Highlights
- Behavioral health outpatient clinics in NC offer specialized care to treat mental health and addiction disorders.
- Outpatient treatment at EHG of NC is a flexible day program to treat addiction, mental health, and dual diagnosis conditions.
- This level of care is usually for individuals with moderate to mild behavioral health symptoms that do not require 24/7 support.
- Empower Health Group of North Carolina provides outpatient behavioral health treatment in Wilmington, NC, for eligible adults who can safely participate in treatment while living at home. An assessment helps determine whether standard outpatient care is appropriate or whether a more intensive level of care, such as IOP or PHP, is needed.
A behavioral health outpatient clinic provides mental health and substance use treatment without requiring an overnight stay. Treatment can include therapy, behavioral health counseling, medication management when clinically appropriate, substance use treatment, and care for co-occurring conditions. EHG of NC, a 5-star-reviewed behavioral health clinic in NC, supports your mental well-being by offering HIPAA-compliant:
- Behavioral health treatments (Most commercial insurance plans accepted; coverage varies by plan.)
- Fast and transparent admissions processing
- No referrals necessary
- Compassionate care that aligns with your recovery goal
We offer same-day appointments from 9 AM to 5 PM (excluding weekends). Services range from complete psychological and addiction evaluation to dual diagnosis care, addiction treatment, mental health therapy, and holistic healing. Call us at 910-335-9102 for a confidential assessment or visit us at 2106 South 17th Street.
What Do You Mean By Outpatient Behavioral Health Treatment?
Outpatient treatment is a flexible day program that provides 1-2 hours of medical/psychological care 1-3 times per week. [1] Behavioral health treatment allows individuals to receive clinical treatments aimed at addressing addiction, mental health, or co-occurring disorders while continuing work, attending school, or caring for family. [2] Services typically include psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, and individual and group support to work through emotional challenges. [1],[2]
Outcomes of Outpatient Behavioral Health Treatment
NCBI reports the following improvements at the end of treatment: [3]
- Better symptom management
- Better adherence to sober lifestyle
- Improved quality of life
- Reduced cravings
- Better emotional stability
- Reduction in violent behaviors and suicidal ideation
Types of Behavioral Health Outpatient Treatment
- Standard outpatient treatment: Lowest level of care with once or twice a week treatment sessions.
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment: Higher level of outpatient care. 3-5 treatment sessions per week
- Partial Hospitalization Program: Highest level of outpatient care; 4-6 sessions/week
Benefits Outpatient Behavioral Health
In addition to flexibility, outpatient treatment offers: [4]
- Better treatment adherence rates
- Improved addiction recovery outcomes compared to inpatient treatment
- Allows family involvement
- Less disruptive to an individual’s work life
Scheduling an Appointment at Behavioral Health Clinic in NC
Our admissions process is fast and transparent
- Simply call us at 910-335-9102
- Schedule an online appointment
- Verify your insurance online
How Do I Know Outpatient Is the Right Program for Me?
Outpatient treatment may be appropriate when a person’s symptoms and clinical needs can be safely managed without 24-hour care. A clinical assessment considers the person’s mental health or substance use symptoms, medical needs, safety, functioning, recovery environment, and ability to participate consistently in treatment.
You may be a good fit if:
- You have mild to moderate addiction or mental health symptoms that do not require 24-hour monitoring.
- You can commit to more than one treatment session per week.
- You are stepping down from care.
- You want to continue attending your job or school during your treatment.
- You prefer a more discreet treatment model than inpatient care.

What Happens at an Outpatient Behavioral Health Treatment Center?
At EHG of NC, a behavioral health clinic in Wilmington, treatment sessions may run for 1-3 days a week with morning or evening appointments from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
Your first visit typically starts with an evaluation and intake assessment in compliance with DSM-V criteria. [6] A multidisciplinary clinical team gets a full picture of your current health status, your symptoms, and treatment goals to formulate a recovery plan that fits your clinical needs and daily commitments. Behavioral health services include:
Outpatient Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral health therapists, dialectical behavioral therapists, and a team of psychologists, counselors, and addiction specialists work to improve your mental and emotional well-being. You may be offered
| Types of Therapy | Outcomes |
| Cognitive behavioral therapy | Reduction in severity of symptoms, reduced relapse rates, better coping techniques, improved emotional regulation. [7] |
| Dialectical behavioral therapy | Reduction in troubling symptoms, reduction in self-harm and suicidal ideation, improved symptom management. [8] |
| Exposure therapy | Best for confronting your fears, phobias, panic disorders, OCD, and generalized anxiety disorders. [9] |
| Group or family therapy | Better support system, sense of belonging, improved perspective, peer encouragement, new skill development, clear boundary setting, and rebuilding trust. [10] |
Did you know: More than 75% of people who take CBT experience some benefits from it. [11]
Medication Management (If Necessary)
If your symptoms do not improve with therapy alone, medications may be recommended
| Addiction Treatment Medications | Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, Benzodiazepines, etc. |
| Mental Health Medications | Antidepressants, anti psychotics, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, etc. [12] |
Behavioral Health Counseling
Behavioral health counseling helps to understand thoughts and emotions that may be affecting your mental health. Counseling helps with: [13]
- Developing healthier ways to manage stress or anxiety
- Getting past emotional barriers like fear
- Improving self-confidence and self-esteem
- Recognizing behaviors that may be contributing to your condition
- Realistic goal setting and a recovery path to achieve those
Behavioral health counselors identify concerns and propose a way forward to help you achieve a more stable and fulfilling daily life.
Group and Individual Activities for Holistic Healing
Individual and group activities help to:
- Apply skills learned during therapy and counseling to real life.
- Connect with people who understand your challenges
- Improve social skills
- Practice coping techniques
Ask an Expert
What Therapy is Best for Behavior Problems?
The best therapy depends on what is contributing to the problem. Clinically, I would suggest cognitive behavioral therapy as it is the most recommended first-line treatment. But the treatment plan depends on our condition
Grounding Techniques, Relapse Prevention Skills and Continued Care
AT EHG of NC, every individual is equipped with grounding techniques, calming mechanisms, and craving and trigger management to work towards sustainable recovery. For added flexibility, virtual behavioral health services are also offered to continue receiving care from home during or after treatment completion.
Which Conditions Can Be Treated at an Outpatient Mental Health and Addiction Clinic in NC?
Outpatient care covers a range of mental health and addiction disorders, both simultaneously in dual diagnosis programs and separately.
Mental Health Disorder
| Anxiety and Depression | Social Disorders | PTSD and Trauma | Mood Disorders |
| Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | Bipolar Disorder | Eating Disorders | Panic Attacks |
Addiction Disorders
| Opioid Addiction | Stimulant Addiction | Meth Addiction | Co-occurring disorders |
| Alcohol Addiction | Cocaine Addiction | Prescription Drug Addiction | Weed Addiction |
Do NC Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinics Accept Insurance?
Yes, Behavioral health outpatient clinics in Wilmington, NC accept most insurance. EHG of NC accepts most commercial insurance plans for eligible behavioral health services, including:
- Aetna
- Humana
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- MultiPlan
We also offer confidential insurance verification, so you have clear answers about co-pays, deductibles, and prior authorizations before starting treatment.
Empower Health Group of NC Behavioral Health Improvement Program in NC
Outpatient treatment through Empower Health Group of NC gives you a way to get real support for mental health or substance use concerns while still showing up for your job, your classes, and your family. Our outpatient levels of care include:
For added convenience, we also offer nationwide online behavioral health treatment and virtual IOP
How to Get Admitted?
Call us at 910-335-9102 or reach out to us at admissions@empowerhealthgroup to learn more about appointment availability and our behavioral health services.
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Deciding or Getting Admitted to a Mental Health and Addiction Clinic? Common FAQs
Do I Need a Referral to Get into a Behavioral Health Clinic?
At EHG of NC, you don’t really need a referral; you may schedule an appointment yourself. However, your insurance plan may have a prior authorization or referral requirement. It is best to speak directly to the admissions team for prerequisites
How Do I Know Outpatient Treatment is Enough for Me?
Outpatient treatment may be more suitable when you need more care than occasional therapy but do not require constant supervision.
What Happens During Clinical Intake?
The first appointment is usually an assessment. You may expect questions about your symptoms, mental health history, and treatment goals to match you to the correct level of care. You may also meet your treatment provider to get comfortable and mutually discuss your treatment path
Can I Call the Clinic on Behalf of a Family Member?
Yes, you may contact the clinic on behalf of a loved one to inquire about the admission process, eligibility, and available services. Keep in mind that privacy laws may limit what the clinic can actually share with you.
Where can I Find Outpatient Treatment for Anxiety or Depression in Wilmington, NC?
You can reach out to EHG of NC in Wilmington to research-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. We also offer virtual behavioral health treatments that fit your schedule.
What are the Three Main Types of Behavioral Therapy?
Three most common behavioral therapies include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Exposure therapy
Is There an Outpatient Clinic in Wilmington, NC That Treats Both Mental Health and Substance Use?
Yes, Empower Health Group of North Carolina offers a dual diagnosis program in Wilmington, NC to treat both addiction and mental health conditions simultaneously.
How Many Days a Week is Outpatient Treatment?
- IOP runs for 3-5 days per week
- PHP: 4-6 days
- Stand outpatient: Once or twice a week ( depending on your condition)
References
- https://www.nami.org/blog/the-value-of-structured-outpatient-treatment/
- https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/outpatient-treatment-addiction
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12418752/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507689/
- https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mental-health-developmental-disabilities-and-substance-use-services/crisis-services
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3683251/
- https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34053405/
- https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/exposure-therapy
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10160927/
- https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/understanding
- https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/understanding
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications
- https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/about-uspstf/methods-and-processes/behavioral-counseling-research-and-evidence-based-practice-recommendations-us-preventive-services-task-force-perspectives
Medical Disclaimer:
EHG of NC aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please consult your physicians or EHG of NC's qualified staff.


