Mental Health Services That Can Improve Your Well-Being
Mental health is an essential element of overall wellbeing. It influences how you feel and think. It affects your ability to work and maintain relationships as well as socialize and make decisions.
Treatment can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of living. Talk therapy and medicines can be included. You can check with your insurance provider about which treatments are covered.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy, or psychotherapy is the method by which a patient works one-on-1 with an expert in mental health to deal with issues that affect their emotional and psychological well-being. During these sessions, called therapy or counseling, people can discuss their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors in a safe and caring environment. They can also work through difficult or traumatic memories, pinpoint areas of their lives they'd like to change, and begin making positive changes.
It is important to remember that individual therapy does not solve problems. Instead, it helps to teach the skills needed to overcome the difficulties they face and live life more fully. Individual therapy is usually combined with other mental and behavioral treatment options, such as family or group therapy, to get the best outcomes.
If you are considering individual therapy, the first step is to locate a provider that is right for you. Some insurance companies have directories that list the therapists that are in-network. You may also ask your physician for an endorsement. Many therapists offer group counseling, which they are able to recommend either as a substitute for or in addition to your individual sessions.
During individual sessions your therapist may use different approaches, depending on your individual needs. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is focused on helping you identify and alter unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It may include learning to express your emotions in a healthy and positive manner as well as identifying strategies to solve problems and focusing on mindfulness.
Individual sessions can be held either in person or online, and last around an hour. They may be scheduled regularly or weekly, as required. In addition to helping you resolve the problems that are causing your stress Individual therapy can enhance your overall well-being by increasing awareness of yourself and facilitating lifestyle changes.
If you're experiencing an event in your life that is significant, such as a divorce or loss, or you are struggling with an addiction Finding the right therapist could be the first step towards recovery. If you're ready to begin your journey, get in touch with us today.
Group Therapy
Group therapy, which is sometimes called support groups, offers a unique opportunity to discuss issues and feelings with others who have similar problems. Meeting with others who are similar to you can help you realize that you are not alone. It could also encourage you to try out new methods that could make your life easier. You can learn from others' experiences and how they fought through their challenges.
The majority of group therapy sessions will be conducted by a mental health specialist who is experienced in dealing with the issue or condition that the group is focusing on. The leader may have specific experience in one of the most commonly used types of psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Group therapy is a method of therapy that can be used on its own, or it can be combined with individual counseling.
The goal of group therapy is to enhance your functioning in all aspects of your life which includes work, relationships at home, and in the community. Some groups are based upon a diagnosis, like depression, substance abuse or addiction, while others are open to anyone to join. Some groups are led jointly by two therapists. Research suggests that co-led groups have more benefits than groups that have only one leader.
Some group therapy sessions are psychoeducational, with a focus more on delivering information and education on specific topics, such as overcoming phobias or recovering from addiction. Other groups are more interactive and focuses on the interaction between members, like groups that process or skills development groups. Others are based on specific therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapies or socialization skills training.
In many cases, patients who are involved in group therapy have to sign a confidentiality contract similar to what they would in individual psychotherapy. More is due to the vulnerability that comes with sharing your personal struggles and feelings with strangers in a crowded setting. The therapist may also use initials or first names to give more privacy to those who are hesitant to reveal their true identity.
Hospital or Residential Treatment
A person's mental health can be so bad that they require a stay in a hospital or residential treatment center for the duration of their treatment. It's usually the last option, however an effective treatment facility could save a life if they are in crisis and at risk of harming them or someone else. A hospital or a residential treatment program can help a person get back on track and help them deal with mental illness instead of letting it control them.
Inpatient treatment is the most specialized treatment option, offering 24 hour supervision in a secure unit in an inpatient or treatment facility. This is a choice for patients in a serious mental health crisis or who were previously hospitalized for self-harm or other dangerous behavior. Inpatient treatment involves an evaluation and assessment of psychiatric issues and medication management, as well as the plan to continue treatment in the community.
Inpatient treatment is designed to alleviate symptoms until the patient can lessen or eliminate the requirement for psychiatric medication and become capable of returning to their daily activities. Inpatient treatment is often the most effective option to stabilize someone suffering from a mental illness such as schizophrenia, clinical depression or bipolar disorder.
In the course of inpatient therapy, a patient will attend both individual and group sessions. These sessions may be therapeutic, educational, or both. They can make people feel heard and accepted, which is an important aspect of recovery. Individual therapy can help someone analyze the conditions that led to their psychiatric illness and hospitalization, and also learn how to manage them in the future.
Residential treatment can be a live-in, or partial hospitalization (PHP) program. It provides a more comfortable environment than a typical hospital. PHP programs are a step back from inpatient treatment, and they provide an opportunity for patients to apply the skills they learned in residential treatment. Residential treatment is also offered as a group residential program, where people go through the same process. This can be beneficial both during and after the program.
Medication
People with mental health issues may benefit greatly from medications. They alter the brain's chemical pathways that regulate emotions and thought patterns and are generally 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 for mild mental illnesses with well-controlled symptoms. It's crucial to speak with an expert in mental health regarding any issues you might have with your meds and how they're helping you.
Your mental health professional will look for indications that your symptoms are becoming more severe or dangerous. They will assess how your symptoms impact your daily living activities and determine if you are in danger of harming others or yourself.
If your mental health problem is severe, you might require care at a psychiatric hospital. There are a variety of options, including 24-hour inpatient treatment and hospitalizations that are either daily or partial and residential treatment. Residential treatment provides an environment to stay in while offering assistance. These settings are typically recommended when you can't take care of yourself, don't have a safe route to your home or are in imminent danger of hurting yourself or others.
New Yorkers who require mental health services can seek help in their local communities and also online. Many counties provide free, confidential, and impartial 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 assist people suffering from mental illness. They include coping and resilience resources. Some organizations provide crisis counseling through phone, text or online.