When to seek a higher level of care

[TH Anonymous]

[SIZE="a"]I have a therapist and a psychiatrist already, but lately I've been wondering if I need to seek a higher level of care. For the most part I feel pretty happy, but over the last couple of months I've been struggling with self-harming behaviors. It's not as severe as it once was, but I am still concerned with the fact that it's happening at all. I am wondering if maybe I should do an IOP or a PHP. Is it worth pursuing, or should I wait and see how things go? I know PHP and IOPs are big commitments, so I don't want to take the decision lightly. Thanks for your help in advance.[/size]

[Ennui.]

I think it's worth looking into, just to prevent a backslide. The fact that you're concerned that it is happening is a sign that maybe you should try and look into that higher level of care. I also think that it's good that you noticed that even though it is not as severe as it once was, the self harm can definitely worsen again.
I'm assuming there will be some sort of intake process, so if they don't think IOP or PHP is right for you, they will probably tell you that and maybe suggest some other things you can do. That's what happened to me, anyway. I went in for an intake for IOP but we decided I couldn't commit to the time and I am doing group therapy instead. At least if you explore the options of IOP and PHP you can say you tried!