Mental Health Services That Can Improve Your Well-Being
Mental health is an essential element of overall wellbeing. It influences the way you feel and think. It impacts your ability to work and maintain relationships, socialize and make choices.
Treatment can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of living. Talk therapy and medicines can be included. You can ask your insurance company to determine the treatments that are covered.
Individual Therapy
Psychotherapy, also known as individual therapy, is a procedure in which a person works with a mental health professional one-on-1 to address issues that impact their emotional and psychological wellbeing. Through these sessions (also known as therapy or counseling) participants can discuss their beliefs, emotions, and behaviors in a setting that is comfortable and safe. They can also tackle difficult or significant memories. They can also identify areas of their lives that they would like to change and work toward positive change.
It is important to note that, despite the numerous advantages to individual therapy, it does not make problems disappear. Instead, it teaches the skills needed to deal with the challenges they face and live their lives more fully. Individual therapy is typically combined with other behavioral and mental treatment options, such as family or group therapy, to produce the most effective outcomes.
The first step to finding a therapist who is right for you is to review the directory of your insurance provider. Certain insurance companies have directories that list therapy providers who are in network. assessment of mental health can also ask for the recommendation of a doctor. Many therapists offer group counseling too and will be able to recommend it either in place of or in addition to your individual sessions.
During individual sessions your therapist will employ different approaches depending on your needs. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance, focuses on helping to identify and change unhelpful behaviors and thoughts. It could include learning to express your feelings in a healthy way and identifying strategies for problem solving, and practicing mindfullness.
Individual sessions can take place online or in-person and typically last for an hour. They can be scheduled every week, or more often depending on the need. Individual therapy can help you overcome the problems that are causing you distress. It can also improve your life quality by enhancing your self-awareness and encouraging lifestyle changes.
If you are going through a major life event, such as a divorce or a loss or are struggling with an addiction, finding the right therapist is an important first step toward recovery. Contact us today if you are ready to start your journey.
Group Therapy
Group therapy, also often referred to as support groups, provides a unique opportunity to discuss issues and feelings with people who are experiencing similar issues. Connecting with others who are in the same situation help you realize that you're not alone and can encourage you to try new things that can make your life easier. You can also learn from the experiences of other people in the group. Hearing how they have overcome their difficulties will give you confidence that you'll be able to tackle your own.
The majority of group therapy sessions are led by a mental health professional who has experience in treating the particular problem or condition that the group is focusing on. The leader might be certified in one of the most well-known types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior 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 functioning in all areas of your life such as work, relationships, home, and community. Some groups are based on the diagnosis of depression, substance abuse or addiction, while others are open to anyone to join. Some groups are led jointly by two therapists. Research shows that co-led groups offer more benefits than groups that have a single leader.
Some group therapy sessions are psychoeducational, focusing more on delivering information and education about certain topics, such as overcoming phobias or recovering from addiction. Some groups are more active and focus on the interaction between members, such as process groups or skill development groups. Others are based on specific techniques such as cognitive-behavioral or socialization skills training.
In many cases, people who are in group therapy must sign a confidentiality contract similar to what they would for individual psychotherapy. This is because of the risk of sharing your personal struggles and feelings with strangers in a crowded setting. Therapists can also offer additional privacy by using first names or initials which can be beneficial for those who aren't ready to share their true identities with other people.
Hospital or Residential Treatment
A person's mental health may be so serious that they require a stay in a hospital or a residential treatment center for the duration of their care. It is typically an option last resort, but the right treatment facility could be a lifeline for a person who is in crisis and at risk of harming themselves or others. Hospital or residential treatment can help someone to recover and learn to live with their mental illness, rather than letting it dictate them.
Inpatient treatment is a type of care that offers 24/7 surveillance in a secure unit in an institution or treatment center. This is the best option for those in a very serious mental health crisis, or have been hospitalized previously due to self-harm or any other dangerous behavior. Inpatient treatment involves an evaluation and assessment of psychiatric issues, medication management, and the plan to continue treatment in the community.
The purpose of inpatient treatment is to help a person improve their symptoms so that they can reduce or eliminate the need for psychiatric drugs and prepare them to resume their normal activities in the community. It is often the most effective way to rapidly stabilize a person who has been struggling with an acute mental illness like schizophrenia, clinical depression or bipolar disorder.
In the course of inpatient therapy, patients will be able to attend both group and individual sessions. These sessions may be educational, therapeutic or both, and can help a person feel seen and acknowledged, which is an essential aspect of recovery. Individual therapy can help a person identify the factors that led to a psychiatric emergency and hospitalization, and learn how to manage these issues in the future.
Residential treatment can be a live-in or a partial hospitalization (PHP) program. It offers the comfort of the typical hospital. PHP programs are a step down from inpatient treatment and offer the opportunity to test the skills acquired in residential treatment in real-life situations. Residential treatment is also available as a group residential program, where people go through the same process. This can be beneficial during and after the course.
Medication
People with mental health issues may benefit greatly from medication. They alter brain chemicals that regulate thoughts and emotions 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 can be enough, especially when mild mental illnesses are managed. It is important to speak to a mental health professional in case you have concerns regarding your medication or how it's impacting you.
Your mental health professional is on the lookout for indicators that your symptoms may be escalating or becoming risky. They will assess how your symptoms are impacting your life quality and activities, and whether you're at risk of harming yourself or others.
If your mental illness is severe and you are suffering from a severe mental illness, a psychiatric hospital could be the best option to seek treatment. Options there include 24-hour inpatient treatment, day or partial hospitalization, and residential treatment which offers a place to live while providing support. These kinds of settings are generally recommended when you're unable to take care of yourself and don't have a safe home, or are at risk of hurting yourself or others.
New Yorkers who need mental health services can find help in their local communities as well as online. Many counties offer free, confidential and unbiased counseling and referral services for those suffering from mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders like HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis. Many communities have local programs that aid people suffering from mental disorders. They include coping and resilience resources. Some organizations also offer telephone, online and text crisis counseling.