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What is mental health? 

Psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) refers to a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Most psychotherapy takes place when a licensed mental health professional and a patient meet one-on-one or with other patients in a group setting.

 

Many people diagnosed with mental illness achieve strength and recovery through participating in individual or group treatment. There are many different treatment options available. There is no treatment that works for everyone – individuals can chose the treatment, or combination of treatments, that works best.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is the therapeutic treatment of mental illness provided by a trained mental health professional. Psychotherapy explores thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and seeks to improve an individual’s well-being. Psychotherapy paired with medication is the most effective way to promote recovery. Examples include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, etc.

Medication

Medication does not outright cure mental illness. However, it may help with the management of symptoms. The collabrative treament approach includes medication paired with psychotherapy which is the most effective way to promote recovery.

Case Management

Case management coordinates services for an individual with the help of a case manager. A case manager can help assess, plan, and implement a number of strategies to facilitate recovery.

Hospitalization

In a minority of cases, hospitalization may be necessary so that an individual can be closely monitored, accurately diagnosed or have medications adjusted when his or her mental illness temporarily worsens.

Support Group

A support group is a group meeting where members guide each other towards the shared goal of recovery. Support groups are often comprised of nonprofessionals, but peers that have suffered from similar experiences.

Complementary & Alternative Medicine

Complementary & Alternative Medicine, or CAM, refers to treatment and practices that are not typically associated with standard care. CAM may be used in place of or addition to standard health practices.

Self Help Plan

A self-help plan is a unique health plan where an individual addresses his or her condition by implementing strategies that promote wellness. Self-help plans may involve addressing wellness, recovery, triggers or warning signs.

Peer Support

Peer Support refers to receiving help from individuals who have suffered from similar experiences.

 

 

 

Mental Health Statistics 2023

Here’s a closer look at the current state of mental health, including how many people experience mental health conditions and which populations are most at risk.

  • 21% of U.S. adults experienced a mental health condition in 2020[1]

  • 5.6% of U.S. adults experienced a serious mental health condition in 2020, which is often defined as a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder or a severe anxiety or eating disorder that significantly impairs functioning[2]

  • In 2020, 32.1% of U.S. adults experienced both a mental health condition and substance abuse[3]

  • In 2019, 15.3% of U.S. veterans experienced a mental health condition[4], such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression or substance abuse

  • As of 2020, suicide is the second leading cause of death for U.S. children ages 10 to 14, preceded only by unintentional injury[5]

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