[Friday]

I went to therapy today and my therapist suggested that I should really consider a day program and that I would benefit from it.

What I was wondering was, does anyone here go to a day program? What is it like? How long are they? Does insurance cover them?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, I went to a day program several times. Yes, insurance covers them, but part like any medical expense. Call for authorization.

I usually went after getting out of the hospital, so it was a way of easing me back into the "real-world." I personally liked them. I learned alot of coping skills and took part in groups. I met some nice people. I actually found it helpful because I felt like it and I had a purpose.

You usually go in the early morning, have lunch and leave around 3-4 PM.

I have been kicked out of them for *cutting, * but that is USUALLY not the case. THat place was just real strict and they wanted me to be in the hospital.

Usually you are in the program anywhere from 1-4 weeks. Just depends on how you are feeling.

Hope that helped.....

[lenjan]

What Riptide said, although my experiences have been varied. Either it was a huge help or a HUGE waste of time. As with anything like this, it varies with the skill of the therapists and especially the other people in the group with you.

Insurance covers it, yes. How long you stay depends on how long your insurance holds out. It is sometimes possible to graduate from the full day (usually 8a-4p) every day to going half-days a few times a week.

Just my 2 cents: Can't hurt, might help.

Candy

[trippinmickey]

I went to 2 different day programs . Yes they help alot i didnt think that I fit in at first that i was not as sick as the people who were going ! But i was but knowage you gain & knowing that you are not alone with your illness is priceless I got more form the day groups I went then any T ive been to .My insur. paid for it till I got SSD .Which ****s me up im to sick to work but your not going to give me the help to get better so I can get off SSD and back to work.

[Friday]

Thanks this really helped a lot. Now I just have to figure out how to hide my whereabouts from my dad if I do decide to go.

[splitimage]

I was in a day program for 8 weeks after I was discharged from the hospital. It was their transitional care program and was designed to help patients re-integrate back into the community. I found it was really good, and gave me a lot of stability in my life when I really needed it. It wasn't every day though - I think I went 3 days a week. But I was in outpatient treatment for something else at a different hospital the other 2 days a week.

Good luck with it if you decide to try it.

--splitimage