A big question that most people ask themselves when considering mental health treatment is, “How do I advocate for myself?” It can be daunting, especially for someone who has never received mental health care before. Since mental health topics aren't as widely discussed in society, much of the treatment procedure is shrouded in mystery to most people. It's especially true for more stigmatized disorders, such as addiction. Some may conjure up the image of a prison, where those struggling with addiction are locked away from society and loved ones.
However, this is far from what happens when receiving mental health treatment. The client has an immense amount of power that influences what treatments are chosen. It's a collaborative process between mental health care professionals and the client to make a treatment plan that can meet the client's goals. Pathways Wellness Center utilizes case managers for their clients. These are professionals that evaluate clients and help them find the treatment they need to recover. Case managers also act as advocates for their clients. This means they make sure the rights of their clients are upheld and that they are being treated with respect and compassion.
But how do you advocate for yourself? There are several ways a client can express their needs. One of which is understanding their rights.
All clients who receive mental health care are protected under the law. A common law you may have heard of when receiving any type of medical care is HIPAA. This is a law that regulates who can look at and receive information about your health. HIPAA is but one of many types of laws that regulate how medical and mental health care is given. When enrolling in treatment at Pathways Wellness Center, you will have these laws explained to you so you can understand them.
You will also have your client rights explained to you. Contrary to popular belief, you have a lot of power when it comes to your treatment. You can stop a specific treatment or therapy at any time or request a break or a topic change. Sometimes therapy, especially psychotherapy, can be difficult. Everyone deserves to take a break to collect themselves or decide when they have had enough for a day.
Clients also have the right to be treated with compassion and respect. No staff member should ever berate or harm you. You have the right to receive treatment in a safe and clean environment. Treatments can be difficult, especially when discussing painful traumas or past events. However, there is the reasonable expectation that a client should be made to be as comfortable as possible, with qualified mental health care professionals to oversee their treatment.
Every person is a unique individual who deserves compassion and understanding. It doesn't matter who you are or what you struggle with; everyone is deserving of quality care. For survivors of abuse, remembering that you are a valuable person and are deserving of care can be difficult. It's why it's so important for clients to understand that they matter and that they are not a burden. Pathways Wellness Center employs staff who were once where you were and are currently in recovery. If anyone can understand your feelings, they certainly can.
You may be asking yourself, “But how do I advocate for myself if I feel like I don't deserve it?” The answer is to build up your confidence and self-esteem. This is done through specific therapies designed to help you learn to accept yourself, faults and all. Surround yourself with supportive people who love and encourage you. Building this confidence is vital to the recovery process, and it's an important drive behind self-advocating.
Once you learn how to be confident and believe in yourself, it becomes easier to communicate your needs. It allows you to stand up for yourself and let people know you deserve to be treated kindly and with respect. You can begin to step away from toxic relationships and recognize who are your true loved ones. All of this is possible once you understand how important and loved you are.
As mentioned before, some of the staff at Pathways Wellness Center are in recovery. This means that they have overcome addiction and now live sober lives. As a result, they are in a unique position to help you in ways you may not have thought of. They offer a wealth of experiences and advice that is freely available to those that ask. It's important to take advantage of this resource and ask questions or raise concerns.
Further educating yourself and bringing awareness to your needs are all forms of self-advocating. If you are wondering what a specific therapy is like, you can ask the staff. Chances are, they may have used that same therapy as part of their treatment plan. Hearing firsthand from someone else not only demystifies the treatment process but can offer comfort. It can also be a glimpse of a positive future needed to give you the drive to complete your treatment and achieve recovery.
So, when you ask yourself, “How do I advocate for myself?” know that it's okay to not know how right away. Pathways can give you the tools you need to learn for yourself what to do. Remember, there are no stupid questions, and everyone is deserving of compassionate and quality care.
Seeking mental health care for yourself can sometimes be a daunting task. It can often be hard to know how or when to stand up for yourself or even know where to go. Luckily, you don't have to seek treatment by yourself. Here at Pathways Wellness Center in Glendora, California, we help our clients find success by giving them the tools needed to recover, one of which is by using case managers to help clients find the right treatment options. Here, you can learn how to ask for what you need with the encouragement of a mental health care professional. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don't wait. Call us today at (888) 771-0966.
