Types of Mental Health Treatments

Doctor and patient discussing mental health treatment Mental illness treatment can take place in a variety of settings and typically involves a multidisciplinary team of providers such as counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, mental health aides, and peer support professionals.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health treatment. Treatment should instead be tailored to the individual. Mental health problems can vary greatly from person to person, even among those with the same mental health diagnosis.1

This article will discuss mental health treatment options, including:


Psychiatric Hospitalization

Psychiatric hospitalization occurs when a person is admitted to a:

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Psychiatric hospitalization treatment typically consists of stabilization, close monitoring, medication, administration of fluids and nutrition, and other necessary emergency care. 4

People may be voluntarily or involuntarily hospitalized. A person may be involuntarily hospitalized when they either are gravely disabled or are a danger to themselves or others.4

A person is a candidate for psychiatric hospitalization when they have:


Inpatient or Residential Mental Health Treatment

meditation for mental health treatment Inpatient treatment, also referred to as residential mental health treatment, takes place in a residential facility on a 24/7 basis. This level of care is best suited for those who need constant medical supervision as well as those with relatively severe, long-term symptoms who have not shown significant progress after outpatient mental health intervention.

Mental illness treatment at an inpatient facility typically consists of the following types of treatment:

Some treatment centers may also offer luxury and executive options. In addition to the types of treatment listed above, these centers may include:

Do you need help finding a mental health treatment program? Call today.


Outpatient Mental Health Treatment

Outpatient mental health treatment does not require participants to live at the treatment center. Instead, participants visit the treatment center or therapist’s office on certain days of the week.

Outpatient mental illness treatment is best suited for those with:

Many different types of mental health treatment options are offered on an outpatient basis. These include:


Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment offers comprehensive mental health services for those struggling with both a mental health condition and an addiction or substance use disorder. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses and treats both conditions simultaneously.

Both disorders need to be simultaneously treated to maximize the chances of a full recovery. For example, if an addicted person has a co-occurring anxiety disorder, they may relapse to self-medicate the unmanaged anxiety. Treating the underlying mental health conditions and traumas that contribute to the addiction can help prevent relapse and maintain sobriety in the long-term.


Psychotherapy

psychotherapy for mental health treatment Psychotherapy (talk therapy) has effectively treated a wide range of mental health conditions and is offered in both inpatient and outpatient settings. During talk therapy, a person or group discusses their issues with a therapist who can help them process their feelings and learn new coping skills.

There are many different types of psychotherapy available, such as:

If you’re ready to get help for a mental health or substance abuse problem, call today.


Medication

Medications can be used to treat the symptoms of mental illness. Medications are often used in combination with psychotherapy and are offered in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings.

Medications used for mental health treatment include:3


12-Step Programs and Support Groups

In addition to psychotherapy and medications, there are many other types of mental health treatment options people may want to consider. Support groups and 12-step programs may be good complementary therapies for people who are undergoing psychotherapy and/or taking medication.

These groups are available for people dealing with a wide range of mental or behavioral health and substance abuse problems, including:

Twelve-step programs use an approach built on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Participants often work with a sponsor to complete the 12 steps, and the sponsor is available to help the person with other issues they may be struggling with during recovery, including cravings.

Many programs have a spiritual component, but they do not require participants to be religious. Participants choose a “higher power” that they can use to help guide them through the recovery process. This higher power can be whatever the participant wants: God, music, or nature.

Though support groups and 12-step programs are free and beneficial, they do not provide medical supervision or offer professional therapy.


Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Man exercising for alternative therapy
Complementary and alternative mental health treatment options may be used in addition to traditional forms of treatment such as therapy and medication. Some of the most common types of complementary treatments include:


Find a Recovery Program

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental illness, treatment is available. For more information on your recovery options, contact our recovery support team at .

Read next: Mental Health Problem Symptoms, Causes and Effects


Sources

[1]. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Mental Health Treatment & Services.

[2]. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Psychotherapy.

[3]. National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Mental Health Medications.

[4]. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Getting Treatment During a Crisis.

Additional Resources

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