Mental health problems can vary greatly from person to person, even between people with the same mental health diagnosis. Treatment must be tailored to the individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Mental health treatment can be carried out in a variety of settings and usually involves a multidisciplinary team of providers, such as counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, mental health assistants, and peer support professionals. Psychiatric inpatient treatment generally consists of stabilization, close monitoring, medication, fluid and nutrition administration, and other necessary emergency care.
A person may be involuntarily hospitalized when they have a serious disability or pose a danger to themselves or others. Dual-diagnostic treatment offers comprehensive mental health services for those struggling with both a mental health condition and an addiction or substance use disorder. Dual-diagnostic treatment addresses and treats both conditions simultaneously. Both disorders must be treated simultaneously to maximize the chances of a full recovery. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) has effectively treated a wide range of mental health conditions and is offered to both inpatients and outpatients.
During psychotherapy, a person or group discusses their problems with a therapist who can help them process their feelings and learn new coping skills. Medications can be used to treat symptoms of mental illness. Medications are often used in combination with psychotherapy and are offered in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. Twelve-step programs use an approach based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Participants typically work with a sponsor to complete all 12 steps, and the sponsor is available to help the person with other issues they may be struggling with during recovery, including cravings.
While support groups and 12-step programs are free and beneficial, they do not provide medical supervision or offer professional therapy. Psychodynamic therapy (PT) is designed to help you feel better every day. The idea is to use fluid conversations with a therapist to become aware of thoughts, blind spots, and relationship patterns that were previously unconscious. Several studies show that psychodynamic therapy can effectively alleviate the symptoms of multiple mental health conditions. And research suggests that the process can trigger psychological changes that continue to be useful long after therapy ends. Groups can range from short-term structures in which a specific problem is addressed, such as dealing with COVID-19 or relationship problems, to long-term communities where they support each other through ongoing challenges, such as complicated interpersonal struggles or recovering from trauma.
Innovations in the range of evidence-based medications, therapies and psychosocial services, such as psychiatric rehabilitation, housing, employment and peer support, have made well-being and recovery a reality for people living with mental health problems. When a person begins to develop symptoms of mental illness, it's important to contact a general practitioner (GP) for help. This level of care is best suited for those who need constant medical supervision, as well as for those with relatively severe and prolonged symptoms that have not shown significant progress after an outpatient mental health intervention. Treatment may include private doctors, community mental health centers, emergency rooms, inpatient and substance abuse centers. The most important thing is that the mental health professional understands the symptoms so that they can select the most useful treatment. The mental health professional will discuss with the person how the treatment will work and explain possible side effects.
Education on how to manage a mental health condition, along with other medical conditions, can provide the skills and support needed to enrich the unique journey to overall recovery and well-being. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a treatment program designed to help people with complex mental health problems, such as borderline personality disorder, who struggle with feelings that are out of control or self-harm. DBT uses a three-pronged approach to help you develop mental strength and gain better control over your behavior. In addition to psychotherapy and medications, there are many other types of mental health treatment options that people can consider. A well-designed crisis response system can provide support to community providers, conduct outreach activities by connecting first-time users to appropriate services, and improve relationships with the community by ensuring that the person's needs are met in a mental health crisis. Complementary and alternative mental health treatments are also available for those who wish to explore them.
These treatments include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal remedies, art therapy, music therapy, aromatherapy, hypnosis/guided imagery therapy.
