Riverside Healthcare’s Mental Health Services 2025 | Mental Health

Healing Beyond Hospital Walls

Mental health re
covery doesn’t only take place in hospitals. At Riverside Healthcare, support is designed to extend well outside traditional treatment settings. Through its outpatient services, Riverside meets individuals where they are—both emotionally and physically—offering compassionate, accessible care tailored to each person’s needs.

From school-based counseling and crisis response teams to online therapy and community wellness education, Riverside provides a wide range of resources that promote healing and strengthen community well-being. Rachel LaGesse, Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health, explains what services are available and how people can benefit from them.

What Does Outpatient Behavioral Care Include?

Riverside’s outpatient behavioral health program, called Pathways, offers two main levels of care: Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – A higher level of support with more daily treatment hours. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – A flexible structure with fewer hours but continued therapeutic engagement.

Both options include group therapy sessions led by licensed clinicians, along with weekly appointments with a Riverside psychiatrist. Unlike inpatient programs, clients in outpatient care return home each day after treatment, which may run up to five hours per session.

“When clients start with Pathways, they meet with a clinician on day one to review services, complete consents, and assess their current symptoms and how these impact daily life,” LaGesse explains.

Who Benefits from Outpatient Programs?

Outpatient care is ideal for individuals whose mental health challenges disrupt daily functioning at work, school, or home. It is also a strong step-down option for those moving from inpatient treatment or a preventive measure to avoid hospitalization.

Program placement is determined by age, symptom severity, and specific treatment needs. Services are grouped by age (children, adolescents, and adults), with additional specialty tracks such as: Dual Diagnosis Groups – For those experiencing both mental health concerns and substance use. Trauma-Focused Groups – Specifically designed for adult women.

Our children’s program serves ages 7–11, adolescent care begins at 12 through 17, and adult services start at 18,” notes LaGesse. “If someone is also managing substance use, they’re placed in our dual diagnosis track.

What to Expect During and After Pathways

On average, clients participate in the Pathways program for three to four weeks, though duration varies depending on progress and treatment goals. Each week, progress is reviewed with a psychiatrist to determine readiness for discharge and any next steps. These may include ongoing counseling, medication management, or referrals to additional supportive services.

Many clients continue with follow-up care once they finish our program,” LaGesse shares. “Not every patient needs medication, but for those who benefit from it, ongoing support with a Riverside psychiatrist is available.

Self-referrals are welcome. Anyone interested can contact the Pathways team directly at 815-936-7373 for a consultation and scheduling.