Mental Health Treatment: Our Evidence-Based Approaches
Many individuals with mental health challenges aren’t even aware of the presence of any type of underlying condition. It’s not uncommon for a mental health condition to go untreated because of a lack of awareness or simply failing to give the proper attention to mental wellness.
However, mental health is just as important as physical health. You wouldn’t let a physical injury linger without seeking treatment, so why should an injury of the mind be approached differently?
Mental health awareness among certain demographics, especially males, is lacking. Many people miss out on resources for help because of the lack of knowledge surrounding mental health conditions.
There are currently multiple treatment options for mental health, depending on the individual and the most appropriate approach. What is mental health treatment, and why is it so important?
What Is Mental Health Treatment?
Mental health treatment is one of several types of services and approaches to mental health challenges. The treatment aims to heal and find the causes of trauma and underlying mental health issues. This often occurs with substance abuse disorder treatment or other co-occurring disorders.
There are several types of mental health professionals that may be a part of this treatment. In the following section, we’ll highlight these professionals and what their jobs entail.
Many Medicaid Plans Accepted for Mental Health Programs
Types of Mental Health Professionals
Because of the complexity and scope of mental health, several different professionals specialize in this field. Except for a psychiatrist, most positions fall under the umbrella of being called a therapist or a counselor.
However, the specifics regarding each position are highlighted in the following section.
- A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and will have an MD after his or her name. Psychiatrists normally deal with the physical aspects of the brain and what can go wrong medically. Primary care psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication for mental health challenges. Some will also provide talk therapy, although this isn’t their area of expertise. At a mental health practice, normally, individuals will see a psychiatrist for medication and a psychologist or someone else for counseling.
- Psychologist. Psychologists exist somewhere between psychiatrists and therapists. Some will have a master’s degree, while others will have a doctorate. Specific cases that include the presence of a doctorate degree earn that individual the title of Doctor. A psychologist will diagnose patients with mental health conditions using formal assessments and other testing. After determining the specific diagnosis, psychologists will work through avenues like talk therapy or other behavioral therapies.
- Social worker. Social work is an incredibly broad field. While some social workers may own private practice, many of them will work in public settings like schools, hospitals, detention centers, courts, and many other systems. They advocate for children and other underserved populations and help people navigate certain systems. Most of their work includes tasks similar to that of therapists and counselors.
- Counselors. Certain counselors are able to diagnose clients, but most of them specialize in various forms of talk therapy. Their goal is to help people overcome mental health challenges, life stress, and other obstacles that are creating roadblocks in their lives. LPC is short for licensed practitioner counselor, while an NCC is a nationally certified counselor. Both of these positions require a master’s degree in counseling. Additionally, certified alcohol and drug abuse counselors specialize in substance abuse recovery. One of the most common places of employment for these types of counselors is at some variation of a rehab facility.
Each of these types of mental health professionals is well-trained in the challenges associated with mental health. One of the most common areas of expertise includes identifying risk factors for mental health disorders. The next section focuses on these specific risk factors.