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“Behavioral Health Treatment” is a broad term that identifies different types of treatment methods for mental health and substance abuse issues.
This branch of treatment is quickly gaining popularity due to its positive effects on individuals who did not find success with other methods. Behavioral health treatment can include a few different kinds of therapy, medications such as antidepressants, and other self-administered practices.
Behavioral Health vs. Mental Health
The terms “behavioral health” and “mental health” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have varied definitions. Mental health deciphers how healthy you are in your mind and thoughts; behavioral health describes your acts and patterns in response to these thoughts.
So, for example, someone could be working hard to improve their mental health; but unless they take steps to strengthen their behavioral health as well, they may fall right back into self-destructive routines.
Behavioral health, simply, promotes well being all around. It helps us use our thoughts and actions together to improve our lifestyle and how we handle situations that come our way.
Because of its increasing popularity, new behavioral health treatments have been emerging to accommodate the individuals who could benefit from it the most.
Types of Behavioral Therapies
Therapy, one kind of behavioral health treatment method, has several branches designed to help with certain illnesses and disorders. Some kinds of behavioral health therapies include:
- System Desensitization – a type of classic conditioning used to treat phobias
- Aversion Therapy – is used to treat addictions. Therapists will associate one’s substance of choice with something they dislike, to try to make them grow an aversion for the drug.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – teaches that a person’s thoughts influence their actions. If they think positively and toward the right direction, their behaviors and other patterns should follow. This type of therapy has become increasingly popular over the last few years.
Behavioral Health Treatment: What’s the Point?
So do the above therapies and medications actually work to change behavior? They can, if the person utilizing them is working along with them.
Behavioral health treatment is designed to help people identify and change their harmful behaviors; so if it’s administered correctly, it should assist patients with understanding situations more clearly and handling their thoughts & emotions in more beneficial ways.
Who Benefits From Behavioral Health Treatment?
This type of treatment is usually recommended for people who are stuck in their thoughts; typically individuals who suffer from mental health or substance abuse disorders.
Behavioral health therapies are known to be most effective when treating anxiety, stress, and panic disorders.
The right therapist can help any individual adopt more healthy habits with practice. But once the initial therapy is over, will this treatment actually stick?
Will Behavioral Treatment Work in the Long Run?
While a large fraction of people experience benefits from behavioral health treatment, it’s no guarantee. This type of treatment is designed to help people develop healthy coping mechanisms; so it’s up to them to continue practicing mindfulness and beneficial behaviors after medical or professional treatment ends.
This treatment has seen success in patients of all ages, but is especially helpful for children. Learning how to understand their thoughts and change their behaviors early will help them adapt and get comfortable with their feelings at an early age.
The best option for behavioral health treatment is one type of therapy along with a medication; the combination of these two methods are more likely to help individuals cope with situations and live happy & healthy lives.
Starting Treatment for Behavioral Health
If you or a loved one could possibly benefit from behavioral health treatment, ask your doctor or psychologist for help choosing the right specialist and treatment method for you.
To learn more about behavioral health, get information by visiting Addiction Treatment Programs or by giving us a call at 267.719.8689 and asking about our behavioral health services.
