Residential treatment programs usually last a few weeks to a few months and involve staying at the facility as a resident. Psychiatric residential treatment often is a safe next step for someone leaving an inpatient hospital or acute care facility after a crisis. Residential treatment also can be helpful for someone experiencing their first episode of a mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, or for someone who has struggled with symptoms for many years but now finds those symptoms overwhelming.
Residential treatment centers may be locked or unlocked facilities. Most offer 24/7 supervision and care. Licensing varies from state to state, but clients should look for licensing or accreditation from an independent organization like the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.