Outpatient mental health programs in Wilmington may typically begins with an assessment and treatment plan. Depending on individual needs, care may include individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, behavioral interventions, and ongoing progress monitoring. Outpatient care allows patients to return home after scheduled treatment rather than staying overnight.

Experiencing a mental health crisis but can’t put your daily responsibilities on hold for treatment? Empower Health Group of North Carolina (EHG of NC), a behavioral health clinic in Wilmington, NC, offers a HIPAA-compliant and insurance-covered treatment program. At our outpatient clinic in Wilmington, you may expect:

• Psychiatric evaluation and assessment
• Behavioral therapy
• Psychiatric care
• Mental health counseling 
• Emotional and psychological healing

Depression severe enough that getting out of bed feels impossible? Let us help! EHG of NC is a behavioral health clinic in Wilmington that accepts major insurance plans and offers co-occurring mental health treatment options. Call 910-335-9102 and start outpatient behavioral health treatment today!

Call Now | 910-335-9102

What is Outpatient Mental Health Treatment​? 

Outpatient treatment for mental health is a non-residential program that allows you to receive quality medical care without requiring any overnight stay at a medical facility. It addresses a wide range of mental and behavioral health conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders. 

How Does Outpatient Mental Health Services Work​? 

In North Carolina, 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness every year.¹  In outpatient mental health care, individuals attend therapy sessions up to 3 hours a day, 1-5 days a week, and return home afterward. 

The process typically follows these core steps:

1. Initial intake & assessment
2. Individual or group therapy
3. Behavioral therapy & psychotherapy
4. Transitional living & relapse prevention  

What Happens During Outpatient Therapy at EHG of NC in Wilmington?

After admission into our outpatient facility, our team of medical professionals offers mental health therapies based on your personal needs. Here’s what you can expect during outpatient therapy at EHG of NC:

1. Initial Assessment

Every treatment plan is personalized and begins with a comprehensive mental health assessment to understand your symptoms, history of substance use, and personal goals.

2. Individual Therapy

Individual psychotherapy supports people living with psychosis and encourages long-term recovery. Personalized counseling helps reduce mental health symptoms and keep individuals actively involved in treatment.²

3. Group Therapy

Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which a DBT therapist or CBT therapist works with multiple individuals facing similar mental health challenges. The therapy sessions, like psychodynamic therapy, may help patients learn from shared experiences.² 

4. Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapies in outpatient care may include: 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals replace unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. CBT therapy is effective for a variety of psychiatric conditions, such as depression, PTSD, and ADHD. ³
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):  DBT therapy helps adults develop healthier ways to manage emotions and respond to stress. The DBT skills, like distress tolerance and emotion regulation, are used to treat emotional dysregulation and substance abuse disorders.⁴

Read more about DBT vs CBT: How to Choose the Best Treatment Program.

5. Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Our dual diagnosis treatment programs, such as the relapse prevention dual diagnosis program and the Aetna-covered dual diagnosis program, treat mental health conditions and substance use disorders at the same time. Medications such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers may be prescribed for the stabilization of co-occurring mental health disorder symptoms (if clinically necessary).⁵  

6. Mental Health Treatment

Outpatient mental health treatment programs offer trauma-informed personalized care to support emotional healing. Treatment may include behavioral support, practical coping strategies, and ongoing guidance to improve daily functioning. 

7. Ongoing Medical Care

Throughout treatment, our medical professionals monitor your progress and make adjustments when needed to support your wellness and recovery. 

Are you struggling with mild to moderate psychiatric symptoms? EHG of NC offers confidential, same-day mental health and addiction therapist consultations. Call us at 910-335-9102 to speak with an admissions specialist today.   

Benefits of Choosing Mental Health Outpatient Services in NC

An outpatient treatment program provides effective care for those who need to manage mild to moderate mental health symptoms. Our outpatient level of care has the following benefits:

1. Affordable and accessible care
2. Flexibility to maintain daily commitments
3. Easy access to evidence-based therapy
4. Personalized treatment plans 

Conditions Treated in Outpatient Therapy Sessions for Mental Health at EHG of NC

Outpatient programs treat a wide range of mental health and behavioral conditions using evidence-based therapies such as CBT and DBT. 

• Anxiety 
• Depression
• Eating Disorders 
• Schizophrenia 
• Borderline Personality Disorders (BPD)
• Mood Disorders
• Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
• Prescription Drug Dependence Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI)
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
• Psychotic Disorders
• Sleep Disorder

Severe cases require initial assessment to determine if outpatient care is clinically safe. If you are occupied with responsibilities yet need therapy, EHG of NC offers same-day telehealth appointments for ADHD and other mental health conditions.  

Types of Outpatient Mental Health Programs in Wilmington, NC

Outpatient care can take many forms depending on individual needs and the level of support required.

• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Intensive outpatient programs are ideal for adults who need more structure than weekly therapy but do not require hospitalization.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP):  PHP mental health programs in NC provide a more intensive level of care than IOP and offer structured behavioral therapies in a PHP setting. 

Note: Our virtual IOP program, including online dual-diagnosis treatment, is available to residents of Wilmington and nearby counties. 

Read more about PHP vs IOP for depression treatment. 

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Level of Care: What’s the Difference?

Inpatient care requires an overnight stay at a mental health facility. In contrast, outpatient care allows you to live at home and visit a facility only for scheduled hours. 

The differences between outpatient vs. inpatient care span several key areas:

Many people continue to live with poor mental health symptoms due to managing their daily commitments. Outpatient is generally a good option for those, as it allows you to receive medical care while you continue to manage your daily work and responsibilities. 

Why You Should Choose Outpatient Therapy for Mental Health at EHG of NC 

According to America’s Health Rankings, 7.2% of adults in North Carolina aged 65 or older reported their mental health was not good for 14 or more days in the past 30 days.⁶ EHG of NC is a HIPAA-compliant facility offering the following benefits in outpatient care for mental health:

1. You get a full, honest picture of what’s going on before any treatment decisions are made.
2. Care is built around your life and your diagnosis, not a generic program.
3. If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide, you’re met with support and a safety plan, not judgment.
4. Work one-on-one with a therapist, and connect with others who understand exactly what you’re going through.
5. If medication could help, a provider manages and adjusts it with you every step of the way.
6. If mental health and substance use are both part of your story, you’re treated for both, together.

Get outpatient  treatment near you in NC by visiting us at 2106 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA. You may also consider receiving telehealth behavioral services for easy access to a mental health therapist today! 

Testimonial From a Client Who Recovered from ADHD at EHG of NC

“I struggled with ADHD for years, and traditional treatment never seemed to help. I gave up on treatment because going to therapy was affecting my work. I was just randomly scrolling on Quora to post my concerns. Someone there suggested EHG of NC in a comment. 

I called them, and after completing the admission process, I joined their virtual IOP.  Within 2 months, I started to feel in control of my mental health. All thanks to the amazing team!”

Will my Insurance Cover an Outpatient Treatment at EHG of NC?

Yes, EHG of NC accepts most commercial insurance plans that cover mental health outpatient treatment, including Aetna mental health coverage and insurance-covered EMDR counseling. Some mental health therapists accept BCBS and other major health insurance plans, such as Aetna, Cigna, and UMR. It is best to verify insurance or the self-pay option before starting mental health or addiction treatment. 

Note: The self-pay option for outpatient treatment starts at $8,000 per month. 

Steps to Start Outpatient Therapy for Mental Health in NC

Follow these simple steps to start mental health outpatient therapy at EHG of NC:

1. Contact our admissions team or call 910-335-9102 . 
2. Get an initial medical and mental health evaluation.
3. Verify your insurance coverage or self-pay options. 
4. Start your mental health treatment in an outpatient setting at EHG of NC. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Outpatient Mental Health in NC

People looking for mental health outpatient treatment ask: 

What Are the Benefits of Outpatient Mental Health Programs Like PHP and IOP?

Mental health PHP programs and IOP programs are beneficial because they offer: 

• High flexibility to maintain daily routines
• High-intensity clinical care without 24/7 confinement
• Real-life application of coping skills

Are Inpatient and Outpatient Mental Health Services Effective for Treating Severe Anxiety?

Yes, both inpatient and outpatient services are effective for treating mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression. Inpatient care is suitable for treating acute mental health crises with 24/7 care. Outpatient programs are suitable for people with mild to moderate symptoms.

Can Outpatient Mental Health Treatment Help With Anxiety and Depression?

Yes, outpatient mental health treatment is highly effective for both anxiety and depression. It provides professional support through behavioral therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). 

What Is Outpatient Mental Health Therapy?

Outpatient mental health therapy addresses conditions like anxiety and depression through weekly appointments or group sessions. It allows people to maintain work and family routines while working on their emotional well-being.

References:

1. https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/NorthCarolina-GRPA-Data-Sheet-8.5-x-11-wide.pdf
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549812/
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8489050/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525629/ 
5. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications
6. https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/mental_distress_sr/NC