Today, people can consider multiple treatments to maintain or improve their mental health. Standard options include individual counseling, group therapy, medications, and psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy.
Each year, mental disorders affect more than a quarter of adults in America. Common mental health conditions include generalized anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you have mental health challenges, you may be wondering about your best treatment options. Let’s take a closer look at talk therapy, medications, other treatment options, and who determines if you need medication.
What is talk therapy?
Psychotherapy involves talking to a licensed therapist about your challenges. This form of therapy can include individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Some individuals see their therapist on their own and also have family sessions. Others supplement individual therapy with group therapy.
Mental health treatment providers match individuals with therapists. Therapists help patients clarify their challenges and determine how to cope with triggers causing symptoms effectively. Therapists may use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help individuals change dangerous thought patterns contributing to their symptoms. CBT can also be used to change behavioral responses to triggers. CBT can be an effective treatment option for people with depression or anxiety.
Therapists also use dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT’s an option for people with eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, suicidal ideation, or borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT encourages individuals to be aware of their present situation and focus on a single issue at a time. It discourages people from judging themselves or others. Patients learn to develop healthy relationships, cope with conflict, and communicate clearly. DBT also involves teaching patients to understand and regulate their emotions.
Where can you locate the medications you need?
You may need medications to supplement your psychotherapy. Access affordable prescription medications from an affordable online pharmacy. The best online pharmacy sells licensed medications. Once you find the medication you need, place your order and upload your prescription. The pharmacy prepares your order and ships it to your address. Your online pharmacy can contact your psychiatrist or doctor to refill or renew your prescription as needed, ensuring you never run out of the medications you need.
Are there other treatment options you can consider?
In addition to psychotherapy, you may benefit from expressive arts therapy (ETA) or experiential therapy. Expressive arts therapy involves using artistic outlets to promote self-discovery and self-expression. Typical forms of ETA include writing, dancing, playing music, acting, and painting. Some people find it easier to express thoughts and feelings through their art. Pursuing artistic outlets can also boost your self-confidence, helping you manage negative self-talk. Experiential therapy involves activities such as hiking, surfing, and yoga. Experiential therapies are ideal for people struggling with substance abuse or trauma.
Therapists observe individuals engaged in expressive art or experiential therapy. Recreational therapies can help people manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve their social skills, and improve their self-awareness, enabling them to process their emotions.
You can also choose between residential therapy programs and outpatient therapy. Residential therapy offers an opportunity to focus on your mental health for an extended period. Once patients complete a residential program, they may continue with outpatient treatment, which involves living at home and having therapy sessions regularly.
Who determines if you need medication?
Only Illinois, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Idaho allow psychologists to prescribe medication to patients. You must receive a prescription from a licensed psychiatrist in all other states. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who treat mental illnesses. Other licensed therapists may consult a psychiatrist to determine if you need medication. Some patients benefit from psychotherapy and medication while others may not need medication to manage their condition.
Mental health issues can affect your self-confidence and quality of life. Pursuing treatment can help you manage your mental health. Treatment options include residential therapy and outpatient therapy. Psychiatrists evaluate patients to determine if they need prescription medications.