r/Albany • u/87-percent-gay • 23h ago
Is there a fully in person PHP/IOP in the area?
The one at four winds is either virtual or hybrid and that isn't accessible to me. I really need the additional support and have been pretty upset I can't find something accessible
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u/Important_Guard4839 20h ago
I’m not aware of any full in person IOPs for general mental health. I know HPA Livewell had one for eating disorders that’s was in person and then it went online and it may be back in person now. Is your primary issue mental health, or substance use or both or something else? You could also reach out to Albany County Mental Health and see if they have options? I’m sorry you’re having to do all of this work to get help
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u/87-percent-gay 20h ago
I'm dealing with mental health issues and technically cannabis misuse disorder but I don't consider that a priority rn. My diagnosis are autism, major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and borderline personality disorder. I'm having some pretty intense suicidal thoughts around method but I'm not to the point where I'm a danger to myself. There's no intent or preparations. I have chronic suicidal thoughts so this is kind of normal for me and not an acute escalation or something though.
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u/Important_Guard4839 17h ago
Thanks for sharing- i know those are all really tough and i imagine you’re pretty exhausted especially with chasing around care. A couple options: Reach out to albany county and see if they can provide any resources- Also your insurance company should have a behavioral health case manager that can help you find a specific option. Lastly, maybe try to ask four winds if you could just attend the only in person days ( if they allow that/ you haven’t asked). I did some digging and I know there are quite a few IOPS for substance use but that doesn’t seem like a primary concern for you so I’m not sure you’d be able to get in to that or find it helpful. Also to add- maybe there’s a work around to the wifi issue- like utilizing a library private room? I know it’s not ideal at all but that would open you up to other programs too.
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u/87-percent-gay 17h ago
I really am exhausted. Thank you for responding. I was thinking about a library private room for the virtual days and I'm just worried because sometimes I get really really dysregulated when working through difficult stuff. Plus sometimes when I get too upset I struggle with basic things and have gotten really confused using the bus despite it being a route I use regularly. I'm worried there could be days I struggle to get myself home safely after
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u/Important_Guard4839 17h ago
that’s totally valid and truthfully I give you major props for even considering the library because I know I wouldn’t have enough energy to consistently drag myself there. I’m wondering if maybe your therapists office has an empty or private space they’d let you use? Also, you could always try the library and then decide it doesn’t work and re group. I definitely think talking to a case manager could be helpful- they likely will have more resources and experiences around this specific issue and maybe have some connections. Happy to help more with problem solving or just be a listening ear if you need it
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u/87-percent-gay 16h ago
I actually meet with my care manager about something else tomorrow and I think I'm going to problem solve with her about it then
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u/87-percent-gay 16h ago
I don't know why I hadn't even considered bringing it up to her tomorrow when that's a great idea
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u/NiceSupermarket7724 14h ago
I’m sorry. For what it’s worth: don’t forget autism is not the same as a mental illness. You might be able to access accommodations or services that help decrease your other symptoms, which are extremely common in late-diagnosed autistic people. Be well!
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u/87-percent-gay 14h ago
I know it's not a mental illness but it feels relevant so I normally mention it in these conversations. Thank you for being kind.
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u/NiceSupermarket7724 13h ago
It’s highly relevant, and fundamental to the whole equation. I tried CBT for years without knowing that autistics tend to hate it! I’ve been able to find a knowledgeable provider. The darkest days are over. ☀️
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u/87-percent-gay 13h ago
I'm glad you have knowledgeable providers! I'm lucky to be in the same boat! I tend to do really well with DBT. I like CBT exercises in some scenarios where I know I'm having thought distortions but other times it feels like gaslighting myself lol
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u/NiceSupermarket7724 13h ago
Oof I know that feeling. That’s why I couldn’t do it. I’m already masking whenever I’m in public— adding self gaslighting exhausted me.
Remember autism is only a disability because of restrictive social norms. Neurodivergence is real, and important to society. You are important for this reason.
Do you know the terms autistic joy and autistic anxiety? They are two distinct mental states that only manifest in autism, with slightly different definitions from common usage.
The joy can come from special interests and/or sensory fulfillment. It’s hard for neurotypicals to understand such elation over things that are “silly.” The distinct anxiety comes from trying new things; not because of fear, but because one isn’t sure if one’s needs will be met, often based on sensory criteria that, again, don’t bother neurotypicals as much.
Sometimes I like looking at r/evilautism to get some dark humor about it! If that’s your thing.
Be well! ☀️☀️☀️☀️
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u/innersunshine 22h ago
Hi, I hope you're feeling better soon. are you in Albany county? Also do you get mental health services through the county?
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u/87-percent-gay 20h ago
I'm actually in Schenectady county! I have a therapist, psychiatrist, and go to a PROS day program. The day program isn't as intensive as PHP and isn't meeting my support needs rn though. I'd ideally like to find an in person IOP (or find a work around to make virtual work) and then go back to PROS like normal after.
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u/innersunshine 20h ago
Ok, maybe going to the Living Room would be a start? Also I don't know if you've tried Ellis Outpatient but their intake number is 518-831-6946
I'm also wondering if either the Living Room, or PROS could just give you a space to connect virtually to Four Winds on the days it's online.
I'm sorry you're going through this but I'm REALLY proud of you for trying to figure it out. Advocating for yourself in the mental health system is not easy but it has to be done.
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u/87-percent-gay 20h ago
My therapist and psychiatrist are both through Ellis and that's where I go to pros. They've never mentioned potentially providing a place there to do virtual groups when discussing barriers but it may be worth an ask. Another option I'm considering is signing up for one of the study rooms at the library for the hours of my virtual groups and doing them there? I'm not sure if I could make that work though especially because medicabs wouldn't bring me there like they do for pros and I really really struggle with the bus and I don't want to get dysregulated talking about things in such a public place
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u/innersunshine 20h ago
Worth an ask. And the four winds IOP definitely helped me so I hope you can get into it. The library is a good idea too even though I know the bus is hard. You might be able to ask for a ride in your local Buy Nothing group.
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u/87-percent-gay 20h ago
I was part of their PHP in 2018 when it was fully in person and really liked it then! I'd definitely be open to doing it again if I can find a way to make it work. Maybe it would be a good start to talk to the librarians about how to sign up for one of the private study rooms and the hours they're available. I'm more worried about making it home on the bus than I am about getting there. When I get dysregulated sometimes I get really confused about simple things like the bus and I'm worried I'd struggle to get myself home safely on some days if I get too upset
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u/87-percent-gay 20h ago
Also thank you so much it's been hard! Since PHP/IOP isn't an option my therapist has been suggesting inpatient but I don't feel I need that level of care even though I know my current level isn't suitable rn
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u/Kephielo 22h ago
From my understanding, the hybrid means you can go in person or be virtual. Is there a reason that's not an option for you? If you need in person, you can go. If you need virtual, you can do it from home. What exactly is it that you're looking for? I work in mental health.