Category: Blog

Online programs for substance use disorder – understanding your options for recovery

Posted on by EHN Online

Online programs for substance use disorder – understanding your options for recovery

The decision to seek care for your alcohol or drug addiction is an important step towards recovery. By researching the differences in treatment options, you are already demonstrating self-awareness and initiative to make a change. Nonetheless, with so much information available online, the researching process can be intimidating. In this article, we will help you understand what online options are available so that you can make an informed decision about which course of action is the best for you.

One option when seeking online therapy is an intensive outpatient program (IOP).  This is an addiction or mental health treatment program designed for individuals who need more structure and intensive treatment than they can get from standard treatment options such as one-on-one therapy, medication, and support groups. IOP’s can either be in person or provided through an online therapy platform. 

Online therapy for mental health and addiction

Online therapy, also known as e-therapy, virtual therapy or teletherapy can be an effective treatment option for mental health and addiction support over the internet. This can occur via messaging, texts, video conferencing, or other digital solutions in real-time. This method can be beneficial to those struggling with mild to moderate addiction or mental health symptoms. It is important to note that online therapy can be very effective for many, but it is not a suitable replacement for inpatient programming if you are experiencing severe addiction symptoms.

Online therapy is an excellent solution if you live in a remote area, have limited access to quality substance addiction support or prefer to get help from the comfort of your own home. Programs that are strictly online typically have fewer operational costs and therefore can often offer more affordable treatment options. Online therapy is convenient and affordable – gone are the days of long commutes to therapy, missing work, or booking a babysitter to attend a session. 

How to have the best online therapy experience

Convenience is often reported as one of the greatest advantages of online therapy, however; this is contingent on the assumption that patients have access to a:

  • High speed internet connection
  • Laptop or tablet (preferable to a smartphone)
  • Private and comfortable space 
  • Solid support system or loved one to help maintain accountability throughout the program

Accessing online therapy for addiction

To begin the process of joining an online therapy program, decide which medium you prefer (text, video call, etc.) and conduct an online search. Find a place that resonates best with you and call or request an appointment. They may ask questions about your current mental state and demographic information to help match you with a compatible counsellor or program. Some additional factors to consider when choosing an online addictions program include: 

  • Therapist designation: If you want insurance to cover the cost of your therapy, make sure that the company has what you’re looking for. You will want to ask about if the therapists are Masters-level and registered, as most insurance companies have policies around this.
  • Schedules: Find out how flexible the individual and groups session schedules are to ensure they fit into your work and home life.
  • Evidence-based: Therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) have been researched and proven to help patients develop meaningful and lasting change in their lives. Ask the admissions counsellor about which methods their programs use.
  • Price: Determine how much the sessions cost and what your budget can support. It is also important to consider what else the program offers in addition to the therapy (i.e. family support, aftercare, etc).

Pricing and payment methods for online therapy vary. Some platforms might use a subscription structure, billing you bi-weekly or monthly, and some might have you pay yearly or by session. It is important to keep in mind which method works best for you when selecting a platform. Prices for online therapy typically reside between $60-100 per session, which is a nice contrast to the $150-240 average for an in-person therapy session.

Figuring out which program is right for you

Substance use disorders are classified as mild, moderate and severe. Use the following criteria to help understand where your symptoms stand. If you agree with 2-4 of the following statements, you likely have mild symptoms. If you agree with 4-6 of the following statements you might fall under the moderate category, and 7+ means you are likely experiencing severe symptoms of substance use disorder. Speak to a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis.

  • Your substance use has created dangerous situations for yourself or others.
  • Your substance use has caused relationship problems or conflicts with others.
  • You frequently fail to meet your responsibilities at work or home.
  • When you stop using the substance, you experience withdrawal symptoms.
  • You have built a tolerance and have increased your use amount and frequency.
  • You’ve tried to cut back or quit entirely, but haven’t been successful.
  • You spend a lot of your time using the substance.
  • Your substance use has led to physical or mental health problems, such as liver damage or anxiety.
  • You have skipped activities or stopped doing activities you once enjoyed in order to use the substance.
  • You experience cravings for the substance.

Take our short assessment quiz to find out if online rehab is a viable option for your recovery.

Take the Quiz

 

Types of online therapy for addiction 

There is a wide variety of online therapy solutions. To determine which option may be best for you given the severity of your symptoms, see the checklist above. 

  • Individual counselling – One on one counselling with a therapist via secure video platform. Most effective for mild symptoms.
  • Self-help groups – AA or SMART Recovery groups via secure video platform. Most effective for mild symptoms.
  • Mental health and wellness apps – Websites/self-led apps dedicated to mental health and wellness. Most effective for mild symptoms.
  • Group counselling – Therapeutic support with peers led by a therapist via secure video platform. Most effective for mild/moderate symptoms.
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) – Intensive online treatment via secure platform. Most effective for mild/moderate symptoms. 

For those experiencing severe symptoms of addiction, inpatient therapy with medically assisted detox treatment might be a more suitable action plan for you.

How can an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) help you recover from addiction?

Have you tried individual counselling or self-help groups but feel you need more help? IOPs provide a more structured and intensive solution as they combine individual counselling, group counselling, family support and an app into one bundled package. Both intensive and flexible, IOPs are effective for those who are unable to take time away from family or work, but require more structure in their treatment process. 

IOP patients can maintain their daily routines and access therapy outside of work hours. Some of the most notable benefits for substance use disorder IOPs are:

  • Flexible scheduling to prevent interference with family and work time
  • Receive support and connection from others in a safe and non-judgemental space
  • Manage progress and prevent relapse with a structured aftercare program
  • Involve loved ones in your recovery for additional long term support
  • Receive immediate support with rolling intake and support on demand
  • Stay on top of your own recovery with progress tracking
  • Complimentary to AA and SMART Recovery
  • Evidence-based and use curriculum that is proven to work
  • Compatible with an easy-to-use online platform and app 

The IOP at EHN Online is eight weeks of intensive treatment, for nine hours a week, featuring both individual and group therapy. Studies show that group therapy plays an important role on the route to recovery as it creates a close-knit support network to give and receive information from peers with similar experiences, and provides an opportunity for increased self-awareness.[1] [2]

For ten months following treatment, patients participate in aftercare, with one virtual group meeting per week and access to the outpatient app, Wagon. This will allow you to track daily progress, achieve your goals, and better communicate with your counsellor. EHN Online’s in-house clinical team ensures full cohesion across the network, so your designated counsellor can join you throughout your entire journey to recovery. 

Accessing an Intensive Outpatient Program

To begin your journey with an EHN Online Intensive Outpatient Program, book an assessment with one of our IOP counsellors. You’ll discuss your symptoms, your history, and your goals for the future before you agree on a program that’s right for you. If you decide to go ahead, your counsellor will register you in that program during your appointment.

Many employee benefit plans cover treatment programs for alcohol and drug addiction. Contact EHN Online with the name of your employer and insurance provider so we can help determine your coverage and financing solutions.

Other IOP streams

EHN Online offers a variety of Intensive Outpatient Programs to help individuals reach their recovery goals:

How much does an IOP for addiction cost?

When it comes to cost, you need to take into account the chance of future intensive program needs. If your initial treatment does not have lasting positive effects and you need to re-enter a program, your total cost of rehabilitation will increase dramatically. It is more cost-effective to select a program that you feel will best address your needs, immerse you with a supportive group of peers, and keep you on track the first time around.

While your mental and physical health doesn’t have a price tag, you do have to consider what type of support can fit into your budget. Because of the bundled nature of IOPs, the hourly cost is actually far lower than a stand-alone individual therapy session or group. Here’s a simple cost breakdown: 

$38/hour for 173 hours over one year:

  • 9 hours of individual/group therapy sessions for 8 weeks
  • 12 available hours of family programming
  • 10 months of weekly aftercare 
  • Access to a digital app for corresponding materials and progress reports 
  • A detailed discharge meeting and summary 

Compared to traditional prices for individual and group therapy at about $60-100 per hourly session, an Intensive Outpatient Program provides a bundled offering for proven results and affordable prices. 

There is no single method of recovery that is the right solution for everyone. Individuals will thrive when they find a mixture of therapies, education, and lifestyle changes that works for them. A great place to begin is to use the severity classification method listed above to identify whether or not you would benefit from separation from your current surroundings and habits.

Congratulations on taking the first step towards recovery! Beginning the process is the most daunting part, and your initiative shows your willingness to make a change in your life. Whichever course of treatment you choose, recovery is around the corner!

Take our short assessment quiz or give us a call to find out if online rehab is a viable options for your recovery.

888-767-3711
Sign Up

 

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

[1] Fogger, S. A., & Lehmann, K. (2017). Recovery Beyond Buprenorphine: Nurse-Led Group Therapy. Journal of addictions nursing, 28(3), 152–156. https://doi.org/10.1097/JAN.0000000000000180

[2] Epstein, E. E., McCrady, B. S., Hallgren, K. A., Gaba, A., Cook, S., Jensen, N., Hildebrandt, T., Holzhauer, C. G., & Litt, M. D. (2018). Individual versus group female-specific cognitive behavior therapy for alcohol use disorder. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 88, 27–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2018.02.003

[3] Inpatient vs. outpatient treatment: Recovery options. (2020, September 18). https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/inpatient-outpatient-rehab/. 

[4] Inpatient vs. Outpatient: Comparing Two Types of Patient Care. St. George’s University. (2019, June 18). https://www.sgu.edu/blog/medical/inpatient-versus-outpatient/.

How the right program can help prevent relapse after rehab

Posted on by EHN Online

Man-at-top-of-staircase-recovery

How the right program can help prevent relapse after rehab

Recovering from a substance use addiction is an ongoing process that doesn’t end after attending rehabilitation. Maintaining abstinence from substances takes time, patience, resilience, and support. That’s why it is important that your rehabilitation program offers effective skills to prevent relapse, and a realistic duration of support upon program completion. 

Many people are under the misconception that one rehabilitation program will provide an end-all  solution. In reality, rehab only scratches the surface, helping patients to stabilize, collect their bearings, and develop further awareness about their addiction. It is the continuing care following rehabilitation that produces long-term results for recovery. By following through with your program’s aftercare, or enrolling in a step-down program, you can help reduce the likelihood of relapsing. 

Why does relapse occur?

A number of factors can contribute to relapse, despite completing a program for recovery. Returning to a familiar environment or social setting in which you once used a substance can trigger memories and urges to use again. This can trigger the relapse cycle, which leads to recurring substance use;

  • Stage 1: Emotional. This is where you are triggered by your environment or situation to crave substance use.
  • Stage 2: Psychological. This is where you bargain with yourself to believe that using the substance again will not lead to a relapse in your addiction. 
  • Stage 3: Physical. Once you have made peace with the idea of using again, the physical act of using drugs or alcohol becomes much easier. The euphoria that you feel from reuniting with the substance then makes it difficult for this act to be a one time occurrence.[2]

Relapse is not uncommon, in fact, research shows that the relapse rate for substance use disorder is 40-60%. This likelihood is similar to that of other chronic disorders and diseases such as asthma and type 1 diabetes. These relapses should all be recognized under the same chronic disorder umbrella, serving as a sign for resumed, modified, or new treatment. [1]

Relapse is so common that it is a frequently cited reason for seeking addiction recovery in the first place. Most individuals who seek help for substance use have already attempted to abstain on their own and are seeking a more permanent solution for recovery [2]. Understanding that you need a more structured approach to recovery means that you are prepared to find a lasting solution.

How to avoid relapse

The purpose of planning ahead for relapse prevention is to identify early warning signs and develop effective coping skills to catch relapse in its earliest stages. Addressing relapse and using a prevention plan as soon as you begin to recognize warning signs has shown to significantly reduce your risk of relapsing. [2] There are many things to keep in mind when striving to prevent relapse.

  • Avoid triggers such people or places connected to your substance use, situations which cause extreme stress, or situations in which you may witness substance use
  • Ensure that you have a positive support network, or an emergency contact person for difficult or triggering situations
  • Create a clear relapse-prevention plan and set measures to ensure accountability (such as recording progress and triggers, or checking in with a counsellor or group) 
  • Continue therapy or enrol in a program with an aftercare solution

Maintaining accountability and self-awareness plays an important role in relapse prevention. The goal of recovery programs is to set patients up for success for life, as opposed to short-term success. When seeking recovery support, consider programs that offer relapse-specific education and aftercare so that you are prepared to continue down the path of recovery.

 

How Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) support relapse-prevention

EHN Online’s IOP for Substance Use Disorder provides patients with the tools they need to prevent future relapse. Beginning with eight weeks of intensive therapy, patients will virtually attend both group therapy and individual therapy each week. 

Group therapy plays an important role in continued recovery by creating an intimate support network. This allows participants to provide information and support to peers with similar experiences, while meeting one-on-one with a therapist creates an opportunity to build a personalized recovery plan and focus on their own journey.

By accessing an intensive program that does not require inpatient admission, IOP participants can learn and use relapse prevention strategies in real time. Working recovery into your ongoing life and schedule helps to eliminate the shock of returning to life outside of rehabilitation upon program completion. 

Following the eight weeks of intensive therapy, the program offers ten months of aftercare support. This includes access to the Wagon app and one hour of group therapy per week. Because humans are social creatures by nature, formal therapy groups are proven to be effective in recovery as a source of persuasion, stabilization, and support. This creates an opportunity for healthy relationships, positive peer reinforcement, and way to develop new social skills. The rewarding nature of group therapy can at times produce even more positive benefits than individual therapy [3] [4]. Accessing a combination of group and individual therapy lets participants reap the benefits of both methods.

Staying on top of your recovery

Because addiction is a life-long fight, it is helpful for people in recovery to enrol in an IOP as a way to refresh their knowledge. If you have attended a form of rehabilitation in the past but fear relapse or would benefit from intensive aftercare support, an IOP is a great step-down solution. Participants in the IOP for Substance Use Disorder can re-immerse themselves in recovery education, make adjustments to their recovery plan, and stay connected to a network of support. 

Recovery from a substance use disorder is an ongoing process, and completing a treatment program is only the first step towards healing. The journey to sobriety takes time, patience and support. Enrolling in the right program is the first step towards getting and staying sober.

 

We can help you or your loved one get on the right path to recovery.
Call us for a free and confidential consultation.

Sign Up Today

 

 

Not sure if this program matches where you are in your own journey to recovery? We’ve got you covered. Check out these group therapy options. 

Socialization and Stabilization Group Therapy

Eight week group designed to support individuals, regardless of their position on the recovery continuum. Suitable for those at the precontemplation stage, who are resistant to “formal” programming, or are looking for a starting point to explore available recovery options. Read more.

Relapse Prevention Group Therapy

Eight week group primarily for those who have undergone treatment before. Individuals will be introduced to practical skills, create their own high risk prevention plan, develop a personal commitment statement and participate in exercises that will empower them to live a life without alcohol, drugs and/or other unhealthy behaviours. Read more.

 

[1] NIDA. (2020). Treatment and Recovery. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery

[2] Melemis S. M. (2015). Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery. The Yale journal of biology and medicine, 88(3), 325–332.

[3] Scheidlinger S. (2000). The Group Psychotherapy Movement at the Millennium: Some Historical Perspectives. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 50(3), 315-339, DOI: 10.1080/00207284.2000.11491012

[4] McRoberts, Chris et al. (1998). Comparative Efficacy of Individual and Group Psychotherapy: A Meta-Analytic Perspective. Group Dynamics Theory Research and Practice 2(2):101-117, DOI:10.1037/1089-2699.2.2.101

 

 

3 simple steps to support your company’s mental health initiatives

Posted on by EHN Online

3 simple steps to support your company’s mental health initiatives

The overall health and success of a workplace relies on both the physical and psychological well-being of its employees. By supporting a healthy and informed environment at work, organizations can set themselves up for success. According to the World Health Organization, the estimated cost to the global economy as a result of anxiety and depression in the workforce is US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity. Organizations can play a strong and effective role in promoting positive mental health in the workplace, “for every $1 put into scaled up treatment for common mental disorders, there is a return of $4 in improved health and productivity.” [1]

Providing mental health services to employees results in increased productivity and retention, and a decrease in healthcare costs. But with a wide variety of mental health services becoming more available to the public, how can you determine which solution will be the most effective for your employees and your business? 

Supporting mental health in the workplace – the bottom line

EHN Online has created intensive virtual programs for individuals struggling with mental health and/or addictions. The virtual and flexible nature of the programs allows for patients to continue to work while they access treatment that is intensive enough to create lasting results. With high completion rates and a clear return on investment, intensive outpatient programs can help reduce common costs such as absenteeism and turnover. [2]

 

Circle graphic - 500,000

Canadian workers miss work every week as a result of poor mental health [2]

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On average, leaves due to mental illness are roughly double the cost of leaves due to physical illness [3]

Average return on investment in company mental health initiatives after three years [2]

Completion rate for EHN Online’s Intensive Outpatient Program

By setting your employees up for success with their mental health, they will thrive personally and professionally. After all, a company is only as healthy as its employees. 

3 steps to supporting mental health and addiction at work

An important component to an organizational mental health strategy is offering readily available external therapy and rehabilitation to employees. By identifying a need within your company, and determining the best solution for recovery, you can set up your employees and company for success. It is important to recognize that mental health does not come with a one-size-fits-all formula. The best way to ensure that your employees are accessing the necessary resources to improve their mental health is to identify where their needs lie, and how to best address them. 

Step 1: Recognize your employee’s struggles and needs

Do you know how to recognize the signs that your employee’s mental health symptoms are increasing? Mental health resides on a spectrum, and identifying where an employee (or an aggregate of employees) stand is a great first step to knowing how you can best help them. Start by looking at the following chart to consider the types of symptoms, the severity and the frequency in which these may be displayed at work.   

 

Mild Symptoms Moderate Symptoms Severe Symptoms
Function Functioning at work Developed functioning at work and outside of work; absenteeism; presenteeism; increased sick days Low functioning at work or not working
Intensity Mental health symptoms triggered by an event or a situation (work stress, death, divorce, etc.) More frequent and intense mental health episodes Chronic mental health conditions
Use of Services Accessing support services for the first time or again after a break Has accessed or is accessing individual counsellor or digital solutions, but requires more intense and/or more frequent treatment Has accessed intensive mental health support and requires a day program or residential care

 

Step 2: Know your options for offering mental health support

Now that we understand that mental health is a spectrum, it is clear that different approaches need to be taken to experience optimal results for each severity classification. The chart below is a non-exhaustive list of potential solutions that best suit different severities.  

 

Mild symptoms Moderate Symptoms Severe Symptoms
Service options
  • Individual Counselling
  • iCBT
  • Self guided therapy 
  • Wellness apps
  • Peer support groups 
 Combination individual and group therapy program with corresponding digital component (Intensive Outpatient Programs)
  • Partial Hospitalization program 
  • Residential treatment 

 

Step 3: Identify the most effective treatment 

Making the right choice for treatment can significantly affect your ROI. If your offering matches the needs of your company, you will see more success from treatments and increased productivity at work. Intensive Outpatient Programs at EHN Online allows employees to get treatment that fits into their home and work lives. 

By offering a combination of individual and group therapy with evening and daytime options, an IOP can:

  • reduce the cost of treatment 
  • improve outcomes
  • achieve higher completion rates and; 
  • help patients maintain long term progress. 

What is Intensive Outpatient Therapy?

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) at EHN Online are eight weeks of intensive treatment, four times a week, with both individual and group therapy. For ten months following treatment, patients participate in aftercare, with one virtual group meeting per week and access to the outpatient app, Wagon. This allows patients to track daily progress, achieve their goals, and better communicate with their counsellor. Our in-house clinical team ensures full cohesion across the network, so designated counsellors can join their patients throughout their entire journey to recovery. For corporate and healthcare referrals, our client care specialist is dedicated to ensuring that all reporting requirements are met and open communication exists.

Virtual and intensive therapy offers more structure than individual therapy or wellness apps, and more flexibility than in-person rehabilitation. This allows employees to immediately practice and be held accountable for using the skills learned in therapy to cope and stay at work while they heal. With specialized streams for a variety of disorders, family workshops, a corresponding app with clinically integrated content, and access to registered mental health professionals who are trained in effective online therapy, EHN Online’s IOPs are a high-ROI approach to achieving company workplace health goals. 

Finding success with IOPs

EHN Online’s IOPs for mental health, addiction and workplace trauma are accessible solutions with proven results. Referring an employee to an IOP can help you to continue supporting both your employees and your business.

“We’ve appreciated the high quality of service and the skilfulness of the clinicians to manage complex clients struggling with addictions and mood and anxiety disorders.” – Public mental health service provider

“Bob (EHN Online clinician) supported our client who has struggled in the past to connect with and get treatment from various other providers.” – Law enforcement partner

“EHN has been responsive to our requests to create a treatment schedule that best suits our clients.” – Insurance provider partner

Getting started 

Taking the time to research and understand your options for providing comprehensive mental health solutions to your staff demonstrates that you value your employees and want to see them thrive alongside your business.

Edgewood Health Network and EHN Online are dedicated to ensuring that every patient has access to a personalized recovery process, a therapeutic community, and ongoing treatment to prevent relapse. Call our referral relations team to learn more about our Intensive Outpatient Programs and how we can help you. 

We can help your employees get on the right path to recovery.
Contact us to learn more.

888-767-3711

 

 

[1] World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental health in the workplace. https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/mental-health-in-the-workplace

[2] Deloitte Insights. (2019). The ROI in workplace mental health programs: Good for people, good for business. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/ca/Documents/about-deloitte/ca-en-about-blueprint-for-workplace-mental-health-final-aoda.pdf

[3] Dewa, Chau, and Dermer (2010). Examining the comparative incidence and costs of physical and mental health-related disabilities in an employed population. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 52: 758-62. Number of disability cases calculated using Statistics Canada employment data, retrieved from http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/labor21a-eng.htm.

Online Therapy and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)- Find the best online recovery solution for your mental health

Posted on by EHN Online

Online Therapy and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)- Find the best online recovery solution for your mental health

Technology has enhanced how individuals can get mental health support, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet with so many options for recovery, it can be overwhelming finding a solution that’s best for you. Identifying your symptoms and how severe they are will help narrow your search and find a virtual therapy solution to help you thrive!

What is online therapy?

Online therapy, also known as virtual therapy, teletherapy or e-therapy provides internet-based mental health support via secure web platforms. Users can communicate with mental health professionals in real time via messaging, video, or phone. For those who live in remote areas, have busy schedules, childcare responsibilities, or limited access to quality in-person support, online therapy is an accessible solution for mental health needs.

Which type of therapy is best for me?

It is important to understand the severity of your symptoms in order to find the best mental health support for you. Think back to the last seven days and answer the questions below. How frequently did the listed symptoms occur?

For each question, give yourself a score of 0-4, with 0 being “I have not experienced this symptom at all” and 4 being “I experienced this symptom non-stop.”

Questionnaire #1: Depression

Reminder: answer each question on a scale of 0-4 (0 means you did not experience this, and 4 means you experience it constantly).

In the past seven days, I…

  • Found little interest or pleasure in doing things
  • Felt down, depressed, or hopeless 
  • Had trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
  • Felt tired or had little energy 
  • Had a poor appetite or over-ate 
  • Felt bad about myself – that I am a failure or have let myself or my family down 
  • Had trouble concentrating on things, such as reading, working or watching television 
  • Moved or spoke so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite—was noticeably fidgety or restless
  • Thought that I would be better off dead, or of hurting myself in some way

Add up your score and divide it by nine to find your average. View the severity chart below to identify where your symptoms land.

Questionnaire #2: Anxiety

Reminder: answer each question on a scale of 0-4 (0 means you did not experience this, and 4 means you experience it constantly).

In the past seven days, I…

  • Felt moments of sudden terror, fear, or fright 
  • Felt anxious, worried, or nervous 
  • Had thoughts of bad things happening, such as family tragedy, ill health, job loss, or accidents
  • Felt a racing heart, sweaty, trouble breathing, faint, or shaky 
  • Felt tense muscles, was on edge or restless, or had trouble relaxing or sleeping
  • Avoided situations about which I worry
  • Left situations early or participated only minimally due to worries
  • Spent lots of time making decisions, putting off making decisions, or preparing for situations, due to worries
  • Sought reassurance from others due to worries 
  • Needed help to cope with anxiety (e.g. alcohol or medication, superstitious objects, or other people)

Add up your score and divide it by ten to find your average. View the severity chart below to identify where your symptoms land.

Severity Chart

Once you have added your scores together and divided them by the number of questions you answered, you should have a number between 0 and 4. Find your place on the chart for a general estimation of your symptom severity.

Average Score 0 1 2 3 4
Symptom Severity None Mild Moderate Severe Extreme

Keep in mind that the results of this exercise are not conclusive, but are a great starting place for understanding your mental health. Speaking to a doctor or counsellor for a professional opinion will offer more concrete answers.

Use our self-assessment tool to better understand the severity of your symptoms and which therapy solution may be best for you.

Take the Quiz

Types of online therapy

Online therapy exists in many forms. This method can be beneficial to those struggling with mild to moderate mental health symptoms. In order to participate in online therapy, patients will require access to technology such as webcams, laptops and a reliable WiFi connection. Online therapy, especially groups, are most effective when using a tablet or laptop, not a smart phone.

Most effective for mild symptoms or immediate relief

  • Individual counselling – One on one counselling with a therapist via secure video platform.
  • Individual text or telephone counselling – One on one counselling with a therapist via your phone, with more opportunity for immediate support.
  • Self-help groups – Meet virtually with peers who have had similar experiences and offer each other support.
  • Mental health and wellness apps – Access mental health and wellness resources to improve your mind and mood.

Most effective for moderate symptoms

  • Group counselling – Therapeutic support with peers led by a licensed therapist via secure video platform.
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) – Intensive online treatment on a secure platform with a combination of individual and group therapy. EHN Online’s IOP also includes access to our Wagon app.

Most effective for severe and extreme symptoms

  • If you’re experiencing severe mental health symptoms, you may benefit from an intensive outpatient program or a residential treatment stay. Following inpatient treatment, many patients benefit from maintaining their recovery with solutions appropriate for moderate symptoms, such as group counselling or intensive outpatient programs.

How to know if an intensive outpatient program is right for you

EHN Online offers a virtual IOP for those who are experiencing moderate mental health symptoms. A flexible and affordable solution, IOPs allow patients to work around their personal and work schedules, but still maintain a level of intensity that supports accountability in your recovery. Visit our mood and anxiety page to learn more about intensive outpatient therapy, or book an assessment with one of our counsellors.

Some of the most notable benefits for mood and anxiety IOPs are:

  • Skills-based sessions for immediate results
  • Minimal disruption to work and family
  • Affordable option as compared to individual counselling alone
  • Convenient
  • Evidence-based therapy with proven results
  • Compatible with an easy-to-use online platform and app

The IOP at EHN Online is eight weeks of intensive treatment, four times a week, featuring both individual and group therapy. Studies show that group therapy plays an important role in recovery by creating an intimate support network for sharing information and support with peers who have similar experiences.[1] [2]

Following the intensive treatment, patients participate in ten months of aftercare for two hours/week. These groups are offered online and include use of the Wagon app, which allows you to track daily progress, achieve your goals, and better communicate with your designated counsellor.

Just as mental health isn’t uniformly experienced by everybody, no method of recovery is equally beneficial to all. Reflect upon your symptoms and try to determine which solutions will provide the most value to you. Understanding your severity is a great place to start, so you are already on the right track!


Speak to a professional today to determine which course for recovery is best for you.  Call us at 888-767-3711 to start the process.

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified mental health professional.

[1] Fogger, S. A., & Lehmann, K. (2017). Recovery Beyond Buprenorphine: Nurse-Led Group Therapy. Journal of addictions nursing, 28(3), 152–156. https://doi.org/10.1097/JAN.0000000000000180

[2] Epstein, E. E., McCrady, B. S., Hallgren, K. A., Gaba, A., Cook, S., Jensen, N., Hildebrandt, T., Holzhauer, C. G., & Litt, M. D. (2018). Individual versus group female-specific cognitive behavior therapy for alcohol use disorder. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 88, 27–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2018.02.003