Getting OCD Treatment For Your Teen: How Intensive Outpatient Treatment Works
If your teenager has been recently diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), then you may feel a little lost and confused as far as how you can help them deal with this condition. There are many treatment options out there for teens with OCD, but if you are looking for something that does not require them to stay in a facility full-time, an intensive outpatient treatment center may be the best option for them. Learn more about how intensive outpatient treatment works. Then, you can be sure your teenager with OCD is getting the best possible help for them and their mental health.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment Is Usually 6-8 Hours a Day
When your teen goes to an intensive outpatient treatment center, they will usually spend between 6 and 8 hours a day there in treatment. It is basically the equivalent of a school day for your child. This allows your teen to get that intensive treatment they need.
The schedule will include a break for lunch and various shorter breaks throughout the day. This allows your child to get up and move around if needed between sessions to keep themselves awake and sharp.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment Involves Many Sessions
Intensive outpatient treatment is not just one big, long, boring class at a treatment center. Instead, your child will get to partake in several different treatment sessions throughout the day.
One may focus on learning some of the facts about their disorder. Another may use cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to help address certain symptoms and patterns. And still another may focus on healthy living skills to help with mental health.
This variety of information every day will help to keep your child engaged with their treatment and and will help them learn a variety of techniques and coping skills to help them deal with their OCD outside of the intensive outpatient treatment center. They will also get psychiatric care while in treatment which can help with symptom management as well.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment Can Last Several Weeks
The length of time your teen spends in an intensive outpatient treatment center depends on them and their progress through treatment. Some people are only in intensive outpatient treatment for a few days, but generally this is not recommended.
In order to get the most out of intensive outpatient treatment, it is often recommended that teens stay in treatment for an extended period of time. Do not let your teen try to rush themselves out of treatment if they are not actually ready to try to manage their OCD at home full-time.
Now that you know how intensive outpatient treatment works, you can be sure your teen with OCD is getting the help they need from an intensive outpatient treatment center.
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