Mental Health Therapy

The effects of anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health conditions can impact your quality of life and functioning. If you or someone you love lives with a mental health disorder, effective treatment can help you feel better. Therapy and other treatments can help you manage your symptoms more effectively. 

Mental health therapy is a critical aspect of mental health treatment. People with mental health conditions can benefit from working with a licensed therapist. Counseling can give people the tools they need to identify and process emotions. They learn to cope with challenges, change behaviors, and function more effectively. 

This article will explore mental health therapy. You will learn:

• What to expect in mental health counseling
• An overview of different therapeutic approaches
• Where to find mental health counseling and treatment

If you or a loved one needs support or treatment to manage a mental health condition, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral Center specialists to learn about our comprehensive treatment programs. 

What is Mental Health Therapy?

Mental health therapy is an essential aspect of mental health treatment. People with mental illness may participate in counseling that helps them manage their symptoms and improve functioning. Several types of mental health professionals can provide mental health counseling, including:

• Licensed professional counselors
• Social workers
• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists

Generally, only psychiatrists can prescribe medication. Other types of providers offer different mental health services, including talk therapy. 

People may participate in therapy to address challenges, develop coping skills, or process emotions. Therapy is beneficial to people with any mental health condition, including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Grief
• Substance abuse
• Relationships problems
• Situational anxiety
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Counseling sessions occur in a secure setting. People may attend mental health therapy sessions in a clinic, private practice, hospital, community center, and other locations. People may attend one-on-one sessions or participate in group therapy.

Participating in mental health counseling may help people understand their thoughts, patterns, beliefs, and feelings. People may attend therapy as part of a mental health treatment plan.

Common Mental Health Therapy Approaches

People require different types of therapies to treat mental health conditions. There are several types of psychotherapy used to treat a range of conditions. Here is an overview of common therapeutic approaches. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common types of mental health therapy. This approach helps people examine and change destructive thoughts and behaviors. 

In CBT, people learn to identify thought patterns that contribute to harmful behaviors. Then, they work to change their thoughts, which can reduce harmful behaviors. 

Psychodynamic therapy

Psychodynamic therapy helps people explore lifelong behavioral patterns. Recognizing long-term patterns can help people understand and change their coping mechanisms.

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) has many similarities to CBT. However, DBT also teaches people how to sit with their discomfort instead of reacting to it in destructive ways. In DBT, people learn to tolerate stress and regulate emotions more effectively. 

Person-centered therapy (PCT)

Person-centered therapy (PCT) is a nondirective approach to counseling. In PCT, people develop a relationship with their therapist that supports independent problem-solving. They take responsibility for their own lives and become empowered to make the changes they desire. 

Working with a therapist can help people manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Finding a therapist who makes you feel comfortable and works in a way that aligns with your needs is crucial. 

What to Expect in Mental Health Counseling

Starting mental health therapy may feel intimidating, especially if you have never participated in therapy before. Knowing what to expect may help you feel more comfortable beginning therapy. 

Your first session will likely consist of getting to know your therapist. Your therapist may ask questions about your goals, mental health history, and other relevant information. They may ask about your relationships or other relevant aspects of your life. 

Your therapist will focus on helping you feel safe and comfortable. They will discuss their confidentiality policy and help you complete any necessary paperwork. 

After your initial appointment, you may begin to work toward your goals. During sessions, you may talk about your experiences, emotions, and behaviors. Your therapist will help you explore your feelings and behaviors in new ways. They may teach you new coping skills or help you develop a practical plan to accomplish goals. 

Your therapy journey will be unique. Your therapist may use different techniques during your sessions. People typically meet with their therapist once per week for around an hour. 

You and your therapist will work together to make a plan that will best meet your needs. Your therapist may work independently or as part of your mental health treatment team. 

Find Help Now

If you or someone you love lives with a mental health condition, you are not alone. Effective, compassionate treatment is available at Agape Behavioral Center. Contact our specialists to learn more about our support and treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.