Outpatient therapy in Orange County

When to consider it

Signs outpatient therapy may be the right level

Outpatient therapy may be the right level of care if some of these signs sound like you.

• 01

  You call, or send the form

  You tell admissions what is happening and whether you think outpatient therapy might fit.

• 02

  We check your benefits

  With your permission, we contact your insurer and find out what your plan covers.

• 03

  You hear what it means

  Admissions explains your deductible, your copay and which level of care your plan supports, in plain terms.

• 04

  You decide

  If you want to go ahead, admissions walks you through what happens next.

• Is outpatient therapy the same as therapy?

  Mostly, yes. Outpatient therapy means regular sessions while you live at home, as opposed to a program that takes most of your day.

• What do you do in outpatient therapy?

  You talk with a licensed therapist about what is going on, set goals, and learn skills you practice between sessions. Some sessions may include group or family therapy.

• What qualifies as outpatient treatment?

  Any care you receive while living at home counts as outpatient, from regular therapy sessions to IOP and PHP. Outpatient therapy is the lightest of these levels.

• How is outpatient therapy different from an intensive outpatient program?

  An intensive outpatient program takes part of the day on several days a week. Outpatient therapy is regular sessions, often once a week, so it asks less of your schedule.

• Who is a good fit for outpatient therapy rather than IOP?

  People whose symptoms are steady enough to manage between sessions, and people stepping down after IOP or PHP, are often a good fit. Admissions can help you decide.

• What signs suggest it is time to move from outpatient therapy to IOP?

  Symptoms that are getting worse between sessions, trouble getting through the day, or a return to drinking or drug use are signs you may need more support.

• What happens if my symptoms get worse during outpatient therapy?

  Your therapist can talk with you about moving up to IOP or PHP, then back down when you are steadier. If you may not be safe right now, call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.

• Can outpatient therapy include CBT, DBT or EMDR?

  Yes. Our therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and EMDR, depending on what you are working on.

• Is virtual outpatient therapy an option?

  Yes, for people who live in California. Your therapist has to be licensed where you live, and admissions confirms that on the call.

• Can family members take part in outpatient therapy?

  Yes. Family therapy sessions can include parents, partners or other family members, when involving them would help.

• Can I keep working or going to school during outpatient therapy?

  Yes. Outpatient therapy is designed to fit around work, school and home, and you set the session times with your therapist.

• Does outpatient therapy help with both mental health and substance use?

  It can. When you have both, our dual diagnosis care treats them together in one plan, and outpatient therapy supports long-term recovery after a higher level of care.

• Do I need medical detox before outpatient therapy?

  Only if your body depends on alcohol or drugs. In that case medical detox comes first, and admissions plans the next level of care, such as residential treatment or PHP.

• Do you accept insurance for outpatient therapy?

  Yes. Enhance is in network with most insurance plans, and admissions can verify your benefits before you start. Benefits vary, and verification is not a guarantee of coverage.

• What happens during the admissions process?

  You call or send the form, admissions checks your benefits and explains them, and you decide whether to go ahead. Nothing starts until you say so.