The term Behavioral Health Treatment was coined about 40 years ago. However, over time, the meaning of this word has evolved. Most people use behavioral health as a synonym for mental health, although there is a difference between the two.
Mental health is related to a person’s state of mind or psychology, but behavioral health is related to the habits that a person has, such as eating patterns, sleeping patterns, lifestyle choices that they make. etc. If a person is struggling with a mental health problem, it can coexist with behavioral health problems and physical health problems. According to estimates, 70 percent of mental health problems are related to behavioral health problems. Hence, behavioral health treatment centers or services have become necessary to deal with the disease.
According to a study, about 44 million people struggle with mental health care professional every year, but only 40% of them get treatment. There are many reasons that contribute to people not seeking help for mental illness. While 60 percent of people do not seek treatment because of the social stigma associated with it, others do not seek treatment because they are undiagnosed, do not have money, do not have access to a reliable mental health facility, or hve Passes do not have reliable behavioral health. centers near them.
Behavioral health services
Behavioral health services are not limited to mental health treatment programs. With its evolving scope, the range of services offered has increased. Some of these services include:
- Psychic
- Psychology
- Mental health counseling
- Family and marriage counseling
- Drug abuse treatment including prevention, rehabilitation and intervention
- Chronic disease management
Understanding behavioral health
Behavioral health refers to the relationship between everyday habits (good and bad) and how they affect physical and mental health. Ideally, good habits (healthy eating, exercise, and sleep patterns) lead to a balance between good physical and mental health. Conversely, bad habits often lead to poor physical and mental health.
Based on lifestyle choices, behavioral disorders can include:
Living in unsanitary conditions
Eating disorders
Stay away from people
Sleep disorders (sleeping too little or too much)
Substance abuse, including drug, alcohol or chemical dependency
Addictive behavior like gambling, sex, compulsive shopping etc.
Why is it so hard to get treatment?
Most people do not seek help for behavioral disorders because they are in denial. It is difficult for them to accept that they have a problem. Some people believe that it is a choice they have made so it cannot be called a problem. The reasons for not seeking treatment can be many and varied. Some of the other reasons may include:
- Social stigma and shame
- Fear of not getting justice from the society
- Inability to recognize symptoms effectively
- Lack of trust and support
- Feelings of loneliness and hopelessness
What are the benefits of seeking treatment?
Behavioral health disorders are complex and require customized treatment, Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) but convincing patients to seek treatment is difficult. However, learning about the benefits of treatment can provide the impetus necessary to seek treatment. Benefits of seeking treatment include:
- Improves quality of life.
- Fights mental illness at its root.
- Improves personal and professional relationships.
- Reduces the chances of complications especially for addiction related problems.
- Improves productivity.
- Reduces the risk of medical problems.
What treatment options are available?
A treatment plan for behavioral health disorders can be a combination of several treatments, the most important of which will be group therapy. Motivational and support groups provide personal therapy that helps patients better understand themselves and their goals. Group therapy also provides patients with connections to others who have or are experiencing similar problems. Communicating with such individuals helps the patient realize that they are not alone. It also provides them with the moral support they need to take care of themselves and to seek and continue treatment. However, customized treatment programs require effort from a variety of professionals. These professionals may include:
Psychiatrists: These service providers can address many issues. They deal with various aspects of psychology such as adolescent issues, childhood struggles, or substance abuse. They prescribe medications to treat behavioral health disorders.
Psychologists: These professionals have experience in counseling psychology. This includes clinical psychology. They perform diagnostic work and conduct psychotherapy to treat the patient’s condition.Social workers: They help through programs run by the government. They work in various areas related to children’s mental health, substance abuse and mental health in underprivileged communities.
