More than 1.4 million North Carolina residents live with a mental health condition, and about 25% of them live with a serious mental illness.1 Mental health cannot be ignored. It can lead to substance use, disordered eating, thoughts of suicide and self-harm, and, above all, isolation and stigma. If you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health, help is available, and you deserve access to it. There are outpatient, residential, and inpatient mental health centers in North Carolina that provide trusted support and compassionate care.
Red Oak Recovery® provides day/night mental health treatment with supportive housing for young men 18–30 at our center outside of Asheville. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our clinician-run programs provide evidence-based, personalized care while helping young men reconnect with themselves and their purpose. It’s not too late to ask for help. Call 828.382.9699 to talk with our team about starting mental health treatment now.
Your Mental Health Deserves Help
You’re probably used to enduring your mental health during the good times while waiting for the next wave of stress to crash over you. The idea of seeking help while you can barely catch a moment of peace to do so might seem too overwhelming to consider. While checking yourself into treatment might be intimidating, finally getting the proper treatment may be one of the most important decisions you’ll make regarding your health.
Taking care of your psychological and emotional needs isn’t selfish. Through addressing your mental health condition, you’ll find the tools to take care of your family, follow through on responsibilities, and be the friend that you know you can be. With peace of mind, you can be truly present for those around you.
Do You Need Residential or Inpatient Mental Health Treatment?
If unwanted thoughts and emotional turbulence have consumed you, you’ve likely been running on autopilot, disengaged with life. Unaddressed emotions can also make you constantly reactive and on edge. If you’ve tried over and over to manage your symptoms with outpatient treatment, only to keep being knocked over by the waves, then it’s likely time to try residential or inpatient treatment.
Inpatient Treatment
If you’re in crisis—experiencing hallucinations, psychosis, suicidal ideation, or symptoms so overwhelming that you can’t take care of yourself—an inpatient program can help stabilize you. Clinicians and a medical team work together to provide structured support and around-the-clock care. During this time, you might receive medications that help manage withdrawals if you’re living with addiction, stabilize your mood, or reduce symptoms. Inpatient treatment is often a shorter stay than other options, lasting 3–7 days before transitioning into a residential program or outpatient care.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment involves living at a treatment center while attending therapy and other activities. You’ll work with expert therapists to establish the root causes of your mental health struggles and determine strategies to address them. Residential treatment offers a safe and nurturing environment where you can focus solely on your recovery, free from distractions and triggers in the outside world. Many residential programs last for a minimum of 30 days, with some providing extended 90-day programs that help ease the transition back to daily life. You might also find a similar level of care in a day/night program that provides supportive housing at the treatment center.
Taking the time to complete an inpatient or residential treatment program can feel impossible, but it’s worth it. Work can wait, your family will be understanding, and your mental health is a priority. By making the commitment to undergo intensive treatment, you’re taking the first step toward living a happier, healthier life.
Finding Mental Health Treatment in North Carolina
The stigma around mental health—including the symptoms it can cause, the act of reaching out for help, and the interference with daily life—causes many people to delay or avoid seeking treatment.2 But your well-being is important. It’s how you’re able to continue being the supportive friend, loving parent, and successful professional that you are.
When you feel empowered to finally take action and get treatment, your first step is to find the right treatment. You’ll want to consider a few things:
Insurance Coverage
The mental health parity law requires that insurance providers treat mental health and physical health equally. However, not all plans are created equal. Before committing to a treatment center, check with your insurance company about your coverage options. If your insurance is through an employer-sponsored plan, you can also see if there is an employee assistance program (EAP) that includes mental health treatment.
Your Needs
Being honest with yourself during this process will help you find the right type of treatment. Mental health therapy is a highly personal process that requires vulnerability and honesty. Before starting treatment, ask yourself what you’re looking for help with.
- Are you feeling constantly down or depressed?
- Do you use drugs or alcohol to try and cope with intense emotions?
- Do you regularly feel panicked or overwhelmed with stress?
- Are your relationships, career opportunities, or personal interests feeling run down?
- Do you struggle with disordered eating or body image issues?
By recognizing your needs, you can find a treatment center that specializes in addressing the specific challenges you face. This ensures the best chance of success and long-term recovery.
Location and Environment
A stay in an inpatient or residential treatment center will require you to be there for an extended period of time, so it’s important to consider the location and environment. If you’re comfortable in a tranquil, outdoor-focused environment, North Carolina has a lot of options for you. Plus, studies show that being in nature helps lower stress and improve mood.3
Types of Therapies Used
Engaging in different evidence-based and holistic therapies is an essential part of the recovery process. Explore what types of modalities each treatment center uses and how they may benefit you. Some common types of therapy used in mental health treatment include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
- Trauma-focused therapy
- Art or music therapy
- Wilderness therapy
Your exact treatment plan should be personalized to your specific needs, but it’s good to have an idea of what types of therapies are offered at different centers.
Staff Qualifications
The best treatment centers employ experienced and qualified staff members who specialize in mental health treatment. Before committing to a center, make sure that the clinicians and medical team are licensed and well-equipped to help you on your journey toward recovery.
Get Treatment at Red Oak Recovery® in North Carolina
We specialize in providing personalized and compassionate mental health treatment for young men. From eating disorders and addiction to trauma, personality disorders, and other mental health conditions, our clinicians can help you address the root of your struggles and provide tools for a happier, healthier life.
Our peaceful location in the Blue Ridge Mountains provides an environment where you can focus on recovery while our evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches help heal the mind, body, and spirit. Don’t wait any longer to get the mental health treatment you deserve. Call us at 828.382.9699 or contact us online today to begin your journey toward healing.
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