It may surprise many people, but there is a wide range of treatment options for mental health care. Getting treatment isn't just sitting in a room and speaking to a therapist. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is one of many treatment options one can have as part of their treatment plan. Treatments are more varied than that, and a treatment plan can consist of many different types of treatments, depending on the severity of the disorder.
Treatment options for addiction and its co-occurring mental health disorders can range widely between contemporary, holistic, and alternative treatments. It often comes down to someone's personal beliefs in which treatments they choose. Even so, many treatment options are available, the number of which only grows as our understanding of mental health care improves.
It can be overwhelming when confronted with so many choices. Luckily, there are ways to help someone make these important decisions at Pathways Wellness Center. One way is to speak to a professional mental health care provider, who can guide you through the available treatment choices.
One of the best ways to learn how to choose between treatment options is to speak with a case manager or caseworker. Case managers work closely with their clients to help them create a treatment plan. They analyze their clients and make treatment suggestions based on someone's needs, abilities, and preferences. That way, each plan is customized for each client.
For example, someone who loves to paint in their free time could be encouraged to try art therapy. Someone who loves the outdoors might be told about adventure therapy. A particularly anxious person might be given options for various therapies that help teach self-calming techniques, such as meditation. Some therapies are not for everyone, and a case manager can help guide their client into making choices that will help meet their goals.
A case manager can only suggest treatment options, not demand them. Choosing to undergo treatment is completely up to the client. If you have questions about what treatment entails or what to expect, a case manager will answer you truthfully. Pathways Wellness Center understands that treatment only works if the client wants to participate. Thus, clients are encouraged to try various treatments and are never forced.
Since making a treatment plan involves a client's input, it's important to discover what you want the most out of treatment.
When looking at your treatment options, you need to take time to understand what you value most when it comes to treatment. Do you live a holistic lifestyle and focus on your body and mind connection? You may want to choose holistic treatments. Do you strongly believe in the power of spirituality and will? Some treatments focus on building your inner strength. What about location? If you hate the outdoors, treatments in nature may cause you stress and frustration. Before deciding on treatments, think about what you want and how you want to heal.
Goals are another important factor in deciding your treatment options. It's best to come up with goals that you can realistically meet in a specified timeframe. A case manager can help you set these goals and give you a rough approximation of when they can be completed. Start small at first. If you are struggling with addiction, start by using psychotherapy to discover the underlying source. Don't expect to recover from addiction overnight, as recovery is a journey, not a race.
The oversight of a mental health care professional can help someone pace out their treatment to prevent burnout and allow periods of rest. This is especially important for those undergoing more intensive treatment programs, such as a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or residential treatment.
Although a mental health care professional will do their best to keep treatment engaging, the fact is that some forms of treatment are not pleasant or fun. One such treatment is known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is used to help someone confront and identify harmful thoughts and thinking patterns and how they affect behavior. Often, these harmful thoughts stem from trauma and painful past experiences. Talking about these problems is never easy, and can be difficult and emotionally draining. However, those that stick with CBT often see positive and lasting results, especially in cases of addiction.
An option that some may not consider is to simply ask fellow peers about treatment. Some staff employed by Pathways Wellness Center have been through treatment themselves. There is also peer mentorship, a program that helps clients connect with those who have gone through treatment and now live sober lives. This offers a wealth of experience that you can use to help make your choices. You can ask what they tried, how they felt, and if it helped them heal.
Sometimes, just knowing that others have gone through what you may be facing can be comforting. If they could do it and achieve recovery, so could you and those you love.
When it comes to treating addiction and its co-occurring mental health disorders, one may be surprised by the number of treatment options available. Sometimes the number of options can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to choose which might be right for you or your loved one. Here at Pathways Wellness Center in Glendora, California, we help our clients not just understand their treatment options but also create a personalized treatment plan. Our treatment options range from contemporary options, like psychotherapy, to holistic treatments, such as adventure therapy. All of these options are overseen by compassionate and professional staff. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, reach out right away at (888) 771-0966.
