Mental health is a global conversation that deserves attention because it affects how we see ourselves, how we see the world and how we relate to others. According to the CDC, mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being and is important at any age and any stage of life — from childhood to adulthood.

While we might not necessarily be able to see its impact, our mental health affects every aspect of our lives. TriStar Health offers a variety of services to provide support and healing in a way that works best for you.

What mental health services are available at TriStar Health?

At any one of our behavioral health — or mental health — facilities, both inpatient and outpatient programs are offered. What’s the difference between our programs? To help walk us through these programs and their benefits to those seeking mental health care, we spoke with Catherine Solimani, director of clinical services at TriStar Centennial Parthenon Pavilion.

Inpatient programs

Inpatient psychiatric treatment

Solimani notes that inpatient psychiatric treatment is offered for patients who may be experiencing a mental health crisis and are unable to maintain safety in their community or home. This program treats those with an immediate need for stabilization. The length of stay can average from three to 10 days. Treatments include both group and one-on-one therapy, alternative therapy nutrition and medication management.

Outpatient programs

TriStar Health’s outpatient programs provide treatment for people struggling with a broad range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, substance abuse, stress disorders and more.

“You might qualify for our outpatient programs if you’re seeking treatment for a mental health diagnosis, or if you’re having trouble managing stress or regulating emotions in your daily life,” Solimani noted.

Outpatient programs are also excellent stepping stones for those leaving inpatient hospitalization or residential treatment. At TriStar Health, we offer two types of outpatient programs, Partial Hospitalization Programs and Intensive Outpatient Programs.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Partial hospitalization programs give patients the structure of an inpatient program while allowing them to return home after treatment. Patients are able to remain safe in their day-to-day environments but still need intensive treatment. Services offered include daily group therapy sessions, medication management and, sometimes, family sessions.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs allow patients to learn coping skills while putting them into practice in real-world scenarios. It includes group therapy sessions three to four days per week.

Types of therapy offered

Through TriStar Health’s mental health programs, patients are treated using a variety of therapies, including:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
• Psychodrama
• Trauma-informed care
• Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Pet therapy
• Seeking safety
• Family systems
• Relapse prevention
• Expressive therapies
• Relaxation
• Mindfulness
• Leisure education
• Yoga
• Communication skills
• Grief support

Mental health treatment

Outpatient programs are designed to bridge the gap between inpatient, or residential treatment and the home. Follow-up is recommended after receiving acute inpatient mental health treatment. Outpatient programs help continue to build on the skills learned while providing support to the patient as they acclimate back to their daily lives.

Outpatient programs also provide patients more intensive treatment options at a more frequent rate, addressing symptoms that could lead to crisis if left unchecked.

How do different mental health treatment options tie together?

Typically, visits to a psychiatrist take place monthly. These visits exclusively focus on medication management and are not meant to provide therapy. One-on-one visits with a therapist or counselor usually occur weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.

Partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs are group therapy models that a patient participates in multiple days a week, allowing them to receive more supportive and intensive treatment. The group therapy environment acts as a support network and sounding board for participants. Group members often help each other uncover specific ideas for improving a difficult situation or life challenge. 

Benefits of an outpatient program and community outreach

Solimani says our teams see a number of success stories when patients take advantage of our outpatient programs. Patients experience improvements with depression and anxiety, improved ability to function in daily life, building positive relationships and maintaining sobriety.

“At TriStar Health, we not only strive to provide quality and accessible treatment for people seeking mental health help, but we also work to give back to our community. Whether through quarterly community seminars or offering our Critical Incident Stress Debriefings and Counseling program to local first responders, we aim support and offer commitment to our community,” said Solimani.

How to seek help for mental health

TriStar Health’s goal is to meet every patient where they are and make them feel accepted and cared for. We want to help break the stigma associated with mental health conditions, and we understand that mental illness touches us all. Once mental health symptoms begin to affect your daily life, it’s time to seek help.

Know that you have options for care.

1. Schedule a free intake with one of our programs. If our program is not the best fit for you, we will assist you in identifying the appropriate level of care and options available.
2. Contact your insurance provider to understand your mental health coverage plan.
3. Check with your employer’s human resources team to see if you have an employee assistance program (EAP) with free mental health sessions.
4. Contact your community mental health agency for resources.
5. If you are in crisis, go to your nearest emergency room. 

You can always call our outpatient specialists for a free telephone assessment at 615.342.7416. If someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, call the 988 Lifeline any time.