Therapies

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, involves discussions with a mental health professional to explore your condition and related issues. Through psychotherapy, you gain insight into your condition, moods, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. This process equips you with coping strategies and stress management skills.

Numerous psychotherapy approaches exist, each with its own methodology for enhancing mental well-being. Psychotherapy is often completed successfully within a few months, but some cases may require long-term treatment. It can be conducted one-on-one, in a group setting, or with family members.

When selecting a therapist, it’s crucial to feel comfortable and confident in their ability to listen and understand your perspective. It’s also important for your therapist to grasp the life experiences that have shaped your identity and worldview.

Brain-stimulation treatments

Brain-stimulation treatments are occasionally employed for depression and other mental health disorders when medications and psychotherapy prove ineffective. These treatments include electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, deep brain stimulation, and vagus nerve stimulation. It’s vital to understand the potential risks and benefits associated with each recommended treatment.

Hospital and residential treatment programs

In severe cases where mental illness impairs your ability to care for yourself or poses immediate harm to yourself or others, psychiatric hospitalization may be necessary. Treatment options may include 24-hour inpatient care, partial or day hospitalization, residential treatment that provides temporary supportive living arrangements, or intensive outpatient treatment.

Substance misuse treatment

Substance use problems frequently coexist with mental illness, often hindering treatment progress and exacerbating the mental health condition. If you’re unable to quit drug or alcohol use independently, seeking treatment is essential. Discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

Active participation in your care

Collaborating with your primary care provider or mental health professional, you can determine the most suitable treatment based on your symptoms, their severity, personal preferences, medication side effects, and other relevant factors. In some cases, when a mental illness is particularly severe, a doctor or loved one may need to guide your care until you regain the ability to actively participate in decision-making.