Mental health disorders are on the rise in the United States. In 2020, it was reported that 52.9 million Americans — or one in five adults — live with at least one mental health condition. When looking into treatment options, it can be challenging to identify your unique needs.
This article will help uncover what levels of care are available to you, the types of professionals you may work with, what to expect, and how to find mental health services near you.
Types of Care
There are a number of different types of mental health professionals that provide care in a number of locations, such as inpatient or residential treatment, intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), and partial hospitalization program (PHP).
- Some levels of mental health providers include:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Therapy or counseling
- Social work
- Certified pastoral counseling
- Certified peer coaching
- Psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioners
With all these options available, you may wonder how you can determine which is right for you. The most effective first step is to complete an assessment to determine your individual needs.
Types of Assessments
If you are struggling with mental health issues, different assessments will offer insight into what is going on in your body and mind. Each assessment holds the potential to lead to an accurate diagnosis. You might have multiple conditions, which is not unusual. Concurrent issues like physical and mental health disorders can mask themselves under a more prominent veil where they stay hidden. Understanding that there might be more than one will steer your path in recovery where you can learn to cope with your diagnoses.
#1. Physical Assessment
Your doctor may perform blood tests and ask questions about your life, particularly related to trauma from your past. Sometimes, physical illness can go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as a mental health disorder. Some common conditions that are overlooked include thyroid disorders, heart arrhythmias, allergies, and even vitamin deficiencies. Be prepared to share any existing diagnoses as well as prescription medications and supplements you may be taking. This kind of assessment rules out any physical ailments first.
#2. Mental Health Assessment
A mental health assessment will evaluate your emotional state as well as your outlook on daily life. You will answer questions about your personal life, patterns and behaviors, upbringing, how you manage stress, and family history of mental health issues. It is vital to be as honest as possible in order to capture the full picture of your emotional state, which will help determine what you are struggling with.
#3. Cognitive Assessment
Cognitive tests explore how your brain functions and captures things. Can you communicate clearly? Can you remember and relay the information back to the professional? There are no wrong answers; this step is to simply determine your cognitive abilities. Example tests include word recollection, attention to detail, and simple math equations.
After the Assessments
After your assessments are completed, the professionals will share their findings with you. Combining all of the information will provide a broad understanding of the different aspects of your life, leading to a proper diagnosis.
Once you map out an effective treatment plan, you can find a specialist or treatment center that will work best for you. Your health care professional will be able to provide resources and suggestions to specialists for your specific condition.
Once you have a solid idea of what your treatment plan will look like, you might be wondering what is next.
#1. Ask Questions
An effective treatment plan starts with trust, so build rapport, get to know their plan for you, and ask as many questions related to your condition as necessary. It might even be beneficial to jot down some questions in advance and bring them to your session.
Some good questions to ask your provider include:
Are you licensed, or what are your qualifications?
How do you typically treat someone with my condition?
How successful are you with helping those with my disorder?
How long will it be before I see results?
Do I need to see other health professionals as well?
#2. Build a Team
Once you have a diagnosis, you can build a team. This comprehensive team of professionals should be equipped to adequately treat your unique needs and diagnosis. This can look like pharmacological interventions, experiential therapy, new life skills/coping mechanisms, and talk therapy. This all depends on the level of care needed, but care should always be individualized.
Your primary care physician should also be part of your team so they can coordinate your care more effectively. All of these people will help you successfully find and achieve a better you. It takes hard work and dedication, but you can accomplish your goal.
Find Mental Health Providers at the Phoenix
Mental health is something that millions of Americans struggle with, and you don’t have to do it alone. At The Phoenix Recovery Center, located in Utah, we are equipped to help you regain control of your life and mental state. Since mental health impacts all areas of life and can leave a person feeling overwhelmed when left untreated, seeking help from a team of dedicated professionals is vital. Through a variety of interventions, evidence-based treatment backed by science, and retraining of the brain, you can gain a new perspective and outlook on life. Whether you struggle with substance use disorder (SUD), an underlying mental health condition, or both, we are here to help you overcome the obstacles in your way. For information on treatment options and individualized plans, call (801) 438-3185 today. Your healing journey starts with a phone call.
