Outpatient Mental Health Services in Orange County, CA

Your Guide to Flexible, Professional Mental Health Treatment at Friendly Recovery Center

outpatient mental health services orange county ca

Understanding Your Outpatient Treatment Options

Finding the right mental health support shouldn’t mean putting your entire life on hold. At Friendly Recovery Center in Tustin, CA, our outpatient mental health services provide professional treatment that fits into your daily routine—whether you’re managing work responsibilities, caring for family, or pursuing education.

Outpatient treatment means you receive structured, evidence-based mental health care while living at home and maintaining your commitments. Unlike inpatient or residential programs that require you to stay at a facility 24/7, outpatient services give you the flexibility to attend therapy sessions and then return to your regular environment. This approach works especially well for individuals who need professional support but have a stable living situation and don’t require round-the-clock supervision.

The key benefit? You get to practice the skills you’re learning in therapy within your actual life—at work, with family, in social situations. This real-world application often leads to more sustainable, long-term recovery because you’re building coping strategies in the environments where you’ll actually use them.

outpatient mental health services orange county

Our Comprehensive Outpatient Mental Health Services

Friendly Recovery Center offers a full continuum of outpatient care, from intensive day programs to flexible evening telehealth sessions. This range of options allows us to meet you where you are in your recovery journey and adjust your level of care as your needs change.

 
  • 5 days/week, 6 hours/day
  • Crisis stabilization, step-down from inpatient
  • Daytime hours required
  • 2-4 weeks
  • 3-5 days/week, 3 hours/session
  • Active symptom management
  • Morning, afternoon, or evening options
  • 8-12 weeks
  • 1-5 days/week, 1-1.5 hours/session
  • Ongoing support, relapse prevention
  • Highly flexible
  • Ongoing as needed
  • 1 session/week, 1 hour
  • Maintenance, geographic barriers
  • Evening (6:30-7:30 PM)
  • Up to 9 months

Detailed Overview of Each Service

Most Intensive Outpatient Option

Our PHP provides structure and support when you need it most, without requiring overnight stays.

What It Includes:

  • 30 hours of treatment per week (5 days, 6 hours daily)
  • Individual therapy with licensed clinicians
  • Specialized group therapy addressing specific mental health challenges
  • Life skills training (budgeting, time management, job readiness, communication)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Trauma-informed care in a safe, supportive environment
  • Holistic wellness activities (yoga, mindfulness, meditation, fitness)
  • Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring substance use
  • Family therapy and support
  • Medication management coordination
 
Best For:
• Transitioning from inpatient or residential treatment
• Managing acute mental health symptoms that interfere with daily functioning
• Requiring intensive support while maintaining some independence
• Ages 18-55 seeking structured recovery environment
 

What Makes It Different: PHP is the bridge between 24-hour care and less intensive outpatient treatment. You get hospital-level therapeutic intensity without staying overnight, allowing you to sleep at home, maintain important relationships, and gradually rebuild your independence.

Learn More About Our PHP Program →

Balanced Structure & Flexibility

When traditional weekly therapy isn’t enough but full-day treatment isn’t necessary, IOP offers the ideal middle ground.

What It Includes:

  • 9-15 hours of treatment per week
  • Personalized care plans developed by licensed therapists
  • Evidence-based therapies (CBT, DBT, ACT)
  • Specialized group therapy (stress management, relationships, self-esteem)
  • Trauma-focused care and EMDR when appropriate
  • Dual diagnosis treatment
  • Family counseling to strengthen support systems
  • Relapse prevention and skills training
  • Peer support community
  • Flexible scheduling (morning, afternoon, or evening sessions)
 
Best For:
• Managing depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder while working/attending school
• Step-down care after completing PHP or residential treatment
• Needing more support than weekly therapy provides
• Building a strong foundation for long-term recovery
 

What Makes It Different: IOP gives you enough structure to make real progress while allowing you to keep working, going to school, or managing family responsibilities. The group therapy component provides peer support that many find invaluable—connecting with others who truly understand what you’re going through.

Learn More About Our IOP Program →

Ongoing Support for Sustained Wellness

Our foundational outpatient program provides consistent therapeutic support tailored to your schedule and recovery goals.

What It Includes:

  • 1-5 group sessions per week (1-1.5 hours each)
  • Evidence-based therapeutic approaches
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Family therapy options
  • Holistic treatment modalities
  • Flexible scheduling (in-person or telehealth)
  • Evening sessions for working individuals
 
Best For:
• Maintaining progress after completing higher levels of care
• Managing stable mental health conditions with professional guidance
• Long-term relapse prevention
• Ongoing skill development and emotional regulation
• Those balancing treatment with full-time commitments
 

What Makes It Different: OP is designed for the long game. While more intensive programs focus on stabilization and skill-building, OP helps you maintain your progress over months or even years. It’s the safety net that keeps you accountable and supported as you navigate life’s challenges.

Learn More About Our Outpatient Program →

Professional Care from Anywhere

Access quality mental health support from the comfort and privacy of your own space.

What It Includes:

  • Weekly 1-hour evening sessions (6:30-7:30 PM)
  • Secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform
  • Evidence-based therapies (CBT, DBT)
  • Process group therapy with peer support
  • Licensed mental health professionals
  • Option to combine with in-person daytime sessions
  • Can extend up to 9 months with sessions up to 5 days/week
Best For:
• Professionals with demanding work schedules
• Individuals in remote or underserved areas of Orange County
• Those who prefer the privacy and comfort of home
• Maintaining treatment while traveling
• Eliminating commute time and transportation barriers

What Makes It Different: Telehealth removes the logistical barriers that often prevent people from getting help. No traffic, no parking struggles, no time lost to commuting. You can log in from your home office, connect during your lunch break from a private space, or join from wherever you feel most comfortable.

Learn More About Telehealth Services →

How to Choose the Right Level of Outpatient Care

Not sure which program fits your needs? Here’s a practical framework to help you decide:

Consider Your Symptom Severity

PHP might be right if:

  • Your symptoms significantly interfere with daily functioning
  • You’ve recently been discharged from inpatient care
  • You’re experiencing a mental health crisis but have a safe living environment
  • You need daily structure and intensive support

IOP might be right if:

  • You’re struggling but can manage basic daily tasks
  • Weekly therapy hasn’t been enough
  • You need significant support but must maintain work/school
  • You’re stepping down from PHP

OP might be right if:

  • Your symptoms are manageable with regular support
  • You’ve completed IOP or PHP and need ongoing care
  • You’re focused on relapse prevention and skill maintenance
  • You have a strong external support system

Telehealth might be right if:

  • You have stable symptoms and need maintenance support
  • Transportation or schedule constraints make in-person difficult
  • You live in a remote area of Orange County
  • You’re comfortable with virtual platforms
 
 

Still Unsure? We Can Help.

Our pre-admission assessment will determine the most appropriate level of care for your specific situation. We’ll consider your symptoms, living environment, support system, insurance coverage, and personal goals.

Mental Health Conditions We Treat

Our outpatient services address a comprehensive range of mental health conditions:

Why Choose Friendly Recovery Center

We’re proud to be accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accreditation organization. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

We’re also certified by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) under license #300770AP for Intensive Outpatient treatment.

The Friendly Recovery Difference

Bring your emotional support or service animal to treatment.

Keep your phone for staying connected to work and loved ones.

Safe, inclusive, affirming environment for all.

Continue prescribed medications under clinical supervision.

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Convenient Tustin Location

15991 Red Hill Ave, Suite 101
Tustin, CA 92780

Serving all of Orange County including: Irvine, Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and surrounding areas.

Insurance Coverage for Outpatient Mental Health Services

Most major insurance plans cover outpatient mental health treatment. We’re in-network with:

We Handle Insurance Verification
Our admissions team will verify your benefits before you start, explain your coverage clearly, obtain necessary authorizations, and submit claims directly to your insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • How do I know which outpatient program I need?

    The best way to determine your appropriate level of care is through a professional assessment. Our clinical team evaluates your symptoms, functional impairment, support system, and treatment history to recommend the most effective program.

  • Can I work while attending an outpatient program?

    Yes, that's one of the primary benefits of outpatient care. PHP may require taking leave due to the 6-hour daily commitment, but IOP, OP, and Telehealth are specifically designed to accommodate work schedules.

  • How long does outpatient treatment last?

    Duration varies: PHP typically lasts 2-4 weeks, IOP runs 8-12 weeks, OP can continue for months as maintenance support, and Telehealth can extend up to 9 months or longer if beneficial.

  • Will my employer know I'm in treatment?

    Your treatment is confidential. We won't contact your employer or disclose your participation without your written consent. Many clients use sick time, personal days, or flexible work arrangements.

  • Do you accept insurance?

    Yes, we accept most major insurance providers. Our admissions team will verify your benefits and explain your coverage at no cost.

Start Your Path to Mental Wellness

Ready to start your journey towards recovery and stability? Contact Friendly Recovery Center today and let us help you improve your mental health and wellness.

Take Control of Your Mental Health Today

Our experienced team provides expert IOP, PHP, and outpatient care for individuals in Orange County. We deliver personalized counseling, group therapy, and holistic treatments in a supportive environment designed to improve your life.

Our team is ready to help—call us now!

All calls are 100% free and confidential

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