Deciding to seek mental health treatment is a positive first step. It can start you on a journey that may be difficult but could help you to become much healthier, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Once you’ve decided you want to get treatment, you have to decide which treatment is right for you. There are many options, and choosing the right one might not be easy.
You will need to choose between broad categories such as inpatient or outpatient treatment. Then you will need to consider types of therapy and medication, as well as varying approaches and philosophies relating to mental health treatment.
If you’re not really sure where to start with choosing the best mental health treatment, either for yourself or someone else, here are a few tips to help you consider your choices.
Assess Your Situation
To choose the right mental health treatment program, you first need to think about your current situation and your goals.
What are your current needs and how are you hoping treatment will help you make a change?
It’s helpful to think about how your mental health challenges may be affecting you.
For example, you may be experiencing an issue with anxiety, but feel that you’re still capable of going to work or maintaining your usual routine in your everyday life.
On the other hand, you could be struggling with basic tasks or perhaps dealing with thoughts of self-harm or suicide that are affecting you in a more significant way.
Although it’s not always easy to have an accurate picture of the current state of your mental health, it will give you a starting point for thinking about the treatment you need.
More severe problems may require more intensive mental health treatment, whereas it may be possible to fit treatment for less significant conditions around your existing routine.
Compare Mental Health Treatment Options
Two main categories of treatment that you will need to consider are inpatient and outpatient treatment.
Inpatient treatment involves a residential program, where you stay away from home and receive treatment from a dedicated team 24/7.
Inpatient treatment is often best for more severe cases. You might choose it if you have tried other treatment options, and they haven’t helped as much as you hoped. Inpatient treatment might also be the right choice if you’re struggling with day-to-day life or if you want to be able to focus solely on your treatment instead of balancing it with other commitments.
Outpatient treatment can range from a day program to the occasional session with a therapist or psychiatrist.
Outpatient treatment can be offered in multiple different ways. If you’re looking for something more intensive, a day program like the one at BIG SKY Treatment could allow you to commit to your treatment during the day but still enjoy your evenings at home.
Other treatment options could require a few hours of commitment from you each week, leaving you to implement what you learn during therapy sessions in your daily life. You can find an outpatient treatment program that fits around your job, family, or other parts of your life.
Look at Different Mental Health Treatment Models
In addition to comparing inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment, you will need to consider different treatment models and approaches.
There are various philosophies and types of mental health treatment programs to explore to find one that suits you.
Some people might find that sitting in a therapist’s office or sharing a room with a support group isn’t for them.
You may prefer mental health treatments like experiential therapy, which focuses on the therapeutic benefits of various activities.
Spending time outdoors can give you the space to connect with your feelings while also sharing with other people who are experiencing similar things.
Some people might also benefit from medication to help them manage their mental health.
Find Mental Health Treatment with the Right Focus
Looking for treatment with the right focus or specialty is often important, too.
You may be looking for a mental health treatment program tailored to a specific mental health condition, with experts in the field delivering the treatment. For example, a mental health treatment program might focus on addiction, eating disorders, anxiety, or depression.
Many mental health treatment programs are designed to address specific issues.
When you’re choosing a mental health treatment program, what matters most is identifying an approach that feels comfortable to you, and that you think will help you reach your personal goals.
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a health care executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. The common thread through Joan’s professional life has been a commitment to lead, mentor and coach current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach provides information and advice grounded in Joan’s personal experience; however, all articles are backed by research and provide facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan also serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
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