Coming home after residential treatment is never an easy process. The return is often filled with excitement and nervousness for everyone involved. Here are a few things to think about as your loved one transitions home.
- Outpatient treatment is a great way to help ease the transition. Many residential facilities have outpatient programs that include group therapy and bi-weekly appointments.
- Coming home might be scary or strange. Often times families will experience a strong resistance from their loved ones because they don't want to go to a residential facility. However, the same may be true as they are ready to leave. Sometimes the idea of coming home and going back to work or school may be even more daunting. Most schools will allow for students to come back at their own pace.
- Prepare your home accordingly. If your loved one is coming home from a recent suicide attempt, removing guns or any other weapons will be a must. It is likely that your treatment center has already spoken to you about a “safety plan” for their recovery. It is imperative that you follow the safety plan!
- Recovery is an on-going process. It is very important for therapy to continue after being discharged from a residential facility. It has been well documented that there is a higher risk for suicide attempts following discharge from a mental hospital.
- It’s an adjustment for everyone. Your son, daughter, husband or brother may be the one who stayed in a facility, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be involved in therapy. Family counseling, couples counseling, etc are all great for everyone and not just “the patient”.
If you or a loved one is coming home from residential treatment and would like help with the transition please reach out to me and I would be happy help.