Group Therapy Vs Individual Therapy

There are times when the patient makes the decision to try group rather than individual therapy rather because they would rather listen and learn from those around the same age as them rather than an adult therapist. This type of therapy is often found in partial-hospitalization programs, therapeutic day and boarding schools, day treatment facilities and hospitals. In an effort to promote positive experiences and eliminate negative relationships staff members in these treatment centers ensure that their facilities are vibrant and modernized with toys, games and activities readily available. It is also essential for each staff member to convey to the patients that they can be a resource for them regardless of whether or not they are directly …show more content…
The families of bipolar patients must realize that there may come a time when their acute manic, depressed or mixed state can no longer be safely controlled at home so the only viable option is to hospitalize them. This is especially true if they start to contemplate or attempt suicide, express aggressive behavior or threaten others with assaultive behavior; or they are having a severe medication reaction or showing unusual symptoms that are too medically complicated to be treated at home; or if the bipolar disorder is further complicated by substance abuse, an eating disorder that does not respond to traditional treatment or a seizure disorder that is causing severe and medication-resistant seizures. Once the child or adolescent gets to the emergency room they will have their vital signs checked, blood and urine samples taken and be interviewed by the attending psychologist. If the attending psychologist feels as if the patient can be stabilized rather quickly and it is safe for them to return home they may be released but, if the patient is still deemed a danger to themselves and others, they may need to stay overnight for …show more content…
A partial hospitalization program provides the same services that they received during complete hospitalization while being able to live at home. For several days a week, the patient commutes to the program where they receive medical evaluations, group meetings, therapy, school, coping skills classes and recreational activities. The patient’s parents or guardians are in constant communication with the program’s psychiatrist and therapist so that they are aware of the patient’s progress, or lack thereof, and are provided with the necessary information to support this progress at home. An intensive outpatient program provides a lower level of care than partial hospitalization while still providing the clinical services necessary to continue the patient’s care. The patient usually attends the program for two to three hours a day afterschool. Both of these programs are essential to making sure that the child has the tools that they need to succeed outside of complete