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Today’s guest post comes from Morgan, a college student and OCDvocate who recently shared more about her experiences as a current participant in a residential treatment program on her blog here. As Morgan describes below, various levels of care can sometimes get confusing, with people unsure of what to expect from a particular treatment approach. While Morgan is right in saying that each person’s experience is unique, she hopes sharing more about her time in a residential treatment program can help others better understand what they or a loved one might be able to expect from this particular treatment approach. Thank you, Morgan, for allowing us to share your story. 

In treating mental health problems there are different levels of care. These levels include (in increasing intensity and amount of support): outpatient, intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization, residential, and inpatient. The lingo can get a bit confusing so here are a few quick definitions.

I am currently in residential treatment. College with OCD was becoming very hard to handle and I needed to have more time to devote to exposures. Before I entered the program I didn’t really know what to expect. I want to share my experiences so far so if someone else is considering entering residential treatment they can make a more informed decision. I should note, however, that every program is a little different and this is just my experience.

What is a typical day like?

Every day is a mixture of ERP (exposure and response prevention therapy), psychoeducation groups, and free time. The day is very structured to keep us productive and to help us develop normal routines, especially a more normal sleep cycle. Here is a schedule for how a typical day goes:

8:45–9:00am — Set a goal for the day

9:00–10:00am — Psychoeducation group (example topics include mindfulness, CBT for OCD, and ACT)

10:00–12:00am — Exposure and response prevention

12:00–1:00pm — Lunch

1:00–2:00pm — Psychoeducation group (example topics include treatment motivation, relapse prevention, and sleep)

2:00–4:00pm — Exposure and response prevention

4:00–11:00pm — Dinner with staff and the other residents, free time

11:00pm — Curfew to be in your room (On the weekend, this is extended to midnight)

During the week, you also meet with your behavioral therapist three times. Two nights each week, we eat out and have some sort of social outing that we agreed upon such as going to a museum, seeing a movie, etc.

How much freedom do you have?

The structure and rules can be intimidating at first, but you get used to it fairly quickly. Even though a good portion of the day is scheduled for you, I still feel like I have a great deal of freedom. During exposure time, I get to choose what I want to work on. In the evening, I have plenty of free time to read or call friends. We are not locked in, and I can leave the house, as long as I’m back before 11. It’s also common to leave the house for an exposure or to take a walk for behavioral activation. Sometimes I even go to a dance class!

Is it intense?

Yes, it is intense, but it is also manageable. They wouldn’t push us to do more than we can handle. Four hours of exposures a day does get tiring, but I try to keep in mind why I am here and all that I can gain by working hard. There is also a great deal of support available. Staff is accessible 24 hours a day to assist with exposures or to just talk. During exposure time, staff are there if you have questions, want help deciding what to work on, or if you want someone to sit with you while you do the exposure. Additionally, being around other people with OCD who are doing their own exposures helps. We can relate to each other, which is comforting and motivating.

Can you have fun?

Yes, you can absolutely still have fun when you are in treatment! In fact, I think it’s critical to have fun in the evenings after a long day of exposures so you are ready and motivated again the next day. To have fun, I watch movies, play Wii with the other residents, read, and do art — anything to have a little relaxation time. Also the two social outings a week are great ways to take a break and get out of the house. I’ve loved visiting local restaurants and going bowling, among other things.

Hopefully this provided some clarity about what residential treatment is like. If anyone has other specific questions, feel free to ask them in the comments!

If you’re interested in finding a residential treatment program in your area for you or a loved one, the IOCDF maintains a list of clinics that offer a residential treatment option, available here. Make sure to visit an individual program’s website if you have questions about a specific option or to determine whether it’s the best fit for the type of treatment you’re interested in. 

5 Comments

  • Chris osgood

    I need information on intensive in and up patient OCad treatment for teenagers pls.

    Reply
  • Linda Poindexter

    My 32-year old daughter has severe OCD problems that have caused her to lose jobs. I would like information about treatment for her. She lives in Portland, Oregon and has OHP insurance.

    Reply
    • Sydney Nolan

      Hi Linda — you can contact our office at (617) 973-5801 or email info@iocdf.org and a staff member can help you find information about treatment for your daughter in her area.

      Reply
  • Wow this post really gives everybody details about a typical day in residential treatment. I learned a couple of things today which I am really grateful for. I didn’t know how a day would start in a program at all what so ever. I have heard treatment programs would offer meditations in the start of the morning. Also practice something such as a black out period. What they will do is not let you contact anyone outside of your treatment facility. This may sound like your in jail, but for good reason. Who knows what bad people who are out there that associated with their clients addiction. They maybe a friend, buddy, or somebody they would hang out often and commit poor habits of actions. The rehab. facility center should let your close ones know so nobody would think you just diapered without a trace and thinking the worst possible-scenarios.
    I am glad to hear Morgan sought after professional treatment because many people out their with addiction don’t seek treatment at all. The crazy thing is they think it is expensive and hard to get in.
    With the help of SAMHSA facility locator you can find a local treatment center that would be more then happy to take you in. Just google SAMHSA facility locator on Google and you should easily find the source.
    I hope my comment gave everyone good information as this article did for me.
    Take care everyone,
    -Axel M
    Step House Recovery

    Reply

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