Care (RTC) experience for longterm tools and lifestyles. If you need help choosing a wilderness experience, begin here. Not typically covered by insurance.
5. Inpatient Residential Treatment Care (RTC)
Inpatient Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) provide short-term, intensive therapeutic care for students who need a higher level of clinical support than outpatient services, IOP, or PHP can offer. RTCs focus on stabilizing immediate concerns, supporting medication management, and teaching essential emotional and behavioral skills in a highly structured, 24/7 environment. Many RTCs prefer or require that a student has already completed wilderness therapy or another stabilization program before admission. If you need help choosing an RTC, you can begin here. These programs are usually only partially covered by insurance.
RTCs who have committed to higher clinical standards:
6. Hospitalization
Hospitalization is an option at any level, but is used less than all the other options. Proactive treatment, healthy habits and medication control can help prevent the need for hospitalized care. When is hospitalization needed? This is a case by case decision. If your child is actively suicidal or caught in an attempt, it is needed. If you think a manic episode or suicidal attempt is imminent, hospitalization is likely necessary. Often covered by insurance.
