Combined with an ongoing pandemic, influx of new residents, and turmoil in the world today- mental health centers have never been more in demand. In fact, data from the National Alliance on Mental Health shows that one in five people across the United States experience some form of mental health challenge each year. With such a huge fold of people experiencing such challenges every year, ist comes as no surprise then that mental health demands integrated care. While some mental health disorders are singular or specific to one, a significant number of diagnoses are not. Most are co-occurring with other afflicting ailments such as diabetes, obesity, or even cancer. Sending those individuals then finding inpatient mental health centers in Texas to different doctors and locations across a fragmented network only worsens their condition. Luckily, Texas wants to lead the way on integrated mental health care for all of their residents seeking recovery. No matter the mental health disorder, or severity. And Omega Recovery wants to be the inpatient center that gives the support needed by their clients – the care they’ve been searching for and deserve.
Questions To Ask A Potential Inpatient Mental Health Center In Texas
In finding inpatient mental health centers in Texas, you will see that not all will offer the same forms or treatment, care, or quarters. While almost all will offer some very common and well known programs used in improving mental health, some will offer unique forms of therapy as well. But, how does one find those particulars out? Ask! One of the most important things an individual seeking recovery can do is ask questions! This is especially true for anyone new to the inpatient experience, whether for themselves or someone they care about needing help. Below are examples of great questions to ask any potential inpatient mental health center in Texas before admitting oneself to the recovery process.
1. What type of licensing or accreditation does the mental health center have?
Inpatient mental health centers in Texas will provide programs that may qualify for a number of different types of accreditation or licensure. These agencies include the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the American Medical Accreditation Program (AMAP), the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission/Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (AAHC/URAC), and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory HealthCare (AAAHC). In addition, the Foundation for Accountability (FACCT) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). All of these accreditations play important roles in ensuring the quality of mental health care provided by a particular center in Texas.
2. Does the inpatient center use science or evidence-based treatment methods?
When it comes to mental health there are different modalities of treatments available, from science-based methods to evidence-based methods. Some treatment approaches may sound good in writing, or on a screen. But, a good question to ask on your search in finding inpatient mental health centers in Texas is what are outcomes and success rates? Most often, if your family doctor recommended treatment for a serious infection, she would share the results of that treatment in clinical trials. Therefore, so should the same be done for inpatient mental health treatments, as you can apply these same standards to psychiatric care. Upon finding inpatient mental health centers in Texas, you will see successful programs most often offer evidence-based treatments. Be sure that the inpatient mental health center assigns a specific therapeutic approach to each client based on diagnoses, symptoms, and goals. With clinical staff having received training in these specific methodologies, as they have been shown to be effective when used as indicated. Therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and 12-step approaches have been studied extensively and are therefore often utilized.
3. What is the effectiveness of the programs offered at the mental health center in Texas?
On your journey in finding inpatient mental health centers in Texas, look beyond client demographics. Asking if the programs offered provide ‘pre’ and ‘post’ treatment evaluations is one way to determine effectiveness. Outcomes research is an integral part of the evidence-based psychiatric treatment programs offered by the best inpatient mental health centers in Texas. Remember that evidence-based therapies used to treat a diagnosis that is not indicated, may not produce the intended outcomes. Not only is a serious mental health diagnosis a chronic illness, but also an intensive recovery process. Inpatient mental health centers should offer Intensive psychiatric programs that are hard work for the client in recovery. Be wary of treatment programs that promise an easy fix when finding inpatient mental health centers in Texas.
4. Are there different programs offered ensuring a good fit for the client?
To what extent is the inpatient mental health treatment program tailored to the individual client? Is it more of a one-size-fits-all approach where all clients participate in the same curriculum? Or are therapeutic approaches and supporting activities individualized based on current symptoms and challenges? There is no “one-size fits all” mental health treatment program, and how could there be when each of us is so unique. Perhaps a working farm community sounds great for you, but may not offer enough structure for a loved one. Remember that some clients are gender shy, and may be more comfortable in a female-only or male-only program. Most individuals struggling with mental health have specific needs based on their diagnosis, concerns, and lifestyle. If spirituality is important for example, understand how the program includes or excludes a client’s faith or spirituality in treatment. Understanding your options in programs offered will give insight in which center is a good fit or a potential waste of resources.
5. Are families allowed to participate in treatment?
Family involvement can be a crucial part of the mental health recovery process for some clients, while distancing is crucial for others. During the admission and assessment process, input from family members can give the clinical team a more robust picture of a client’s history of symptoms and treatment, challenges, and strengths. Be sure to ask how much input families have in the assessment process when finding inpatient mental health centers in Texas. With some inpatient mental health centers, families are encouraged to fully engage in treatment with clients. Ask if the center offers any support groups or education opportunities for families as part of its mental health treatment programs.
6. What does a typical day look like at the potential facility for a client?
In finding inpatient mental health centers in Texas, they may all offer different kinds of programs, activities, and varying degrees of structure. Asking a staff member of the center to see a sample daily or weekly schedule is a great way to see what clients will endure during their treatment. Evaluate the schedule based on your understanding of your loved one’s needs for structure, supervision, physical activity, and social interaction. Question can be:
- Do daily activities vary, or does each day seem the same?
- Consider the mix of talk therapy, hands-on or expressive therapies, and physical activity.
- Is one-on-one time with dedicated therapists or psychiatrists offered daily?
- Are most groups generalized for the whole patient population, or are clients offered opportunities for specialized therapy and learning?
- Outside of traditional therapeutic treatment hours, how are clients encouraged to socialize on evenings and weekends?
- Are off-campus activities in the community offered for clients?
If you or someone you love is on the hunt in finding inpatient mental health centers in Texas, take note of what each center can offer for your specific needs. Inpatient treatment is nothing more and nothing less than this – a short stop to get the help you need to get through a crisis. But, that simple fact means it could be what saves your own life, or someone you love. And Omega Recovery is there, every step of the way.
