how to choose mental helth treatment

Consider these factors when choosing among the various types of mental health providers:

• Your concern or condition. Most mental health providers treat a range of conditions, but one with a specialized focus may be more suited to your needs. ...
• Whether you need medications, counseling or both. Some mental health providers are not licensed to prescribe medications. ...
• Your health insurance coverage. ...

Full Answer

How can I get help for mental health issues?

Ask trusted friends, family or clergy. Check to see whether your company's employee assistance program (EAP) or student health center offers mental health services, or ask for a referral. Contact a local or national mental health organization by phone or on the internet, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

What type of mental health provider do you need?

What type of mental health provider do you need? Mental health providers are professionals who diagnose mental health conditions and provide treatment. Most have at least a master's degree or more-advanced education, training and credentials. Be sure that the professional you choose is licensed to provide mental health services.

What should I look for when searching for a mental health provider?

Here are some things to keep in mind as you search for a mental health provider. What type of mental health provider do you need? Mental health providers are professionals who diagnose mental health conditions and provide treatment. Most have at least a master's degree or more-advanced education, training and credentials.

What percentage of Americans receive mental health treatment?

Also in 2019, 19.2% of adults in the United States received some form of mental health treatment (Terlizzi & Zablotsky, 2020). While there is no “one size fits all” treatment for improving mental health and wellbeing, there is a plethora of options available. Choosing the right one can seem overwhelming and tedious.

What should I look for when choosing a mental health therapist?

Here are some tried-and-true methods for finding a therapist to help you reach your therapeutic goals.Consult your provider directory. ... Ask someone you trust. ... Use a reliable online database. ... Explore local resources. ... Reach out to organizations that address your area of concern. ... Think about your goals ahead of time.More items...•

How do I decide what kind of therapy I need?

How do I choose the right therapist/therapy for me? The most important question to ask yourself is what you want to get out of therapy. That answer may be as simple as, “I want to feel better,” but being able to share that with a potential therapist will help both of you determine if it's a good fit.

What is the best treatment for mental illness and why?

Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is the therapeutic treatment of mental illness provided by a trained mental health professional. Psychotherapy explores thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and seeks to improve an individual's well-being. Psychotherapy paired with medication is the most effective way to promote recovery.

What are 3 different kinds of treatment for mental health?

They include:Psychotherapy or counseling. This also is called talk therapy. ... Prescription medicine. ... Support groups. ... Other therapies. ... ECT or other brain stimulation therapy. ... Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. ... Hospital or residential treatment program.

What are the 6 methods of counseling?

Fortunately, almost all of the many individual theoretical models of counseling fall into one or more of six major theoretical categories: humanistic, cognitive, behavioral, psychoanalytic, constructionist and systemic.

Which type of therapy is most effective?

Experts say cognitive behavioral therapy is the most widely researched psychotherapy, and it's effective for people with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, phobias and insomnia.

What are the 5 signs of mental illness?

Here are five warning signs of mental illness to watch for, especially when you have two or more of these symptoms.Long-lasting sadness or irritability.Extremely high and low moods.Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety.Social withdrawal.Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits.

What are the 4 types of mental health?

anxiety disorders. personality disorders. psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia) eating disorders.

Can you be aware of your own psychosis?

Before an episode of psychosis begins, you will likely experience early warning signs. Warning signs can include depression, anxiety, feeling "different" or feeling like your thoughts have sped up or slowed down. These signs can be vague and hard to understand, especially in the first episode of psychosis.

What is the most common mental illness?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.

What are 4 causes of mental health disorders?

What causes mental health problems?childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect.social isolation or loneliness.experiencing discrimination and stigma, including racism.social disadvantage, poverty or debt.bereavement (losing someone close to you)severe or long-term stress.having a long-term physical health condition.More items...

What are the two main approaches to therapies for mental disorders?

Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies. This approach focuses on changing problematic behaviors, feelings, and thoughts by discovering their unconscious meanings and motivations. Psychoanalytically oriented therapies are characterized by a close working partnership between therapist and patient.

What Type of Mental Health Provider Do You Need?

Mental health providers are professionals who diagnose mental health conditions and provide treatment. Most have at least a master's degree or more...

What Factors Should You Consider?

Consider these factors when choosing among the various types of mental health providers: 1. Your concern or condition. Most mental health providers...

How Can You Find A Mental Health Provider?

To find a mental health provider, you have several options: 1. Ask your health insurance company for a list of covered providers. Many insurance co...

What Should You Look For in A Mental Health Provider?

When choosing a mental health provider, consider these issues: 1. Education, training, licensing and years in practice — licensing requirements var...

What is outpatient therapy?

Outpatient is the least intensive and most common form of psychiatric treatment. Clients participating in outpatient therapy have regularly schedul...

What is a day treatment program?

Day treatment is the next step up from outpatient care, but a step down from residential treatment. In most mental health day treatment programs, y...

What is a residential treatment program?

Residential treatment programs usually last a few weeks to a few months and involve staying at the facility as a resident. Psychiatric residential...

When would someone admit to a hospital or inpatient psychiatric unit?

Inpatient hospitals are for those who are experiencing extreme mental distress, including those who are suffering from severe suicidal thoughts or...

What is a mental health provider?

Mental health providers are professionals who diagnose mental health conditions and provide treatment. Most have at least a master's degree or more-advanced education, training and credentials. Be sure that the professional you choose is licensed to provide mental health services. Licensing and services depend on the provider's training, ...

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a physician — doctor of medicine (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) — who specializes in mental health. This type of doctor may further specialize in areas such as child and adolescent, geriatric, or addiction psychiatry. A psychiatrist can:

What to do if you have marital problems?

If you're having marital problems, you may want to consult a licensed marriage and family therapist. In general, the more severe your symptoms or complex your diagnosis, the more expertise and training you need to look for in a mental health provider. Whether you need medications, counseling or both.

What degree do psychologists have?

Typically, a psychologist holds a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., Ed.D.). A psychologist: Can diagnose and treat a number of mental health disorders, providing psychological counseling, in one-on-one or group settings. May work with another provider who can prescribe medication if needed.

What training is required for a licensed professional counselor?

Training required for a licensed professional counselor (L.P.C.), licensed clinical professional counselor (L.C.P.C.) or similar titles may vary by state, but most have at least a master's degree with clinical experience. These licensed counselors:

Can a nurse diagnose mental illness?

Mental health nurses: Vary in the services they can offer, depending on their education, level of training, experience and state law. Can assess, diagnose and treat mental illnesses, depending on their education, training and experience . Can — if state law allows — prescribe medication if they're an advanced practice nurse.

Can a mental health provider prescribe medication?

Some mental health providers are not licensed to prescribe medications. So your choice may depend, in part, on your concern and the severity of your symptoms. You may need to see more than one mental health provider. For example, you may need to see a psychiatrist to manage your medications and a psychologist or another mental health provider ...

How to choose a mental health provider for depression?

This could be achieved by arming yourself with a lot of questions about how your provider can help you, what the treatment process is going to be like, and what are your alternatives. Having this information is a crucial step toward being proactive in your own treatment, which is an essential aspect of successful treatment outcomes for mental health issues.

What to expect after first session with a mental health provider?

Following your first session with a mental health provider, you will have a good feel if you and your mental health provider are a good fit. Ask yourself these questions suggested by Mary Ellen Copeland and Ronald Pies to ascertain if the provider meets your expectations or values:

Is CBT better than IPT?

There is some evidence to suggest that CBT may be more effective than IPT in individuals with severe depression, but the two are comparable for treating mild and moderate depression. In addition, ask the prospective therapist the following questions:

How long does mental health treatment last?

In most mental health day treatment programs, you spend several hours each day at the treatment facility. Those seeking day treatment therapy do not stay overnight; they return to their homes at the end of each day. Psychiatric day treatment programs are time limited, and most clients participate for a few weeks to a few months.

What is the least intensive form of psychiatric treatment?

Outpatient is the least intensive and most common form of psychiatric treatment. Clients participating in outpatient therapy have regularly scheduled office appointments with a therapist, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Those who are self-motivated, have mild to moderate mental illness symptoms, can ask for and receive help ...

What is day treatment?

Day treatment programs are best for those who need more intervention than traditional outpatient therapy, but who aren’t experiencing such severe symptoms that they need to be monitored on a regular basis. More frequent meetings with a psychiatrist can help solidify an effective medication strategy. Daily therapeutic sessions help clients focus on developing the skills needed to cope with stress, improve mood, address disruptive or harmful behavior patterns, and participate more fully in their communities. The daily structure of mental health day treatment programs may help clients hit a “reset” button, especially if they have started isolating at home, avoiding friends or family, sleeping too little or too much, or developing unhealthy eating patterns.

How long does psychiatric day treatment last?

Psychiatric day treatment programs are time limited, and most clients participate for a few weeks to a few months. Day treatment is the next step up from outpatient care. Day treatment programs are time limited, and most clients participate for a few weeks to a few months. Day treatment programs are best for those who need more intervention ...

What is residential treatment?

Residential treatment programs provide a longer length of stay for clients to focus on learning and adopting the skills they need to stay healthy and prevent crises and repeat hospitalizations. Many times, family members or supportive friends are involved in residential treatment.

How long does it take to stay in a hospital?

Most hospital stays are short: a few days to a few weeks. Additional care – often residential treatment or day treatment – is recommended after a stay in an inpatient hospital.

Is outpatient therapy good for mental health?

Those who are self-motivated, have mild to moderate mental illness symptoms, can ask for and receive help from a strong support network, and are able to function outside of the treatment environment often do well in an outpatient therapy setting. Outpatient therapy may be a good “maintenance” level of care to help someone stay healthy ...

What Are the Different Therapy Modalities?

Different types of therapy use a variety of modalities to treat clients. Modalities are essentially the tools a therapist or coach uses to help individuals reach their goals. The theoretical framework or approach often determines which modalities are appropriate.

4 Popular Types of Psychotherapy

There are many different approaches to psychotherapy, but four of the most popular include the following:

4 Group Therapy Modalities

Group therapy provides a great opportunity for people experiencing similar issues to join together to resolve them. Some of these issues may include relationship problems, medical issues, depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, addiction, and life transitions.

Treating Depression and Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the United States, affecting 40 million adults (18.1% of the population) each year (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, n.d.).

Types of Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy focuses on the role of learning in developing both normal and abnormal behaviors. It is a term used to describe a range of techniques that reinforce desirable behaviors and eliminate unwanted ones (Staddon & Cerutti, 2003). The premise is that if old learning led to the development of a problem, new learning can fix it.

4 Types for Couples Therapy

Couples therapy offers a powerful tool for increasing intimacy, improving communication, and building trust.

For Treating Trauma

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tends to be a chronic condition associated with debilitating physical illness such as heart disease, type II diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, premature aging, and a greater likelihood of mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders (Goldstein et al., 2016).

What is a mental health professional?

A mental health professional is, in very general terms, a licensed or accredited individual that offers services (counseling, therapy etc.) to treat mental illness or for the purpose of improving a persons wellbeing. The issues that mental health professionals deal with tend to be the same but their specialties and scope of practice will differ as will their education level and training. Scope of practice refers to the level of competency in a specific area achieved by a professional both through education, licensing and experience.

What is the difference between LCSW and MFT?

LCSWs also have a graduate degree, field training and must pass a state certified exam. Social workers tend to work within the broader context of community mental health dealing with drug abuse, domestic violence, child abuse and foster care. MFTs are relationship experts and work with individuals and families. Their focus is the individual not social policy as much as LCSWs.

What is a PhD in psychology?

Many psychologists, therapists, and counselors hold a PhD. Unlike a PsyD, a PhD is a Doctor of philosophy. A PsyD is a doctor of psychology. A PhD tends to focus on theory, statistics and data gathering which may lead to research careers. The PsyD focuses on psychotherapy and counseling above research. Both require a dissertation.