Behavioral health treatment programs can greatly improve your life and the lives of your family members if you are suffering from a mental health issue or substance abuse disorder. When mental health conditions are left untreated, it may lead to significant negative consequences including loss of employment, legal issues, homelessness, and substance abuse. It isn’t uncommon for people with mental health issues to also suffer with drug and alcohol abuse and addiction, as they attempt to alleviate symptoms by self-medicating.
The good news is that mental health conditions are often treatable, allowing people to live fulfilling lives when it is properly managed. That may mean ongoing therapy and psychiatric care, including taking medication. But it all begins with behavioral health treatment programs, including inpatient, outpatient, or others.
What Is Behavioral Health Treatment?
Behavioral health treatment refers to different types of therapy that are used to treat mental health disorders. It seeks to identify and help modify potentially unhealthy or self-destructive behaviors. The basis for behavioral therapy is that all behaviors are learned and that negative or unhealthy behaviors can be changed. The overall focus of this kind of treatment is on current problems or issues and how to change them.
Behavioral health treatment programs are often helpful for people struggling with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic disorders
- Anger problems
It may also be helpful to people with various conditions or disorders, including:
- Self-harm
- Phobias (including social phobias)
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Substance abuse
Behavioral Health Treatment Programs in Fresno
There are various types of behavioral health treatment programs in Fresno. They are designed to provide different levels of care that individuals need. Even people who have the same types of behavioral health issues may respond best to varying levels of care. What works for you may not work for someone else, and vice versa. That’s why it’s important to know the options that are available and how they work.
Inpatient treatment program – When you attend an inpatient program, you live at the treatment center for a period of time, usually at least 30 days. During that time, you will receive therapy (individual and group), psychiatric care and medication (if needed), education, learn coping skills, have peer support, and, if it’s relevant to your needs, receive substance abuse treatment.
Partial hospitalization program – Partial hospitalization programs (PHP), sometimes also called day programs r, are outpatient programs that you attend for more than six hours a day, most days of the week, and you go home between sessions. PHP is usually less intensive than inpatient treatment and they typically focus on psychiatric issues, substance abuse, or both. In PHP treatment you will receive group and individual therapy, educational sessions, and learn coping skills.
Intensive outpatient program – Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are similar to PHPs but are usually only a few hours and often meet in the evening to accommodate individuals who have to go to work, school, or have other daytime responsibilities. Most IOPs focus on either substance abuse or mental health issues, but some may address both.
Outpatient treatment program – Traditional outpatient treatment is essentially the same as IOP, but it may take place during the daytime, with people returning to their homes at night.
Some behavioral health treatment centers offer age specific programs. This often makes it more comfortable for some groups because they are sharing with their peers. For example, teens in behavioral health treatment programs are going to relate better to other teens than they would with adults.
Choosing a Behavioral Health Treatment Program in Fresno
If you are suffering with a behavioral health issue, including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction, and you are considering going into a treatment program, it’s important that you know what to ask and look for. Here are some things to consider as you narrow down your list of potential behavioral health treatment centers:
How Long is the Behavioral Health Treatment Program?
Most inpatient behavioral health treatment programs start at about 30 days long. However, it may end up being longer or shorter depending on your individual situation. Outpatient programs may go on for 4-6 weeks, or longer. Teen behavioral health treatment programs may follow the same schedules or may be modified based on individuals’ school schedule.
Are There Specialized Programs for Teen Behavioral Health?
Yes, there are behavioral health treatment programs that are specific to teens and other groups of people. For example, you may be able to find behavioral health treatment programs for women, men, older adults, etc. if you feel more comfortable being in a specific group.
Does Behavioral Health Treatment Provide Substance Abuse Help?
Many people with mental health issues also have substance abuse issues because they try to self-medicate their symptoms. If you are suffering with both, it’s important to find a mental health treatment program that addresses co-occurring disorders.
Does the Treatment Program Include Learning Coping Skills?
Even after completing behavioral health treatment, you will still have to manage any conditions you have. When you return home, it’s important that you know how to do that. Look for a treatment center and program that will teach you the coping skills you need to continue your changed behaviors. Whether you go to treatment for mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction, or both, you will need to have coping skills to deal with triggers and other ongoing issues.
What is the Behavioral Health Facility’s Treatment Model?
There are a number of different types of behavioral therapies that fall under the behavioral health umbrella, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), system desensitization, and aversion therapy. Don’t be afraid to ask what type of therapy is used and find a facility that you feel will benefit you the most.
Does the Treatment Program Make Promises That Seem Too Good to Be True?
Most behavioral health concerns are not simple conditions that can be cured. Rather, they are conditions that must be managed through medication and behavior. If you see treatment centers that offer a “cure” for mental illness or addiction, be wary. Quick fixes don’t work for these types of disorders.
Choosing the Right Fresno Behavioral Health Treatment Center
If you or your loved one is struggling to overcome mental, behavioral, or substance abuse issues, My Time Recovery can help. Our knowledgeable and compassionate staff members will be happy to answer all of your questions so that you are able to make the best decision for yourself or a loved one.
