Intensive therapy refers to a special delivery system for mental health care, which is usually higher in duration, amount, frequency or scope compared to traditional mental health therapy. It includes some of the most advanced models of cognitive therapy, psychotherapy, biofeedback, neuropsychological assessment and behavior modification. It also includes such methods as psychodynamic education, art therapy, family therapy, interpersonal skills training, sports psychology and social psychology. The most common areas where intensive therapy services are offered include psychiatric, forensic and clinical psychology, geriatric, nursing home, nursing and developmental, pre-clinical, prevention, public health and wellness, research and service delivery. See this page for more about intensive therapy.
Typically, intensive therapy takes longer to deliver than traditional therapies. The main reason is that in intensive therapy, therapists have to work closely with their clients so that they can explore the root causes of the patient's problems. Intensive therapies are often conducted over several months and are focused on one problem area at a time. It is not uncommon to last up to twelve weeks.
In intensive therapy for anxiety and depressive disorders, the first step involves the immediate engagement and analysis of the patient's psychological, emotional, physical and neurological processes. This helps the therapist to identify and treat the underlying cause of the patient's problems. It is then followed by implementing cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and biofeedback in order to reduce the client's stress, improve their coping skills and improve their self-esteem and confidence. In many cases, the intensity of the therapy may vary from one person to another depending on their symptoms and the therapist's assessment of their needs.
Some people prefer inpatient treatment and partial hospitalization programs. In inpatient, intensive therapy, the most common form, the client remains in the inpatient unit throughout the course of treatment. This is usually due to the nature of the therapy and the time required to help a client fully recover. Some other forms of intensive therapy retreat are short term in outpatient settings, where the length of time is typically less than a week. The length of time varies widely between clinics and hospitals and is typically related to the severity of the disorder for which the patient requires inpatient treatment.
If you or someone you know is looking for an inpatient treatment program, it is best to consult your local Treatment Programs Office and inquire about the different intensive therapy programs that are offered in your area. In some cases, intensive therapy may be offered as an outpatient procedure. Many therapists and mental health professionals offer this type of outpatient therapy for their clients. To learn more about outpatient therapy and to determine if it is a good fit for you or someone you know, contact your local Treatment Programs Office.
If you or someone you know requires intensive therapy, make sure to do your research and find a therapist who has experience and who is committed to providing the best care possible. You should be able to speak with the therapists and they should have extensive experience treating this disorder. Check for a psychologist or psychiatrist who has completed a Master's degree in Mental Health Therapy, a PhD or PsyD and is Board Certified. A psychologist or psychiatrist who is board certified will have many years of experience treating and supporting individuals with this disorder. This type of counselor will work with the client on a one on one basis and be available to them for at least one phone consultation per week. Here is a post with general information about therapy, check it out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Therapy.
