What is the Mental Health Day Treatment Center? As an employee of mental health day treatment, I have been asked this question many times. First thing I tell people is the proper name is Eastern Montana Mental Health Community Rehab and Support Program. Yes, your right that’s way too long of a title, so we just call it Day TREATMENT.

Not knowing how to really answer the question of what day treatment is, I asked our members what the Day Treatment program is to them. These are the answers I received. Day Treatment is liken to a “mental’ voc-rehab. Everyone there has experienced some kind of mental health illness: depression, anxiety, major stress, panic attacks, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, the list goes on and on. There is a mutual understanding between the members. A peer group.

No one is judged. It is a safe and comfortable place to address his or her mental illnesses and work on recovery. Members are able to talk with and learn from others, who have been through similar life challenges. Members are able to open up, discuss their struggles and get ideas on solving them or how to live with them. Participants learn how to live with adversities as best they can. Day Treatment helps members understand their individual mental illnesses. When life becomes complicated, members learn how to respond in positive ways. Participants learn from and teach each other. They learn how to relax, de-stress and focus. Members learn how to build self-esteem. They learn social skills. They learn how to take care of themselves physically, mentally and spiritually. Participants learn daily living skills, as well as recreational and leisure skills.

Day Treatment has daily educational discussion groups where members have open discussion on any number of topics. Day Treatment keeps some of the members from isolation, spending most if not all of our time alone. They are able to socialize with others without fear of rejection. Day Treatment is their first step in learning; that it is time to take care of “me.” Showing “me” that “I” matter. Members learn that before they can help others, they need to first take care of themselves.

Day Treatment is a program for the members, developed with the members, to help the members. Day Treatment is an ongoing treatment center. It is there when needed, whether it is for a day, a month or for years. Day Treatment is there to assist the members whenever needed. Day Treatment is many things to many people. It is a learning center and a safe harbor. Day Treatment has staff and members who care, understand and respect each other. Day Treatment teaches tolerance, builds self-esteem and teaches how to survive life.

I hope the above gives the community a little better clarity and understanding as to what Day Treatment is.