Understanding Mental Health Levels of Care – What Every Family Needs to Know with Melody McKibbin | inpatient vs outpatient | mental health treatment | PHP | IOP

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In this episode of the Just Therapy podcast series, I dive into the complex world of mental health care levels with my special guest, Melody McKibbin. Melody is licensed in 10 states and owns Counseling Cove, a virtual Christian counseling practice specializing in borderline personality disorder, trauma, and substance abuse. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help us better understand the different levels of mental health care, from self-help to inpatient hospitalization.

Key Takeaways:

• Levels of Mental Health Care: We explore the spectrum of care, including self-help strategies, peer-to-peer support groups, outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and inpatient hospitalization.

• Inpatient Care Demystified: Melody breaks down what happens during inpatient treatment, including the admissions process, common diagnoses, discharge planning, and what families can expect.

• GeneSight Testing: We discuss how genetic testing can help match patients with effective medications.

• Family Involvement: Melody shares how families can support their loved ones during inpatient care and highlights the importance of following discharge plans.

• The Role of Therapists: I talk with Melody about how therapists work with clients before and after inpatient treatment to ensure continuity of care and stabilization.

Melody provides clarity on this important topic, making it accessible for therapists, clients, and families alike. Whether you’re a mental health professional or someone seeking help, this episode is packed with valuable insights for navigating mental health care.

Visit Counseling Cove at counselingcove.com for more information about Melody’s virtual counseling services.

The content provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your own licensed mental health provider or medical professional regarding your specific situation.

While I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, and my guests are also professional counselors, the discussions in this podcast are meant to offer general insights and should not be taken as personalized therapeutic advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship with me or any of my guests.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or have thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact a mental health professional, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. You can also reach out