In-Person & Online Mental Health Treatment in Bend, OR

The Need for Accessible Mental Health Treatment in Bend, OR

Throughout Oregon, many residents struggle with mental health disorders that go untreated. In fact, in 2023, over 35 percent of adults in Oregon reported having symptoms of an anxiety or depression disorder, higher than the national average.

That said, some of the biggest issues have to do with mental health outcomes, especially for severe mental health disorders, in large part due to insufficient mental health services in a substantial number of people in more rural areas not getting access to the care they need.

That is why Skycloud offers flexible treatment to help overcome the poor mental health outcomes across the state, in large part by offering online andin-person services.

In-Person vs. Online Mental Health Treatment in Bend, OR

When you reach out to Skycloud for mental health services in Bend, Oregon, we can offer in-person or hybrid telepsychiatry services. 

But which Bend, Oregon therapy is best for your circumstances? 

With Skycloud, our in-person services bring with them several benefits, like the ability to step away from your home environment and the stresses around you and step into a quiet, supportive environment.

Our in-person mental health treatment programs can provide an easier way to discuss issues in a group setting, especially if you are participating in group therapy or family therapy.

That said, there are many reasons why people throughout Bend might need a hybrid practice with access to online mental health treatment. It is up to you to decide which elements are most important for your circumstances.

Accessibility

Throughout some areas of Bend, accessing public transportation might not be feasible, and those clients who don’t have their own vehicle or means of making it to our offices can still utilize our virtual therapy services.

Moreover, those who have more specific conditions like insomnia, eating disorders, PTSD, mood disorders, or ADHD might need specialized care that can’t be found in rural areas or smaller towns, but with an internet connection or a phone, you can still get treatment from Skycloud. 

Comfort

For some people, they are simply more comfortable in an office, because it forces them to step away from their environment and sit in a place that they know is secure and private. This can go hand in hand with privacy expectations.

For other clients, though, traveling to and from a facility might make them uncomfortable if, for example, they are a high-profile individual who needs the utmost discretion or someone who travels a lot for work and wants to be able to participate in a long-term treatment program but isn’t necessarily home several weeks or months in a row.

Privacy

Privacy is another element to consider when deciding which type of therapy you prefer. If, for example, you are struggling with stigma or prejudice, the privacy of being able to take a phone call or a video therapy session at home might be well worth it, whereas for others, their home might be full of nosy family members and loud noises that interrupt their ability to focus on recovery.

If you are unsure which option is best for you, our team can help you during your intake assessment. 

What to Expect from Therapy

Below is a general timeline example for what to expect from therapy:

• First Few Sessions: Clients might notice a subtle shift, like feeling a little less depressed one day or having slightly less anxiety overall
• First Month: Clients will start to see tangible improvements, especially with things like generalized anxiety disorders or depressive disorders
• First Two Months: Clients will notice a positive change in their overall mental health
• First Four Months: Clients will see significant improvement in mental health and overall function
• First Six Months: Clients with more complex conditions will start to solidify new skills and notice relief from their symptoms
• First Year: Clients dealing with co-occurring conditions like mental health disorders and substance abuse will notice long-term benefits in sustaining sobriety and dealing with mental health symptoms 

It is important to understand that over the course of your treatment plan, the frequency of your therapy sessions might change based on your progress and the type of treatment you have. 

Family therapy, for example, might be something you do for a couple of months, just like cognitive behavioral therapy, whereas holistic therapies might be things you continue for years, not just at our facility but with local support groups, community groups, or online services. 

How Long Does it Actually Take for Therapy to Work?

When you start your treatment plan with therapy, studies indicate that relief from symptoms can start in a subtle way after a handful of sessions. However, it’s important not to mistake this temporary, acute relief with the potential for long-term benefits that can come with continued sessions.

Typically, for about half of the people who are in recovery, significant progress can take between 15 and 20 sessions, but the length of time it takes for each client is based on:

• Individual needs
• What issues are being addressed
• Personal goals

The more clients actively participate in therapy, do their homework for things like CBT, and work toward their goals, the better the success rates.

General Timelines

CBT, usually offered on a weekly basis, is designed to be broken down into three stages spanning 12 weeks, but this can change based on what is being treated. The 12-week time frame might be ideal for treating anxiety, but complex personality disorders might take significantly longer. Those struggling with a co-occurring disorder might need longer therapy sessions as well to deal with both conditions.

DBT, on the other hand, might take six months or more for a personalized treatment plan. 

Focus on the Journey

What matters most is understanding that therapy is a journey, and sometimes the progress you make can move forward by leaps and bounds, and other times, you might face a setback. However, even those setbacks are opportunities for learning and growth.

Stay Consistent

We urge clients to avoid skipping sessions and to be open about how things are going with their therapist. With our virtual options, it can be much easier to facilitate makeup appointments in the event of an illness or a personal scheduling conflict.