Understanding the Signs That You (or Someone You Love) Needs More Mental Health Support

Is It Time for a Higher Level of Mental Health Care? How to Tell—and What to Do Next

When you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s not always clear what kind of support you need. Maybe you’ve tried outpatient therapy, but it doesn’t feel like enough. Maybe you’re high-functioning on the outside but feel like you’re falling apart inside. Or maybe you’re watching someone you care about go through something painful, and you're not sure how to help.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but sometimes, more support is the answer. At Emerge Treatment, we help women who are ready to go beyond surface-level coping and into real, lasting healing. If you’re wondering whether it’s time for a higher level of care like a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), here are some signs to look for—and how to take the next step.

💡 What Is a “Higher Level of Care”?

In mental health treatment, “higher level of care” refers to more structured, intensive support than weekly outpatient therapy. Programs like PHP and IOP provide daily or near-daily care, group therapy, individual sessions, psychiatric support, and holistic healing tools in a safe, contained environment.

These levels of care are designed to help when symptoms are impacting your ability to function, heal, or stay safe on your own.

🔎 Signs You Might Need a Higher Level of Care

According to the American Psychiatric Association and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), here are some common indicators that a higher level of care may be appropriate (APA, 2020; NAMI, 2022):

1. You’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed most days

You might feel out of control with your emotions—anxious, numb, panicked, angry, or hopeless—with little relief in between. Even basic daily tasks feel exhausting.

“I started the program feeling out of control of my emotions and self. I got to leave knowing how to use the tools I learned to face them head on. It's hard some days—but it’s worth it.”— Emerge Alumni

2. You’re struggling to manage your symptoms in outpatient therapy

If weekly therapy isn’t giving you the progress you need—or if your therapist has suggested more support—that’s a clear sign it may be time to step up care.

3. Your relationships, work, or school are suffering

When mental health symptoms start affecting how you show up in your life—missing deadlines, isolating, avoiding responsibilities—that’s a cue your system may need deeper healing, not just surface-level coping.

4. You’re relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms

Disordered eating, self-harm, substance use, dissociation, or constant distraction can be signals that your mind and body are overwhelmed and trying to survive without adequate support.

5. You’re experiencing intrusive thoughts, trauma symptoms, or emotional flashbacks

If you’re living with PTSD, OCD, or a personality disorder, you may need specialized care to help your nervous system settle, your triggers make sense, and your inner world feel safe again.

6. You want to heal—but don’t know where to start

Even if you’re not in crisis, feeling “stuck” in the healing process is reason enough to reach out. You deserve to feel better—and it’s okay to ask for more.

💬 What Happens in a PHP or IOP?

At Emerge Treatment in Salt Lake City, Utah, we offer women-only PHP and IOP programs that blend evidence-based therapy with holistic, whole-person healing.

Our clients attend daily groups focused on topics like:

• DBT/ACT skills for emotional regulation

• Narrative therapy and self-identity

• Trauma healing and body-based support

• Nutrition and body image

• Women’s issues, relationships, and self-worth

  
  

They also receive individual therapy, case management, psychiatric support, and the opportunity to build meaningful connections with others on the same path.

“It’s hard to pick what I loved most. If I had to choose, I’d say processing group and the women’s issues/nutrition classes. I learned things in those groups I didn’t know—and probably never would have—if it wasn’t for this beautiful journey.”— Emerge Alumni

🌿 What Makes Emerge Different?

We’re not just a treatment program—we’re a space where women can feel safe, seen, and empowered. Our trauma-informed, women-owned approach was created specifically for adult women navigating:

• PTSD and trauma

• Anxiety and panic

• Depression and burnout

• Personality disorders

• OCD and intrusive thoughts

• Disordered eating and body image struggles

  
  

We know healing isn’t just about symptoms—it’s about nourishing the whole person, building self-trust, and creating a life you want to show up for.

💛 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Whether you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or ready to start today—we’re here to walk with you.

If you’re wondering whether a higher level of care could help, we offer free 30-minute consultations (by phone or video) where we can talk through your story, your symptoms, and your goals—and see if Emerge might be the right next step.

👉 Click here to book your free consultation

Or—if someone you care about might be struggling—please consider sharing this with them. You never know how much hope one conversation can spark.