We are now offering Telehealth treatment options.
If you are in school while tackling substance abuse issues in an outpatient program, chances are you are wondering how to juggle everything. From exams to meetings, it can get quite intense if you don’t schedule wisely. The good news is that most all outpatient programs are flexible and program their schedules to fit your busy lifestyle. In fact, flexibility is the key word here – you do not have to worry that juggling both will bring the other one down.
A report published by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) in 2014 says that virtually 21.5 million Americans struggle with addiction; that breaks down to eight percent of the entire U.S. population over the age of twelve. With that many people, there are going to be a large number of programs offered that meet the needs of each individual, their lifestyle, age, and circumstances. This is good news as it will ultimately help you tailor an outpatient program to your schedule.
What is outpatient treatment and what does it consist of? While they vary, the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Treatment Improvement Protocols (SAMHSA TIP) suggest they include:
- Group and individual counseling sessions
- Behavioral therapy sessions (both individual and in a group setting)
- Monitoring of alcohol and drug use
- Case management
- Medical and mental health treatment
- Pharmacological tools
- Life skills trainings
- Educational opportunities
- Support group meetings
- Access to 24-hour crisis management
Have Questions? We Can Help!
Call (805) 874-5922 to speak with a treatment specialist about program schedules.
Other program offerings may include nutritional services, fitness programs, childcare services, vocational training, anger management classes, family programs, and more. Expect regular drug testing to uphold program rules and to maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle.
At Mission Harbor you will participate in therapy and counseling sessions where you will learn better ways to manage your stress, communicate, and improve both the way you solve problems and your coping skills. You will learn ways to help turn negative behavior and thoughts into positive and healthy ones. If you’re struggling with addiction, you will benefit from group sessions where other clients share their insights and you share yours.
There are many items that will come with preparing to receive treatment at Mission Harbor. From creating schedules, to communicating with your work, we will help guide you through everything that needs to be covered.
In a nutshell, you’ll need to:
Develop a Support System (Friends, Family, Work)
Choose the Right/Best Program for You at the Facility
Manage/Schedule Your Time
Set Boundaries
Practice Self-Care
Stay Focused
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) suggests that addiction treatment programs should run for 90 days (at least) and encourages patients to remain in treatment for additional time to ensure a better chance of recovery.
Again according to SAMHSA TIP, an intensive outpatient program can be anywhere from 6-30 hours a week. But again, the facility will work with you, and help you schedule a program that fits your busy school schedule without adding additional pressures. You have choices like: day or night sessions, 3-hour blocks or 4-hour blocks, alternate days or every day. Our specialists are here to help you make these decisions in a way that benefits you, and your recovery, most.
This information is provided by Mission Harbor Behavioral Health as an informational resource for college students residing in Santa Barbara. The treatment programs at Mission Harbor are not directly affiliated with any university, however, we offer outpatient mental health services specifically tailored for active college students.