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What Is Mental Health Treatment? Programs, Therapies, and What to Expect | BlueCrest Health Group

Cesar Luis

What is mental health treatment? Programs, approaches, and how to get started

Mental health treatment addresses emotional issues that can interfere with daily functioning. Typically, evidence-based practices are used alongside holistic approaches. This article will outline what’s involved.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Millions of people live with mental health disorders, but many don’t get the required care. Knowing what to expect could increase adherence.
  • Mental health care comes in various forms, offering different levels of care. Clients may require occasional therapy visits (traditional outpatient care) or daily stays in a care facility (partial care).
  • Various conditions can be treated, including co-occurring disorders. Combined evidence-based and holistic approaches typically provide effective treatment.
  • Getting started requires a thorough assessment process, orientation, and guidance through the treatment plan.

Introduction

SAMHSA research reveals that 23.4% of adults (about 61.5 million people) live with a mental health condition. Yet, about 48% with a serious mental illness and 30% with other emotional conditions did not receive care.

A therapist-patient session, explains what is mental health treatment

Various factors contribute to the treatment gap, including stigma and financial limitations, but many people simply do not know what to expect and how to get started. This article provides information on mental health services, including programs, approaches, and assessments, to guide you through the process.

What Mental Health Treatment Actually Is

When some people think of treatment for mental health conditions, they think of sessions with a licensed therapist in a one-on-one environment. However, it often requires a careful assessment and a structured plan.

Psychologists and other mental health professionals will assess the patient carefully to determine the type of mental illness, its severity, and underlying causes. They will also consider the client’s physical health, determining how that may contribute to emotional distress and guide treatment approaches.

The final step is determining the level of clinical care. BlueCrest Health Group of New Jersey offers a variety of outpatient services, which include:

  • Partial Care: With this approach, clients attend therapy for several hours a day, 5-6 days a week. They learn coping strategies to manage their emotions in a healthy way.
  • Intensive Outpatient Care (IOP): Clients attend shorter therapy sessions, 3-5 days a week.
  • Traditional Outpatient: At this stage, clients attend therapy sessions once or twice a week or as needed.

Any of these levels can serve as primary care or be part of a step-down approach.

Common Mental Health Conditions Treated

Treatment can address various types of mental disorders. The most commonly treated include:

  • Anxiety Disorders: This condition comes in different forms, but generally involves anxiety that stems from everyday circumstances and spirals out of control. Common symptoms include elevated heart rate, sweating, and panic disorder.
  • Depression: Characterized by feelings of persistent sadness, individuals who are depressed may experience suicidal thoughts and engage in self-harm.
  • Anger and Emotional Dysregulation: Individuals with anger issues may experience chronic or explosive anger that goes beyond normal frustration.
  • Trauma and PTSD: These conditions can be caused by a single traumatic incident, a series of traumatic incidents, or ongoing trauma, leading to flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance.
  • Dual Diagnosis: People often use substances to manage mental health problems, ultimately leading them on a downward spiral. A dual diagnosis approach addresses addiction and its underlying cause to promote well-being.

Treatment Options for Mental Health Care

Various evidence-based treatments are used to address mental health issues, and can be tailored based on the type of condition and the individual’s lifestyle and goals. They include psychotherapy, which, according to the American Psychiatric Association, improves symptoms in about 75% of people.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT addresses negative thought patterns and teaches clients coping skills to improve mental health.
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: DBT takes a more mindful approach to emotional regulation through distress tolerance.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: ACT teaches people to accept uncomfortable internal experiences as a regular part of life rather than trying to act against them.
  • Exposure Therapy: Designed to treat trauma, this approach requires clients to relive traumatic experiences in a safe environment so they don’t seem as overwhelming.

Complementary Therapies

These therapies can be combined with psychotherapy for better outcomes:

  • Family Therapy: Family members are often brought into therapy sessions so they can learn more about their loved one’s addiction and determine the best way to provide a supportive environment.
  • Holistic Therapy: Meditation, yoga, art therapy, acupuncture, and nature bonding are just some examples of holistic approaches that support better mental health.
  • Medications: Antidepressant medications, antipsychotic medications, and anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed alongside therapy to treat severe symptoms.
  • Group Therapy: Support groups provide peer support, reduce social isolation, and help people learn from others, understanding they are not uniquely broken.

How To Get Started

Now you know what to expect. The next step is getting started. Here’s how the process typically looks:

  • Research: Review your options to determine which treatment center is right for you, considering services, environment, and quality of care. Various resources can help you narrow down your choices, including SAMHSA’s Treatment Locator, NIMH’s Help for Mental Illness page, and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
  • Contact the Clinic: Individuals starting treatment are bound to have several questions, such as: “Do you take my insurance?” “What levels of care do you offer?” and “What mental conditions do you treat?” Have questions prepared when you contact the clinic and pay attention to their tone to ensure it’s a good fit.
  • Intake and Assessment: The intake process may start over the phone. The clinic will run an insurance verification and gather information, including personal details about yourself and your addiction. Once you start at the clinic, medical professionals will perform a more thorough assessment of your mental and physical health.

What To Expect When You Start

A man and woman enjoy positive mental health

Starting therapy can look different depending on the level of care. Here’s an idea of what to expect.

  • Partial Care: During your first session, you will get to know your therapist and the other group members. You will learn about your treatment plan moving forward. Later in the day, you may attend brief meetings, focusing on relapse prevention. During subsequent meetings, your days will be shaped by group therapy and individual therapy meetings, healthy activities, and daily check-ins.
  • Outpatient and Traditional Outpatient: With shorter sessions, you will attend either group therapy or individual talk therapy meetings- these approaches are typically not combined in one session. As with partial care, you will start by getting to know the therapist or other group members and discussing your treatment plan. Subsequent sessions will focus on learning coping skills and discussing how you integrated them to deal with life stressors.

BlueCrest Health Group Supports Your Recovery Journey

Don’t let mental illness rule your life. Contact BlueCrest Health Group in New Jersey for the care you need today. We offer evidence-based care combined with holistic therapy and specialize in a dual-diagnosis approach. Our continuum of care comprises a variety of levels, from therapy to aftercare, supporting lasting recovery.

Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive services.

FAQs

How do I know if I need mental health treatment?

You may require mental health treatment if your symptoms are persistent and interfere with daily life. Medicating with substances, self-harming behaviors, and suicidal thoughts are signs that you need immediate care.

How long does mental health treatment last?

The duration of mental health treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition and level of care. Partial care programs typically last 2-6 weeks; IOP lasts 8-12 weeks; and traditional outpatient care can last several months or years. Some people affected by mental health conditions require lifelong maintenance, typically when addiction is a factor.

Is mental health treatment covered by insurance?

Yes, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act ensures that treatment is covered, comparable to treatment for other medical conditions. However, the amount of coverage offered varies by provider.

Sources

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).” https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20250728/samhsa-releases-annual-national-survey-on-drug-use-and-health
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Release of the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Leveraging the Latest Substance Use and Mental Health Data.” https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/release-2024-nsduh-leveraging-latest-substance-use-mental-health-data-make-america-healthy-again
  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions.” https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/co-occurring-disorders
  4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Mental Health Treatment: How Does It Work?” https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/serious-mental-illness/treatment-works
  5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Treatment Types for Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol.” https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/learn-about-treatment/types-of-treatment
  6. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). “Anxiety Disorders.” https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
  7. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). “Major Depression.” https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
  8. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). “Traumatic Events and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).” https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
  9. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). “Help for Mental Illnesses.” https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help
  10. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “The Value of Structured Outpatient Treatment.” https://www.nami.org/treatment/the-value-of-structured-outpatient-treatment/
  11. Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). “Anxiety Disorders — Facts and Statistics.” https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
  12. Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). “Depression Facts and Statistics.” https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression/facts-statistics
  13. American Psychiatric Association. “What Is Psychotherapy?” https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy
  14. American Psychiatric Association. “What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?” https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd
  15. American Psychological Association (APA). “Recognition of Psychotherapy Effectiveness.” https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-psychotherapy
  16. American Psychological Association (APA). “Research Shows Psychotherapy Is Effective but Underutilized.” https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2012/08/psychotherapy-effective
  17. Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. “ACT Randomized Controlled Trials Since 1986.” https://contextualscience.org/ACT_Randomized_Controlled_Trials
  18. Cleveland Clinic. “Dual Diagnosis (Co-Occurring Disorders): Causes and Treatment.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24426-dual-diagnosis

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