Mental Health Services That Can Improve Your Well-Being
Mental health is an integral aspect of well-being, and it influences the way you think and feel. It affects your ability to work and maintain relationships, socialize, and make decisions.
Treatment can help you manage your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. Talk therapy and medicine are both possible. how to get a mental health assessment can ask your insurance company to determine what treatments are covered.
Individual Therapy
Psychotherapy or individual therapy is a method where a person collaborates with a mental health professional one-on-one to address issues that impact their psychological and emotional wellbeing. During these sessions (also called counseling or talk therapies) individuals can talk about their thoughts, feelings and actions in an environment that is secure and supportive. They can also explore challenging or influential memories, pinpoint areas of their lives that they'd like to change, and begin working towards positive change.
It is important to remember that individual therapy does not solve issues. It helps develop strategies for coping to help people deal with difficulties and live a more fulfilling life. To get the most effective results it is often integrated with other mental and behavioral health treatments, including therapy for families or groups.
The first step to finding a therapist who is right for you is to review the directory of your insurance company. Some insurance companies have directories of therapists within their network. You can also ask your physician for a recommendation. Many therapists offer group counseling as well, and they can recommend it in place or in addition to your individual sessions.
In private sessions, your therapist might employ different approaches, depending on your specific needs. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance, focuses on helping to recognize and modify undesirable habits and thoughts. It can include learning to express your emotions in a healthy way and identifying strategies for solving problems and practicing mindfulness.
Individual sessions can be conducted either online or in person and last for about an hour. They can be scheduled on a weekly basis or more frequently depending on the need. In addition to helping you overcome current issues that are causing your anxiety, individual therapy can improve your overall level of living by enhancing awareness of yourself and facilitating lifestyle modifications.
Whether you are experiencing a major life event such as divorce or loss, or you are struggling with addiction, finding the right therapist is an important first step towards recovery. Contact us today if you are ready to begin your journey.
Group Therapy
Group therapy (also known as support groups) is a fantastic way to discuss your concerns and feelings with others who are experiencing similar problems. Connecting with others who are in the same situation make you realize that you aren't alone and can encourage you to try new things which can make your life easier. You can learn from others their experiences and learn from how they fought through their challenges.
The majority of group therapy sessions are facilitated by professionals in mental health who is experienced in treating the particular problem or issue the group is focusing on. The leader might have experience in one of the more common types of psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Group therapy can be used alone or in combination with individual counseling.
The aim of group therapy is to improve your performance in all aspects of your life, including work, relationships, home, and community. Some groups are based on diagnosis like depression or anxiety, or even substance abuse and others are open to everyone who wants to participate. Some groups are facilitated by two therapists. Research has shown that co-led groups have more benefits than groups that have only one leader.
Some group therapy sessions concentrate on psychoeducation that is more focused on imparting information and educating on a specific subject like conquering phobias or overcoming addiction. Certain groups are interactive and emphasize interaction among participants, such as process groups or skill development groups. Some are built around specific therapeutic methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapies or socialization skills training.
In many instances, those who are involved in group therapy have to sign a confidentiality contract similar to what they would for individual psychotherapy. This is due to the vulnerability of sharing personal feelings and struggles in a group. Therapists can also provide additional privacy by using first names or initials, which can be helpful for those who are hesitant to share their true identities with other people.
Hospital or Residential Treatment
A person's mental health may be so severe that they have to be in a hospital or residential treatment center for the duration of their care. This is often a last resort, but the right treatment facility can be an emergency for someone who is suffering and at risk of harming themselves or others. A residential or hospital treatment program can help a person get back on track, and learn to deal with mental illness, rather than letting it control them.
Inpatient treatment is the most intensive level of care, providing 24 hour supervision in a secure area in an inpatient or treatment facility. This is a choice for patients suffering from a serious mental health crisis or who have previously been hospitalized due to self-harming or other dangerous behaviors. Inpatient treatment typically includes an assessment and psychiatric evaluation as well as medication management. It also provides an ongoing treatment plan in the community.
Inpatient treatment is designed to alleviate symptoms until the patient can lessen or eliminate the need for psychiatric medications and be fully prepared to resume their normal activities. It is often the most effective method to stabilize a patient who has been suffering from an acute mental illness like schizophrenia, clinical depression, or bipolar disorder.
Inpatient treatment the patient will be able to be able to attend group and individual therapy sessions. These sessions may be therapeutic, educational, or both, and can help a person feel seen and understood, which can be an essential aspect of recovery. Individual therapy can help an individual analyze the conditions that led to a psychiatric emergency or hospitalization, as well as learn how to manage these conditions in the future.
Residential treatment offers a more home-like environment than the hospital setting and can be offered as a live-in or a partial hospitalization program (PHP). PHP programs are a step down from inpatient care and offer an opportunity to apply the skills that are learned during residential treatment in real-life situations. Residential treatment is also available in a residential group in which a person is living with people who are going through the same experience, which can be beneficial both during and after the program.
Medication
The use of medicines can make a huge difference in the lives of people with mental health problems. They alter the brain's chemical pathways that regulate thoughts and emotions, and are usually more effective when paired with psychotherapy. Psychiatric medications can also reduce symptoms that interfere with treatment such as anxiety, depression or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, so a person can participate more fully in therapy.
Sometimes, medication is enough, especially when mild mental illnesses are managed. It is important to talk to an expert in mental health if you have any questions about your medication or how it's affecting you.
Your mental health professional is on the lookout for indicators that your symptoms may be worsening or becoming risky. The doctor will look at how your symptoms are impacting your quality of life and activities, and whether you're at risk of harming yourself or others.
If your mental illness is severe, a psychiatric facility may be the best place to seek treatment. There are a myriad of options available, including 24-hour inpatient treatment as well as daily or partial hospitalization, and residential treatment. Residential treatment is an environment to stay in while providing assistance. These settings are typically recommended when you're unable to take care of yourself, don't have a safe route to your home or are in immediate danger of causing harm to yourself or others.
New Yorkers in need of mental health services can get assistance from a variety of resources in their communities as well as online. Many counties offer free, confidential, and unbiased counseling services and referrals for mental illness, substance abuse disorders and co-occurring diseases like HIV/AIDS or hepatitis. Many communities have local programs that help people with mental issues. They include coping and resilience resources. Some organizations offer crisis counseling via text, phone and online.