Day Treatment Programs for Mental Health in Utah

What is a Day Treatment Program?

A day treatment program is an outpatient program that provides structured, intensive therapy while allowing individuals to return home at the end of the day. This model offers the support of residential care without requiring overnight stays, making it an ideal option for those who have responsibilities at home or work but still need professional intervention.

Unlike traditional outpatient therapy, which may consist of just one or two weekly sessions, a day treatment center offers multiple hours of treatment daily. Patients engage in therapy, educational sessions, and skill-building activities designed to address both substance use and mental health challenges. This approach ensures that individuals receive consistent support while having the opportunity to practice new strategies in their daily lives.

At Steps Recovery Centers, each patient begins their day treatment program with a comprehensive evaluation. Our interdisciplinary team assesses medical, psychological, and behavioral needs to create a personalized plan of care. By tailoring treatment to each individual, our programs address the root causes of addiction and mental health concerns while fostering long-term resilience.

Benefits of Mental Health Day Programs

There are many benefits of attending a day treatment program, including:

1. Treatment Without Disruption

A major advantage of mental health day programs is that patients receive robust clinical care while remaining in their home environment. This allows individuals to maintain family responsibilities, work commitments, and other personal obligations without interruption. Structured therapy sessions provide the intensity necessary to address underlying issues without requiring residential hospitalization.

2. Structured Support and Accountability

A day treatment program provides a predictable schedule and consistent engagement with licensed therapists, counselors, and peers. Daily participation fosters accountability, helps develop coping strategies, and reinforces the behavioral skills necessary for lasting recovery. The structured environment also reduces exposure to triggers and high-risk situations that could interfere with treatment.

3. Cost-Effective Option

Compared to residential treatment programs, mental health day programs offer high-level care at a lower cost. Patients benefit from multiple hours of professional support each day while avoiding the expenses and logistical challenges of inpatient care. This makes day treatment an accessible solution for many individuals seeking mental health or addiction services.

4. Immediate Application of Skills

Because patients return home each evening, the strategies learned during a day treatment program can be applied immediately in real-world settings. This practical reinforcement helps individuals develop sustainable coping mechanisms, build healthier routines, and strengthen relationships outside the treatment environment.

A Typical Day in a Day Treatment Program

Patients in a day treatment program generally attend sessions 3–5 times per week and no more than six hours each day. A structured daily schedule may include:

This structure provides intensive support while allowing patients to return home at night. Practicing newly learned coping skills in their everyday environment reinforces behavioral changes and accelerates progress.

Evidence-Based Therapies Offered

At Steps Recovery Centers, we use a range of therapies in our treatment approach, including: 

Individual Therapy

One-on-one sessions provide personalized support tailored to each patient’s mental health or substance use challenges. Individual therapy allows patients to explore personal experiences, identify triggers, and develop strategies for managing cravings, stress, and emotional dysregulation.

Group Therapy

Group sessions offer peer support and foster a sense of community. Sharing experiences with others who face similar challenges reduces isolation and provides encouragement. Patients gain insight, learn coping strategies, and build social skills that strengthen long-term recovery.

Family Therapy

Engaging family members in treatment improves communication, rebuilds trust, and provides a support system essential to recovery. Family therapy helps loved ones understand addiction and mental health struggles, enabling them to participate actively in the healing process.

Trauma Therapy

Many patients enter day treatment programs with a history of trauma that contributes to addiction or mental health challenges. Trauma-focused therapies help patients process difficult experiences safely, reduce the impact of past events, and build healthier coping mechanisms.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

CBT helps patients identify and change destructive thought patterns, while DBT incorporates mindfulness and emotional regulation skills. Both approaches equip individuals with tools to manage triggers, reduce impulsive behaviors, and improve overall mental health.

Holistic Therapies

Integrative practices such as yoga, meditation, fitness classes, and wellness activities complement traditional therapies. These holistic practices in our mental health day programs support the mind, body, and spirit, promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being.

Who Can Benefit from a Day Treatment Program?

A day treatment program serves individuals with varying needs and life circumstances, including the following groups:

Individuals with Moderate Addiction or Mental Health Needs

Day treatment is ideal for those whose substance use or mental health challenges require more support than traditional outpatient therapy can provide but do not necessitate 24/7 residential care.

Dual Diagnosis Patients

For individuals struggling with both addiction and mental health disorders, a day treatment center provides integrated care. Addressing both areas simultaneously ensures a comprehensive approach to recovery, improving outcomes and reducing relapse risk.

Individuals Maintaining Daily Responsibilities

Day treatment allows patients to live at home and maintain work, school, or family obligations. This balance enables recovery while minimizing disruption to daily life, making it a practical and effective option for many adults.

What Steps Recovery Centers Treat

Our programs are designed to meet individuals where they are, offering focused care for the following areas:

Addiction

Our Utah day treatment programs address a wide range of substance use disorders, including alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and marijuana. Patients receive evidence-based interventions, medication management when appropriate, and clinical supervision to navigate withdrawal and early recovery safely.

Mental Health

Steps Recovery Centers also offer independent residential mental health treatment and mental health day programs for individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions. These programs serve those with primary mental health needs as well as patients with co-occurring substance use disorders. Licensed clinicians provide therapy, skills training, and holistic support to stabilize mental health and promote emotional wellness.

Our Integrated Care Approach

Our programs integrate addiction and mental health treatment, ensuring both are addressed, whether they occur independently or together. Treating the root causes of behavioral and psychological challenges improves long-term outcomes and equips patients with the tools necessary to maintain sobriety and mental wellness.

Locations and Accessibility

Steps Recovery Centers operates day treatment centers in Utah, with locations in Payson, St. George, Murray, and Orem. Each facility provides a safe and supportive environment for recovery, designed to meet the needs of both mental health and addiction patients.

Our Utah locations offer easy access to a full continuum of care. Patients can transition seamlessly from detox to residential treatment, day treatment, or intensive outpatient programs, ensuring that care is continuous and coordinated. 

The Steps Recovery Center Difference

At Steps Recovery Centers, our compassionate and expert staff focus on individualized care. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan that addresses both mental health and substance use challenges. Our combination of evidence-based therapies and holistic interventions ensures that every patient has the resources needed to achieve meaningful, lasting recovery.

Graduates of our day treatment programs leave with practical tools for managing their mental health, maintaining sobriety, and navigating life’s challenges confidently. The supportive environment and peer community built in our programs foster empowerment and resilience that extend well beyond the program’s duration.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Recovery begins with a single step. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, contacting a day treatment center like Steps Recovery Centers in Utah can provide the guidance, support, and structure necessary to begin healing.

Call (385) 438-4745 or get in touch with us online today to schedule a free consultation. Learn more about our day treatment program and explore the continuum of care available to help you take control of your mental health and sobriety.