The Impact of Family Involvement in Outpatient Care

In the mental health realm, it is a well-known statistic that nearly 20% of people will suffer from a mental health condition during their lifetime. 

A lesser known statistic, however, is that roughly half of all mental health disorders have their onset in the mid-teen years. This goes to show just how important it is to address mental health concerns early on.

For parents with concerns about their child’s mental health, outpatient programs may be an ideal solutions. Branches Excel Fort Worth’s outpatient programs equip children and their fmailies with the tools they need to enact long-term improvements. This include family involvement during outpatient treatment.

The Impact of Child Mental Health Challenges on Families

Child mental health concerns can have a significant impact on famiy dynamics. Parents may notice abrupt behavioral change in their child, such as social withdrawal/isolation, lashing out and difficulty concentrating or sleeping. These changes can also have a negative impact on their education.

Parents, as a result, may experience increased stress, worry and frustration as they attempt to navigate their child’s mental health. These difficult emotions can lead to emotional burnout and, depending on the severity of the child’s behavioral changes, hopelessness. 

This is where outpatient services come in. Outpatient services provide families with the support and resources they need to help them navigate their child’s mental health challenges. Mental health outpatient treatment typically includes family therapy, which can provide a safe space for parents and their children to address their concerns, improve communication and develop actionable coping strategies. 

Mental Health Outpatient Treatment For Families

Mental health outpatient programs are designed to provide support and treatment for people struggling with mild to moderate mental health challenges. These programs offer a less intensive level of care compared to inpatient programs, enabling patients to continue their daily routines while receiving treatment. Family involvement in these programs can greatly enhance the effectiveness of treatment and support long-term recovery.

Family therapy

One way parents can be involved in their child’s mental health recovery is through family therapy. Family therapy sessions provide a supportive and understanding environment for family members to discuss their feelings and understand their child’s mental health challenges.

In family therapy, parents can learn actionable ways to support their child’s mental health beyond outpatient treatment. This may include helping their child practice healthy habits, providing emotional support or simply being an active listener in times of need.

Family therapy, furthermore, emphasizes the entire family unit in the healing process. It acknowledges that when one family member faces challenges, others may also be affected.

Benefits Of Family Participation In Outpatient Treatment

Family members, especially parents, can serve as a valuable resource for children dealing with mental illness. They can provide many benefits to the outpatient treatment process, incluiding:

Emotional support

Parents can provide emotional support to their child in outpatient treatment, offering comfort, encouragement and understanding as they go through the recovery process.

Assistance with day-to-day tasks

Sometimes, when children struggle with their mental health it can be difficult for them to fully carry out their day-to-day tasks on their own. When parents are involved in their child’s recovery, they can better empathize with their child’s struggles.

Furthermore, when parents are involved in the outpatient treatment journey, they can also hlep their child by ensuring that they’re able to regularly attend therapy appointments and take any medication prescribed by their mental health professional. 

Establishing routines

Another benefits of family involvement in outpatient programs is that parents and their child can begin to better understand the importance of establishing routines. Establishing routines provides a sense of stability, which can lead to improvements in your child’s mental health journey.

Identifying triggers and warning signs

At first, it can be difficult to notice the subtle signs that may indicate a problem with your child’s mental well-being.

Outpatient treatment can help you identify these signs and teach you how to avoid triggers for declining mental health symptoms.

By recognizing these signs, parents can take action early on to help their child get the care they need.

Implementing coping strategies

Being involved in your child’s outpatient mental health treatment also gives you an opportunity to learn and practice healthy coping strategies. This way, if their mental health seems to be declining you can jump in to provide some actionable strategies to help.

Conflict resolution

Outpatient treatment sessions may also act as an outlet to address conflicts within the family. Take this opportunity to truly listen to your child and hear their concerns. This process may be uncomfortable for you in the moment, but can lead to long-term healthier relationships.

Branches Excel Fort Worth Cares

Family participation in outpatient treatment can be emotionally difficult. However, the potential benefits and long-term impacts on your child’s mental health cannot be understated.

At Branches Excel Fort Worth, we care about your child’s wellbeing. Located in Forth Worth, Texas, we provide outpatient treatment to children ages 5-18 in a compassionate and understanding environment.

We are here to help. Reach out at (817) 335-6429 to get in touch with us today.

If you think you or your child is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 or get to the nearest emergency room.

For medical emergencies, call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room.