Adjustment Disorder Treatment | Inpatient Mental Health Support

Emma Loker
December 30, 2025
Authored by: Emma Loker, BSc, PgDip
Edited by: Ashley Pena, LCSW

Life is full of changes: new jobs, relationship shifts, moves, or losses that reshape how we live and who we are. While most people adapt to these changes over time, some of us experience an emotional response that seems disproportionate to the event itself. 

When stress, sadness, or worry over a change continues and disrupts daily life, this may be a sign of an adjustment disorder.

Adjustment disorder is more than just having a hard time coping. It reflects a specific and diagnosable stress response that occurs when the demands of a situation exceed your ability to manage them. The emotional toll can feel isolating and overwhelming without proper support.

If you’re finding it challenging to adapt to a life change, adjustment disorder treatment could give you the support and stability you need. A mental health professional can discuss your options with you and the right approach for your symptoms. 

This page can also help you understand how inpatient adjustment disorder treatment works by discussing:

  • What adjustment disorder is and its risk factors
  • Identifying adjustment disorder vs. other mental health conditions.
  • Adjustment disorder mental health treatment options
  • The benefits of inpatient recovery for adjustment disorder
  • Where to find professional support 
  • Answers to commonly asked questions about adjustment disorder treatment
woman struggling with her mental health with her hands up to her face in an adjustment disorder treatment session

What Is Adjustment Disorder?

Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition that can develop when we experience an emotional or behavioral reaction to a stress event or change in our lives. These reactions might include persistent sadness, extreme anxiety, difficulty concentrating or completing tasks, or issues with sleep and appetite.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5), in order to be diagnosed with an adjustment disorder…

  • Symptoms must occur within three months of the stressful event or change
  • Distress must be out of proportion to the event or cause significant impairment in social or occupational functioning
  • The stress is not related to any other mental or medical condition, and is not part of normal bereavement
Clinicians recognize several subtypes of adjustment disorder, depending on which emotional or behavioral symptoms are predominant.1 These subtypes include adjustment disorder with… 

  • Depressed mood    : Including feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or tearfulness
  • Anxiety: Including excessive worry, restlessness, or difficulty relaxing.
  • Mixed anxiety and depressed mood: A blend of sadness, irritability, and fear
  • Disturbance of conduct: Such as acting out or engaging in impulsive behavior
  • Mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct: Including emotional distress accompanied by behavioral changes
  • Unspecified type: Symptoms that don’t fit neatly into one category but still cause significant impairment

Research shows that adjustment disorder is relatively common, with around 11.5% of participants studied meeting criteria for it. The studies also show that it’s more common among teens and young adults, as people in these age groups made up almost 70% of those considered.2 

Causes and Risk Factors

Anyone can develop adjustment disorder when faced with overwhelming change. However, certain factors can make some people more vulnerable than others. Common causes and triggers include:

  • Major life transitions such as divorce, job loss, relocation, or retirement
  • Relationship changes, such as divorce or breakups, or significant conflict
  • Grief due to the loss of a loved one or an element of identity
  • Getting a serious health diagnosis or experiencing caregiving stress
  • Pressure and stress from school, work, or finances
  • Natural disasters or community-wide stressors
While these events might be the trigger or causes for an adjustment disorder, there are some factors that can increase the likelihood of developing it, such as:

  • Sex, as females have a higher rate of developing adjustment disorder    3
  • A history of trauma or early-life instability
  • Limited social or family support systems
  • Previous or current mental health challenges, such as anxiety or mood sensitivity
  • Lower general health
  • High-stress lifestyles with few coping outlets
  • Perfectionistic or high-achieving personality traits

In general, adjustment disorder develops when we experience acute or chronic stress that overloads the nervous system. When the natural stress response persists beyond what the body and mind can process effectively, we’re more likely to find adjusting a challenge. 

ARE YOU OR A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH?

AMFM is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.

Admissions
866-478-4383

Adjustment Disorder vs. Other Mental Health Conditions

Adjustment disorder can sometimes look similar to other mental health conditions, occasionally leading to misunderstandings or misdiagnoses. For this reason, it’s good to be aware of the key differences between adjustment disorder and other conditions. The following sections explore these differences.

Adjustment Disorder vs. Major Depression

Both major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder with depressed mood can involve sadness, loss of interest, or low energy. The difference, however, lies in the timing and cause. With adjustment disorder, symptoms occur as a direct response to a specific stressor or life event and typically improve as our circumstances stabilize. Major depressive disorder, in contrast, may emerge without an identifiable event and tends to persist for longer periods.5

Adjustment Disorder vs. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

People with adjustment disorder often experience worry or fear tied to a single life event, such as a move, breakup, or job loss. With adjustment disorder, these symptoms usually reduce as you become accustomed to the changes. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), however, involves persistent and excessive worry across multiple areas of life, often without a clear trigger.6

Adjustment Disorder vs. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Both conditions are stress-related, but PTSD usually happens as a result of being exposed to trauma that involves a threat to life or safety. It often includes flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. Adjustment disorder results from stressors that are not life-threatening and typically lacks these trauma-specific symptoms.

Understanding these distinctions helps ensure that people receive appropriate care. For those experiencing intense stress tied to a major life change, adjustment disorder therapy programs focus on restoring balance, resilience, and emotional stability – not just managing symptoms. 

Treatment Options for Adjustment Disorder

Fortunately, adjustment disorder is very treatable, especially when you catch it early. The goal of adjustment disorder help and support is to regain emotional balance, develop coping tools, and adapt more effectively to the changes in your life. Most people benefit from a combination of therapeutic interventions, such as:

Evidence-Based Therapy for Adjustment Disorder

Therapy is typically the primary treatment for adjustment disorder. Working with a licensed mental health professional provides space to process emotions, identify triggers, and learn new coping skills.

Common evidence-based approaches include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and develop practical strategies for managing stress
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to better regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and practice mindfulness to reduce anxiety
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to encourage acceptance of complicated feelings while taking action toward personal values
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT) to focus on improving communication and relationships during times of transition

Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques

Mindfulness-based approaches teach us to observe our emotions without judgment and stay grounded in the present moment. Practices such as guided breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce physiological stress responses and promote calm.7

Family or Group Therapy

Adjustment disorder can affect our relationships and support systems. Family and group sessions can improve understanding, build communication skills, and strengthen the sense of connection that helps sustain long-term recovery.

With appropriate treatment and support, most people recover from adjustment disorder within a few months. The key to lasting improvement is not only resolving symptoms, but also building emotional resilience and confidence in your ability to handle future life changes.

Find Adjustment Disorder Treatment Programs

A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Adjustment Disorder support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.

California Locations

See our residences in Southern California’s Orange County & San Diego County.

Carlsbad - Goldenbush
Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & covered seating in backyard.
Carlsbad - Hoover
Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms for our clients with ocean views and large rooms.
Dana Point - Blue Lantern
Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & pool.
Dana Point - Crystal Lantern
Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Includes large rooms, updated interior, & private treatment rooms.
Fallbrook - North Ridge
Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features a tennis court, pool, and game area.
Fallbrook - Peony
Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Secluded area with library, large backyard, and pool.
Laguna Hills - Waterwheel
Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & large backyard.
Laguna Niguel - Campeon
Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & covered seating in backyard.
Lake Forest - Grayston
Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & covered seating in backyard.
Lake Forest - Sunnybrook
Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Newly remodeled interior with large rooms and backyard with garden.
San Juan Capistrano - Banderas
Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Updated interior, & covered seating in backyard.
San Juan Capistrano - Valencia
Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & covered seating in backyard.
Minnesota Locations

Take a look at our homes on the east side of the Metro area in Washington County.

Stillwater - Arcola
Male mental health residential house with double and single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large backyard many dedicated spaces for therapy.
Stillwater - Dellwood
Female mental health residential house with double and single occupancy rooms. Beautifully appointed, relaxing atmosphere for healing.
Virginia Locations

View our facilities in Fairfax County, VA within the DC metro area.

Annandale - Rebel Rose
Female identifying house with single and double occupancy rooms. Secluded area with movie theater, on a large property.
Fairfax Station - Derbyshire
Male only house with double occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large rooms, gorgeous interior, and music/game room.
Great Falls - Kellie Jean
Gender Inclusive house with double and single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with movie theater, game room, and large property.
Vienna - Browns Mill
Gender Inclusive property, Restoring hope and well-being, AMFM Mental Health Treatment provides compassionate care in a peaceful setting in Vienna, Virginia.
Vienna - Corsica
Gender Inclusive house with double and single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large backyard, movie theater, and dedicated spaces for therapy.
Vienna - Lawyers
Male identifying house with double and single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large backyard many dedicated spaces for therapy.

Why Choose Inpatient Care for Adjustment Disorder?

For some people, the emotional distress of adjustment disorder can become too overwhelming to manage in daily life. When symptoms begin to interfere with work, relationships, or safety, an inpatient mental health support program may provide the structure and stability you need to recover.

At this level of care, you’ll receive intensive therapeutic attention in a safe, restorative environment. An adjustment disorder treatment center also offers access to 24-hour clinical support, evidence-based therapies, and a calm setting designed to help regulate the nervous system and promote healing.

Benefits of Inpatient Counseling for Adjustment Disorder

The best adjustment disorder programs provide consistent therapeutic engagement and relief from the pressures of everyday stressors, creating space for genuine recovery. The structure allows you to:

  • Reestablish healthy routines and sleep patterns
  • Practice coping skills in a supportive environment
  • Stabilize mood and emotional reactivity
  • Receive continuous feedback and care from a multidisciplinary team
  • Build resilience to prevent relapse after discharge

These benefits can make the time and commitment invested into recovery worthwhile. But what happens after residential treatment when you have to return to everyday life? The next section considers the transition from inpatient mental health support to the community. 

Long-Term Recovery and Transition

A high-quality residential adjustment disorder recovery program emphasizes both immediate stabilization and long-term well-being. Therefore, discharge planning often includes coordination with outpatient providers, aftercare programs, or community support networks to ensure continued progress after leaving the inpatient setting. This coordination is typically done through an aftercare plan.

Aftercare plans outline the various types of support or resources you may need to access after leaving residential treatment and returning to your regular routines. Separate services may provide these support options, or step-down programs, such as partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) or intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), may be offered through a single treatment center. 

Through comprehensive and compassionate care, inpatient care adjustment disorder programs help you rediscover a sense of safety, adaptability, and inner calm. This can allow you to move forward with confidence and restored emotional strength.

Residential Treatment for Adjustment Disorder with AMFM Healthcare

At AMFM Healthcare, we recognize that navigating major life changes can shake even the strongest foundation. Our aim is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that restores your connection and emotional well-being. Through our inpatient mental health support programs, you’ll receive the structure and clinical expertise needed to heal in both mind and body.

Treatment at AMFM blends traditional psychotherapy with experiential and holistic therapies to promote whole-person healing. Those in our residential therapy for adjustment disorder program may engage in:

If you or someone you love is struggling to cope with major life changes, help is available. Contact AMFM Healthcare today to learn more about our inpatient counseling for adjustment disorder and discover a path toward lasting emotional wellness.

Request a Call from Our Admission Team

Complete the form to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% confidential.

"*" indicates required fields

Consent
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form

FAQs About Adjustment Disorder and Inpatient Treatment

Making the decision to engage in inpatient treatment can be daunting. So it’s understandable if you still have some concerns about the process. For this reason, we’ve included some answers to FAQs about adjustment disorder inpatient treatment. 

1. Is Adjustment Disorder the Same as Depression or Anxiety?

No, adjustment disorder is not the same as depression or anxiety, though this disorder can include depression or anxiety as a subtype. This means that you can have depression or anxiety while dealing with adjustment disorder. 

The main difference is that symptoms of adjustment disorder occur because of a specific trigger and generally improve once you start adapting to the change or receive support. In contrast, depressive or anxiety disorders can occur without a clear cause and often last longer or recur over time. 

2. When Should I Seek Professional Help for Adjustment Disorder?

You should seek professional help for adjustment disorder if emotional distress feels overwhelming, lasts longer than expected, or interferes with your daily life. Some warning signs to look out for might include persistent sadness, panic, withdrawal from relationships, or difficulty managing responsibilities. 

3. What’s the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Programs for Adjustment Disorder?

The key difference between inpatient and outpatient programs is the level of support. Inpatient programs provide 24-hour care in a structured, therapeutic environment. This setting is typically ideal if you’re experiencing severe stress or difficulty functioning day-to-day. On the other hand, outpatient therapy allows you to live at home while attending scheduled sessions several times per week. 

Both options offer evidence-based therapy, but inpatient care focuses on stabilization, while outpatient treatment supports continued growth and long-term recovery.

4. What Makes AMFM Healthcare’s Approach Unique?

What makes us unique is that we offer personalized care across every stage of treatment. Our services include inpatient treatment, outpatient therapy, and aftercare programs that ensure you receive consistent support as you progress from stabilization to long-term resilience.

Each of our programs combines evidence-based therapy with holistic approaches within a supportive environment. Whether you begin our residential program or transition to outpatient, AMFM’s care model helps you build lasting emotional strength and reconnect with your purpose to thrive beyond treatment.

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). (2016, June). Table 3.19, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Adjustment Disorders Comparison – Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.  NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t19/
  2. Yaseen, Y. A. (2017). Adjustment disorder: Prevalence, sociodemographic risk factors, and its subtypes in an outpatient psychiatric clinic. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 28, 82–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2017.03.012
  3. Lotzin, A., Krause, L., Acquarini, E., Ajdukovic, D., Ardino, V., Arnberg, F., Böttche, M., Bragesjö, M., Dragan, M., Figueiredo-Braga, M., Gelezelyte, O., Grajewski, P., Anastassiou-Hadjicharalambous, X., Javakhishvili, J. D., Kazlauskas, E., Lenferink, L., Lioupi, C., Lueger-Schuster, B., Tsiskarishvili, L., . . . Consortium, N. a. S. (2021). Risk and protective factors, stressors, and symptoms of adjustment disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic – First results of the ESTSS COVID-19 pan-European ADJUST study. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1964197
  4. Carta, M., Balestrieri, M., Murru, A., & Hardoy, M. (2009). Adjustment Disorder: epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, 5(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-0179-5-15
  5. Fletcher, J. (2023, June 9). Adjustment disorder with depressed mood vs. major depressive disorder. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adjustment-disorder-with-depressed-mood-vs-major-depressive-disorder#differences
  6. Meek, W., PhD. (2020, July 13). The difference between GAD and adjustment disorder. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/gad-and-adjustment-disorder-1393126
  7. Pascoe, M. C., Thompson, D. R., Jenkins, Z. M., & Ski, C. F. (2017). Mindfulness mediates the physiological markers of stress: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 95, 156–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.08.004

Related Articles

Adjustment Disorder vs PTSD: Differences in Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Woman sitting on the floor with her head on her hand, in need of depression treatment

Depression Treatment

Man with broken glasses screaming with his hands on his head due to acute stress disorder

Acute Stress Disorder Treatment

Woman biting her nails and trying to manage panic attacks in adults

Panic Attacks

Woman sitting with her arms on the table looking down at her arms, in need of self-harm treatment

Self Harm Treatment

Woman in need of delusional disorder treatment with hands over her ears with a shadow representing delusions next to her

Delusional Disorder Treatment