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What is the Process for Outpatient Mental Health Services in California?

Finding the proper support when you or a loved one faces a mental health challenge is often the first, most crucial step toward healing. The process for accessing outpatient mental health services in California can appear complex at first glance. Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) understands this complexity well.

For decades, TTC has made this journey easier for many families. TTC offers integrated behavioral healthcare that addresses the community’s needs in Los Angeles County.

These services include outpatient mental health care. Indeed, outpatient mental health services offer therapy, psychiatric care, and support without the need for overnight stays. Thus, outpatient MH services allow individuals to get treatment while managing their daily responsibilities.

Outpatient Mental Health Services in California
Accessing Positive Outpatient Mental Health Services in California
TTC: Decades of Outpatient Mental Health Services in California

TTC began providing mental health services not directly tied to substance use treatment in 2003. TTC’s ongoing expansion is built on many years of delivering integrated care. Since then, TTC has greatly expanded its offerings across the region.

TTC is proud to be among the few organizations in California offering these essential services to both adults and youth. TTC’s history demonstrates its dedication to making mental wellness accessible to everyone. The organization is committed to providing whole-person, integrated care that addresses the full range of behavioral health needs, including outpatient mental health services for adults and youth.

According to a recent study published in the National Library of Medicine, “Outpatient intensive treatment programs may represent a solution for patients needing more than a treatment session once per week but less than a complex inpatient or day clinic program.”

Accessing Outpatient MH Services for Adults in California

The typical process for obtaining outpatient mental health services in California for adults starts with an initial assessment. Individuals can contact their local County Mental Health Plan (MHP) or their Medi-Cal managed care plan. Additionally, a referral from a doctor, school, or family member is also a valid option.

Step 1: Request an Assessment — An individual can call the toll-free number for their county’s mental health plan to request an assessment for Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS). For immediate, direct assistance, an individual can call TTC at (888) 777-8565. TTC makes it easy to start the journey.

Step 2: Receive Your Treatment Plan — A qualified mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment. This assessment leads to a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include therapy, medication management, and essential case management services.

Step 3: Begin Treatment — Once the plan is in place, the individual attends regular sessions and support services. TTC’s services often follow a recovery-focused approach, helping people lead productive, meaningful lives in their communities.

TTC’s Supportive Approach to Outpatient Care

At TTC, the Clinical Team understands that treatment is a team effort. It involves collaboration between the individual and their providers. The Clinical Team works with clients to focus on their personal goals and needs.

As TTC states on our website, “Outpatient services offer a supportive community that helps patients along their journey of healing. Individual, one-on-one therapy is available as a part of outpatient services. With the guidance of TTC’s experienced staff of mental health professionals, individuals discover new ways to cope, develop new skills, and gain an understanding of their issues so that they can access a path that leads to wellness and recovery.”

Thus, outpatient mental health services at TTC in California are a vital part of mental health care. TTC’s specialized outpatient programs also include Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) for individuals who need more structured support.

The Clinical Team at TTC employs evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These methods help individuals develop essential coping skills.

Stages of Outpatient Treatment for Adults

Mental health treatment is a journey with distinct phases. This journey moves beyond just starting services.

  • Engagement and Planning: The individual meets with the care team to discuss their concerns. The team works together to identify diagnoses and create an individualized treatment plan.
  • Treatment and Support: The individual participates in regular sessions, which may include individual, group, or family therapy. Support services, such as case management, are available to connect the individual with community resources.
  • Recovery Support and Maintenance: This stage focuses on maintaining progress and preventing relapse. It is all about integrating recovery into daily life and routines.
  • Adjusting the Plan: The care team regularly reviews the individual’s status. The Clinical Team at TTC quickly adjusts the plan if needs change. This ongoing focus ensures that the individual always receives the right level of support.

By working in such a precise manner, TTC can provide quality evidence-based services.

Youth Outpatient Mental Health Services in California
Accessing Youth Outpatient Mental Health Services in California
Youth Outpatient Mental Health Services in California

TTC provides dedicated youth mental health treatment. TTC supports adolescents, teenagers, and young adults from ages 8 to 20. TTC’s services are always strength-based and family-focused.

As part of TTC’s integrated youth mental health services, including outpatient support, families engage in efforts to establish healthy boundaries. Families also work to provide therapeutic assistance. TTC’s highly trained youth specialists work with families to help young people thrive and succeed.

The focus on early intervention is designed to build resilience. By enhancing resilience, youth learn to manage challenges better now and in the future. Moreover, early treatment significantly improves long-term mental health outcomes for youth, reduces crisis risk, and strengthens family stability.

It is essential to know that TTC’s youth program requires a willingness to participate. TTC believes participation is key to successful treatment outcomes. Indeed, on the TTC website, the Youth Services Clinical Staff explains:

“As an important note, the TTC program for youth is voluntary. Hence, youth in the program need to be willing to participate. As part of this process, TTC Youth Services Staff will help parents help their children. When it comes to working with you, we know how to open the door that leads to help.”

Accessible Outpatient Mental Health Services

One of TTC’s core principles is accessibility. TTC makes sure a loved one can recover without bankrupting the family. Additionally, TTC accepts Medi-Cal and often works with County Mental Health Plans (MHPs) to coordinate services.

TTC aims to remove financial barriers to treatment. Moreover, TTC believes that high-quality outpatient mental health services in California should be accessible to everyone who needs them, regardless of their financial situation.

If an individual is looking for assistance, they must remember that help is available. They should not hesitate to reach out for support. Families also need to take that key first step to help save the life of their loved one.

Outpatient Mental Health Services in California

The process of accessing outpatient mental health services in California begins with an assessment. This key step paves the way for a personalized, recovery-focused treatment plan. Tarzana Treatment Centers is ready to support individuals through every step.

TTC provides specialized, integrated care for both adults and youth. Indeed, the organization is dedicated to long-term community wellness. TTC’s emphasis on accessibility guarantees that effective treatment is within reach.

If you or someone you love needs support, TTC’s mental health professionals are ready to assist. Call Tarzana Treatment Centers today at (888) 777-8565 to speak with a professional or reach out through our website.