Mental Health Services That Can Improve Your Well-Being
Mental health is a crucial element of wellbeing, affecting how you think and feel. It affects your ability to work, maintain relationships, socialize and make choices.
Treatment can aid in managing your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. This can include talk therapy and medications. Consult I Am Psychiatry to find out what treatments are covered.
Individual Therapy
Psychotherapy or individual therapy is a procedure that involves a person working with a mental health professional one-on-one to address issues that impact their psychological and emotional well-being. During these sessions, called therapy or counseling people are able to discuss their thoughts, beliefs and actions in a safe and caring environment. They can also tackle difficult or influential memories. They can pinpoint areas of their lives that they would like to change and begin working toward positive change.
It is important to remember that individual therapy doesn't solve issues. Instead, it helps to teach coping skills to help individuals deal with the challenges they face and live life more fully. Individual therapy is often combined with other behavioral and mental treatment options, such as family or group therapy, to achieve the most effective outcomes.
If you are thinking about individual therapy the first step is to identify a provider that is right for you. Some insurance companies have directories of therapy providers who are in network. You may also ask your physician for recommendations. Many therapists provide group counseling and will be able to recommend it either in place of or in addition to your individual sessions.
During individual sessions your therapist may use different methods, based on your individual requirements. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one example, focuses on helping to recognize and modify undesirable habits and thoughts. It can include learning how to express your feelings in a healthy manner as well as identifying strategies to solve problems, and practicing mindfullness.
Individual sessions can take place online or in-person and typically last for one hour. They may be scheduled weekly or more frequently, depending on the need. Individual therapy can help you overcome the issues that cause you distress. It can also improve your overall quality of life by increasing your self-awareness and encouraging lifestyle changes.
If you're experiencing an important life event such as divorce or loss, or you are struggling with an addiction seeking out the right therapist could be an important first step towards recovery. Contact us today if you are ready to begin your journey.
Group Therapy
Group therapy, which is often referred to as support groups, offers a unique opportunity to discuss issues and feelings with people who are experiencing similar issues. Being with people in the same situation as you can help you realize that you're not alone. It could also encourage you to try new techniques that can help you live your life more comfortably. You can also learn from the experiences of others in the group. Hearing how they conquer their challenges will give you confidence that you will be able to manage your own.
The majority of group therapy sessions are led by a mental health professional who is experienced in treating the particular issue or condition the group is focusing on. The leader could be certified in one of the most common kinds of psychotherapy like cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Group therapy can be used either on its own or in conjunction with individual counseling.
The aim of group therapy is to improve your performance in all areas of your life, including the workplace, relationships and at your home. Some groups are based on diagnosis of depression or anxiety, or even substance abuse and others are open to everyone who wants to participate. Some groups are directed by two therapists working together, and research shows that co-led groups provide more benefits than single-leader groups.
Some group therapy sessions concentrate on psychoeducation that is more focused on giving information and educating people on a specific subject, such overcoming phobias or overcoming addiction. Certain groups are interactive and focus on the interaction between members, like process groups or skill development groups. Others are based on specific techniques like cognitive-behavioral and socialization skills training.
In many cases, patients who are in group therapy must sign a confidentiality contract as they would for individual psychotherapy. This is due to the vulnerability of sharing personal feelings and struggles in a group setting. The therapist can also provide additional privacy by using initials or first names which can be beneficial for people who are hesitant to share their true identities with other people.
Hospital or Residential Treatment
A person's mental health could be so serious that they require a stay in a hospital or a residential treatment facility for the duration of their treatment. This is usually a last resort, but the right treatment facility could be an emergency for someone who is suffering and at risk of harming themselves or others. A hospital or a residential treatment program can assist someone to get back on track and learn to live with mental illness rather than being a victim to it.
Inpatient treatment is a level of care that offers 24 hours supervision within a secure unit in the hospital or treatment center. This is a choice for patients who are in a severe mental health crisis or who have been hospitalized previously for self-harm or other dangerous behaviors. Inpatient treatment usually provides an evaluation of psychiatric disorders and assessment and medication management, as well as the option of continuing treatment in the community.
Inpatient treatment is designed to alleviate symptoms to the point that a person can reduce or eliminate the need for psychiatric medication and be fully prepared to resume their regular activities. It is usually the most effective way to rapidly stabilize a person who has been suffering from an acute mental illness such as schizophrenia, clinical depression or bipolar disorder.
In inpatient therapy, patients will be able to attend both group and individual sessions. These sessions can either be therapeutic or educational or both, but they can be both. They can make a patient feel understood and seen, which is an important part of recovery. Individual therapy can help a person identify the factors that led them to a psychiatric emergency or hospitalization, as well as learn how to manage these issues in the future.
Residential treatment could be a live-in or a partial hospitalization (PHP) program. It provides an environment that is more comfortable than the typical hospital. PHP programs are a step back from inpatient care and offer the opportunity to test the skills learned in residential treatment in real-world situations. Residential treatment is also offered in a group residential program, where people go through the same process. This can be beneficial both during and after the course.
Medication
Medicines can make a significant impact on the lives of those with mental health issues. They work by altering brain chemicals that regulate emotions, thought patterns and thoughts. Psychotherapy is generally more effective in combination with these medications. 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 that are well-controlled symptoms. But it's important to be able to talk with a mental health professional about any issues you be experiencing with your medications and how they're helping you.
Your mental health professional will be looking out for indicators that your symptoms may be getting worse or dangerous. The doctor will examine how your symptoms are impacting your life quality and your activities, and whether you're at risk of harming yourself or others.
If your mental health condition is serious, you may require treatment in a psychiatric institution. Options there include 24-hour inpatient care, partial or day hospitalization, and residential treatment which offers a place to live while providing assistance. These kinds of settings are generally advised when you are unable to take care of yourself or don't have a secure 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 as well as online. Many counties provide free, confidential and unbiased counseling and referral services for mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring diseases such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis. Many communities also have local programs that assist those suffering from mental health issues, including resilience and coping resources. Some organizations offer crisis counseling via telephone, text and online.