Mental Health Treatment FAQs
When attending treatment for mental health disorders, it is perfectly normal to have questions. Treatment has helped millions of people that suffer from mental health disorders. Going to treatment can be scary, unsettling or even weird. This is why we at First City Recovery Center make it our priority to inform you on what to expect.
Before Treatment
What is Mental Health Treatment Like?
Mental health treatment is tailored to the individual needs and goals of each person. Most commonly, mental health treatment consists of psychotherapy sessions with a licensed clinician. During our mental health residential stabilization sessions, the patient and therapist will work together to identify underlying issues that are contributing to the mental health concerns.
They will then discuss ways in which those issues can be addressed in order to improve the patient’s mental health. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may also include medication prescribed by a medical professional.
How Do I Know if Mental Health Treatment is Right for Me?
Mental health treatment can be a great way to improve your overall well being, but it’s important to make sure it’s the right fit for you. Some signs that mental health treatment may be good for you include the following:
- You have persistent thoughts of sadness or anxiety that significantly affect your daily life
- You’ve been struggling with a mental health issue for weeks, months, or even years
- You have trouble managing your emotions and behavior
- You have difficulty functioning in social situations or feel isolated from others
- You are engaging in self-harming behaviors or thoughts of suicide
- You’re having difficulty regulating your sleep or eating patterns
- You find it hard to make decisions, concentrate, or stay organized
- Your relationships with loved ones are strained and unfulfilling
How Long Does Mental Health Treatment Last?
Mental health treatment can be a long-term process, depending on the type and severity of mental health issues being addressed. In some cases, treatment may involve just a few sessions with a therapist or psychiatrist, while in other cases it could take months or years to make significant progress.
It is important for individuals to discuss their specific needs and treatment goals with their mental health provider in order to create a treatment plan that works for them. Mental health therapy and treatment may also involve lifestyle or behavior changes, such as learning new coping skills, setting healthy boundaries, and engaging in regular self-care activities. For individuals who are dealing with more severe or persistent mental health issues, medication may be prescribed, either alone or in combination with psychotherapy.
Medication can help to manage symptoms and make it easier for an individual to participate in therapy, although it cannot cure mental illness. It is important for individuals to take all medication as prescribed, and discuss any concerns with their doctor.
Mental health treatment might also include participation in a mental health PHP or a support group, which can provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and build meaningful relationships with peers who are facing similar challenges. Other strategies that can help promote mental health include the following:
- Creating routines and structure
- Exercising regularly
- Eating nutritious meals
- Spending time in nature
- Connecting with friends and family members
- Getting enough sleep each night
- Reducing or eliminating the use of substances such as drugs and alcohol
What Kinds of Mental Health Treatment are Available?
Some different kinds of mental health treatment include the following:
- Individual therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Trauma recovery
Mental health treatment can take on many forms, depending on the individual’s needs. Treatment options may include psychotherapy, medications, lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise), or a combination of these approaches.
Psychotherapy is often seen as the first line of defense against mental illness and involves talking through symptoms with a therapist or another mental health professional. Types of psychotherapy can be cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, or a combination of both. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on helping people identify and change negative thinking patterns that affect their emotional wellbeing. Interpersonal psychotherapy is focused on understanding how problems in relationships may contribute to mental health issues.
Individual therapy is a type of psychotherapy or counseling that focuses on helping individuals identify and work through their personal issues in order to achieve positive changes. This form of therapy is often used when someone wants to gain insight into their thoughts and feelings, improve their mental health, learn coping strategies, reduce stress or anxiety, recover from trauma, change problematic behaviors, or make positive changes in their life. Individual therapy typically involves building a personal relationship between the individual and therapist to help them better understand themselves, their motivations, and how they can create lasting change.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. CBT helps people identify and challenge unhelpful or inaccurate thoughts, as well as change unhelpful patterns of behavior. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and behaviors are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap us in unhealthy patterns of behavior. By increasing our awareness of these patterns, CBT allows us to gain control over our emotions and reactions, so we can make positive changes in our lives.
Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with several people at the same time. Group meetings typically involve five to eight members, although some groups may be larger or smaller. The group members offer each other emotional support and constructive feedback while engaging in activities designed to help them work through their challenges together. Group therapy is different from individual therapy, in which the individual and therapist meet one-on-one.
How Much Does Mental Health Treatment Cost?
Mental health treatment costs vary depending on your specific needs and the type of care you choose. Depending on your insurance coverage or if you don’t have insurance, your out-of-pocket costs may be significantly different. The cost for mental health treatment can range from no cost to thousands of dollars per session.
If you have insurance, the cost of treatment is typically only a small portion of your co-pay. This is because most health insurance plans offer coverage for mental health services. The amount of coverage varies depending on your plan, but it is generally enough to cover at least some portion of the cost. It’s important to check with your provider to understand the specifics of your coverage.
If you do not have health insurance, there are still options to get mental health treatment. Some therapists and counselors offer sliding scale fees based on your income. You can also look into community-based organizations that may provide free or low cost services.
Does Insurance Cover Mental Health Treatment?
Mental health treatment is becoming increasingly recognized among insurance providers as a necessary part of healthcare. Most major medical plans offer coverage for mental health treatment, although the specifics of what is covered and the extent of coverage vary based on the individual plan. In general, most forms of mental health treatment are considered to be covered under most medical plans.
During Treatment
What Should I Expect from the Mental Health Treatment Process?
The mental health treatment process can vary depending on a person’s individual needs and situation. Generally, it will involve regular counseling sessions with a mental health professional to discuss thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as how they relate to the individual’s overall health and wellness. During these sessions, people may be encouraged to explore ways of managing their mental health issues and improving their coping skills. Often, medication and/or other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be recommended in order to help address the symptoms associated with a person’s mental health condition.
What Can I Bring to Mental Health Treatment?
Mental health treatment can be greatly enhanced by the addition of a holistic approach. Holistic treatments take into account all aspects of a person’s life, including physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. By looking at the bigger picture of a person’s health, holistic treatments are able to provide more comprehensive care. I believe that my background in psychology, counseling and holistic health care makes me qualified to bring an understanding of the multiple approaches to mental health treatment.
After Treatment
Will I be Completely Cured after Mental Health Treatment?
Mental health treatment can be extremely effective in helping you to manage and improve your mental health, but there is no guarantee that it will lead to a complete cure. Every person’s experience with mental illness is unique, as are their paths to recovery. Even if your symptoms are reduced or eliminated through the use of therapy and/or medication, the underlying issues that led to your illness in the first place may still exist and need to be addressed. Additionally, it is important to recognize that mental health can fluctuate throughout a person’s life, and recurrences are possible even after successful treatment.
How Likely is it that my Mental Health Treatment Won’t Last?
The likelihood of mental health treatment not lasting is difficult to predict as it depends on a variety of factors, including the type and severity of the condition being treated, the individual’s responsiveness to treatment, as well as access to resources. If an individual receives appropriate care and support from a qualified professional, there is a good chance their mental health treatment can be successful and have long-term positive effects. However, it is important to remember that some mental health issues are chronic, meaning that even with the best care and support, symptoms may not permanently go away.
Are There Support Groups for People Leaving Mental Health Treatment?
Yes, there are support groups available for people who are leaving mental health treatment. These groups can provide an invaluable source of peer support and camaraderie throughout the transition from treatment back into everyday life. They offer a safe place to talk openly about experiences in a non-judgmental environment, as well as offer practical advice and coping strategies to help individuals adjust back into the community.
Many areas have mental health support groups that are facilitated by trained counselors or social workers and offer a variety of activities, such as educational workshops, art therapy, meditation, and yoga. These groups can also be helpful in identifying additional resources available to support an individual’s recovery journey.
Get the Help You Need Today
Regardless of where you’re at in your recovery journey, it’s just as imperative to ask questions as it is to receive help. If you or a loved one would like to find out more, you can contact us here.
MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Vahid Osman, MD is a psychiatry specialist in Indianapolis, IN.
Dr. Osman completed a residency at Austin State Hospital. He has over 32 years of experience in Psychiatry & Behavioral Health. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
