How the Higher Levels of Mental Health Care at River’s Bend Positively Impact Daily Life
Mental Health Awareness is about more than recognizing symptoms; it’s about knowing where to turn when life feels overwhelming and being met with care that genuinely fits your story.
At River’s Bend, our compassionate team of therapists and clinicians understands that healing doesn’t follow a straight line. For some individuals, weekly outpatient therapy may be sufficient. For others, especially during more challenging seasons, a higher level of care, such as a Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), can provide the structure, support, and stability needed to move forward.
But here’s something important: you don’t need to know what IOP or PHP is to begin. When you reach out, you’re not expected to have it all figured out. That’s what our team is here for.
It All Starts With a Personalized Conversation
Every new client begins with an intake assessment—a thoughtful, judgment-free conversation with one of our experienced clinicians. You’ll talk through what’s going on, what you’ve tried before, and where you’re struggling right now.
From there, our therapists will help you determine the type of support that is right for you. That might include:
- Individual therapy sessions
- A structured program like Intensive Outpatient (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
- Or, in more acute situations, a referral to a residential or hospital setting
Our team doesn’t place people into programs; we build care around the individual!
River’s Bend is one of the few outpatient mental health clinics in Michigan that offers both IOP and PHP services. Most outpatient providers only offer weekly therapy sessions and must refer clients elsewhere for more intensive care. What sets us apart is that our licensed clinicians, care teams, and leadership have developed an integrated model of care that bridges the gap between traditional therapy and inpatient hospitalization.
This means we can:
- Respond quickly when someone’s symptoms intensify
- Provide structured, evidence-based support in a community setting
- Offer continuity of care without forcing clients to start over with new providers
Whether you’re in individual therapy or stepping into a higher level of care, you’ll work with the same compassionate team—people who already know your story and are invested in your long-term success.
What Is a “Higher Level” of Mental Health Care?
Higher levels of care, like IOP and PHP, are designed for people who need more support than traditional therapy provides, but who don’t require 24/7 inpatient treatment. These programs are flexible, evidence-based, and designed to fit into your real life.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP may be recommended if you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or mood instability and need more structure or peer connection to move forward.
What to expect:
- Group therapy three times per week (3 hours/session)
- Daytime, evening, and virtual options
- Peer support in specialized tracks (e.g., adolescents, men, women)
- Access to psychiatry and individual therapy if needed
IOP is a great option if you’re feeling stuck in therapy, transitioning from a higher level of care, or trying to balance healing with responsibilities like work or school.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHP is the most structured outpatient program we offer. It is a full-day mental health program designed for individuals experiencing significant symptoms or emotional distress.
What to expect:
- Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Daily group therapy, wellness routines, and clinical monitoring
- An alternative to hospitalization for stabilizing mood, anxiety, or crisis symptoms
PHP may be the right choice if you’re coming out of an inpatient stay, need intensive support to prevent hospitalization, or are working to rebuild a sense of control.
How These Programs Improve Daily Life
Whether you’re in IOP, PHP, or another path entirely, the goal at River’s Bend is the same: to help you feel safe, capable, and ready to face life with more confidence.
🔹 Structure Restores Stability
A consistent schedule helps reduce emotional overwhelm and gives your days rhythm and purpose.1
🔹 Group Connection Eases Isolation
Many clients share that group therapy made them feel seen for the first time. Peer support can open the door to healing in ways individual therapy sometimes can’t.2
🔹 Skills Build Confidence
Our therapists focus on practical tools you can use immediately—whether it’s mindfulness, communication strategies, or ways to manage anxiety in real-time.3
🔹 Flexible Care Means Fewer Barriers
With both in-person and virtual options, our programs are built to fit into your life, not the other way around, ensuring you feel accommodated and considered in your journey to better mental health.4
Free Tools to Support You During & After Care
We know that healing doesn’t stop when a session ends. That’s why our team has created a Mental Health Toolkit with free, printable resources to help you build resilience at home.
- Stay grounded with step-by-step checklists, wellness routines, and reminders to help you stay on track.
- Identify who you can turn to, and when.
- Create a personalized list of daily care ideas based on your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Track your progress, routines, and emotional patterns to gain insight into your overall well-being.
Perfect for:
- Individuals currently in or finishing IOP/PHP
- Loved ones supporting someone in care
- Therapists or partners offering post-discharge resources
Want More Tools Like This?
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Need Help Deciding What’s Right for You?
If you’re wondering whether you or someone you love might benefit from IOP, PHP, or another path forward, we’re here to help you explore what’s next!
References
- Lundgren, L., Amodeo, M., Chassler, D., Krull, I., & Sullivan, L. (2013). Organizational readiness for change in community-based addiction treatment programs and adherence in implementing evidence-based practices: a national study. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 45(5), 457–465. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2013.06.007 ↩︎
- Pappas, S. (2023, March 1). Group therapy is as effective as individual therapy, and more efficient. Here’s how to do it successfully. Monitor on Psychology, 54(2). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/03/continuing-education-group-therapy ↩︎
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Using Technology-Based Therapeutic Tools in Behavioral Health Services. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 60. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 15-4924. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2015. https://store.samhsa.gov/product/TIP-47-Substance-Abuse-Clinical-Issues-in-Intensive-Outpatient-Treatment/SMA13-4182 ↩︎
- Gliske, K., Berry, K. R., Ballard, J., Evans-Chase, M., Solomon, P. L., & Fenkel, C. (2022). Mental health outcomes for youths with public versus private health insurance attending a telehealth intensive outpatient program: quality improvement analysis. JMIR Formative Research, 6(11), e41721. https://doi.org/10.2196/41721 ↩︎
