Did you know 70% of teens believe anxiety and depression are major problems among their peers?
However, it’s not always a bout of teenage angst—mental illness can affect anyone, no matter their age.
Luckily, the stigma surrounding mental health is beginning to dissolve. As the conversation grows, medical professionals are stressing the importance of behavioral healthcare.
But what exactly is behavioral healthcare? And what medical services fall under the umbrella? And is behavioral health the same as mental health?
We’re here to fill you in. Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about this healthcare field.
The Basics
Although intertwined, behavioral health and mental health aren’t synonymous. Mental health is just one of the things that behavioral healthcare aims to improve.
Professionals use behavioral healthcare to help patients make positive changes to their behaviors. But mental health does play a large part in this equation. To treat patients well, physicians need to dig to find the root of the problem.
Many mental illnesses, such as anxiety, lead to the development of poor habits. It’s clear that behavioral health and mental health largely affect one another. This is why they’re often mistaken as synonyms.
Types of Services
Behavioral healthcare modifies negative behaviors, so treatment involves a lot of lifestyle changes. Practitioners may use prescription drugs for treatment, but it’s not a given.
Drug rehab is one type of service that works to curb drug use and poor drinking habits. You’ll notice that many of these services use holistic treatment plans.
They work to improve all facets of a patient’s life. This prevents obstacles from triggering a relapse or episode.
Counseling is another popular service. It’s often used to treat well-known mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Licensed counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists work together to provide patients with therapy sessions.
Social workers also play a large part in the behavioral healthcare field. They work in conjunction with medical professionals to assist people. You’ll often see them helping parents struggling with mental disorders, substance abuse, etc.
Nutrition specialists are often overlooked, but they play a large role as well. They most often work with patients struggling with eating disorders. A nutritionist helps patients develop healthier eating habits and exercise routines.
These are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to behavioral healthcare services. However, they encompass many of the common services that patients pursue.
Learning the Behavioral Healthcare Essentials
Many people overlook the strong tie between one’s physical and mental health. The better you feel mentally, the better you’ll feel physically too.
Behavioral healthcare can help you take the step towards bettering your mental health. It may be through something like substance abuse rehab or weekly counseling sessions. The guide above will help you begin the path towards improving your own life.
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