Shawntrell Moore, MA, LCPC, CADC
Residential mental health treatment often carries myths and misunderstandings. Many individuals and families struggle to know when a higher level of care is needed, and what exactly the experience will be like. To shed light on these topics, we sat down with Shawntrell Moore, MA, LCPC, CADC, Residential Clinical Site Director at SunCloud Health, to discuss common myths about residential treatment, the benefits of group therapy, and how to know when someone truly needs residential care.
1. Myths and Misconceptions About Residential Treatment
What are some of the most common myths you encounter about residential treatment?
There are a few that come up routinely:
Myth: Patients lose autonomy.
Some believe that residential treatment is overly controlling and that patients won’t have a say. In reality, our model intentionally supports autonomy. Therapists, dietitians, nurses, medical and behavioral health providers, and administrative staff work to prompt patients to collaborate, provide input, and have a voice in their own care. The emphasis is on individualized care and partnership, not rigid top-down decision making.
Myth: Once residential treatment ends, the patient is “cured.”
That’s a dangerous misconception. The evidence shows that sustainable recovery is rarely instantaneous. What works is a gradual step-down in intensity of care: first residential, then partial hospitalization (PHP), then intensive outpatient (IOP), and so on. This phased approach helps maintain gains, consolidate skills, and reduce relapse.
Myth: I’ll be cut off from my family during treatment.
On the contrary, family is deeply involved. Their input is solicited during intake assessments. We run a weekly Multi-Family Education Program, schedule family sessions with the individual’s primary therapist, provide resources to family members, permit daily phone calls, and allow weekend visitation on Saturday and Sunday. The goal is to integrate the family system into recovery, not isolate the patient from it.
2. The Benefits of Group Therapy
Why is group therapy such a central component of residential treatment?
Group therapy offers unique healing dynamics that individual work alone can’t replicate. Here’s how it helps:
Healing through empathy & vulnerability.
When someone shares pain or trauma, and others respond with empathy—not judgment—it helps them feel seen and connected. That relational “holding” is therapeutic in itself.
Coping skills practiced in real time.
In group, participants learn to apply coping strategies while listening to others’ struggles, which strengthens emotional regulation. You see how others manage distress and gain fresh perspectives.
Resolving inner conflict via interpersonal dynamics.
As participants interact, misunderstandings, boundary issues, or internal conflicts often surface. These become opportunities to practice new responses in a safe environment.
Reflecting on trauma patterns.
Group members are often encouraged to notice how past traumas may unconsciously repeat in relational patterns. Recognizing that in the group gives a chance to try alternative, more adaptive responses.
Modeling prosocial behaviors.
In group, participants see examples of healthy boundaries, respectful communication, conflict resolution, and mutual support. This modeling is powerful for relearning social behavior.
3. How Do You Know Residential Treatment Is Needed?
What are the red flags or indicators that someone should consider residential treatment?
A few commonly accepted criteria:
Persistent relapse or worsening symptoms despite outpatient care.
If someone is engaged in individual therapy or outpatient services but continues to relapse or sees symptom escalation, that’s a sign the current level of care may be insufficient.
Need for 24-hour support and monitoring.
Residential care is designed for when emotional, mental, or physical stability needs to be established under close supervision. That’s beyond the scope of standard outpatient services.
Transition from inpatient care.
For those discharged from inpatient hospitalization, residential treatment is often essential. Inpatient units usually stabilize acute crises, but they typically do not provide the depth of individual and group intervention or the time needed to internalize coping skills. Residential fills that gap by focusing on mastery and practice of healthy skills over a longer duration.
Closing Thoughts
Residential treatment is often misunderstood, but when done well, it can be a deeply collaborative, empowering, and transformative experience. Group therapy serves as a powerful microcosm for relational growth and healing. And determining when residential care is needed involves recognizing limitations in lower levels of care, symptom escalation, or the need for sustained therapeutic work that outpatient settings may not support.
About Shawntrell Moore, MA, LCPC, CADC
Shawntrell Moore, MA, LCPC, CADC, is the Residential Clinical Site Director at SunCloud Health, where he leads with compassion, collaboration, and a deep commitment to individualized care. A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Shawntrell brings extensive experience in treating complex mental health and co-occurring disorders. His approach emphasizes emotional authenticity, the healing power of community, and empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery. At SunCloud Health, he works closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure each patient receives comprehensive, trauma-informed support tailored to their unique needs and goals.