When considering mental health treatment, there are a variety of therapy approaches, and each counselor will focus on different specialties. Some forms will focus on understanding your mental health struggles and learning healthy coping mechanisms. Others can focus on building group bonds and learning from your peers or improving communication within a family unit.
Every approach will be different, and it is critical to understand your own individual mental health therapy needs and find a treatment program that is right for you.
The Different Types of Therapy Programs for Mental Health
There is a range of therapy programs available to those dealing with mental health struggles, the most common of which is talk therapy. Most mental health treatment centers will use a combination of talk therapy, medication, and sometimes holistic wellness therapies to treat mental health struggles. Talk therapy usually takes the form of three main formats: individual mental health therapy programs, group mental health therapy programs, and family mental health therapy programs.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is a one-on-one form of talk therapy. The client works directly with a therapist to explore their mental health struggles, understand unresolved feelings and traumas, and find healthy coping mechanisms. This can take several forms and use a variety of treatment strategies. Some of these can include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Exposure therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
Group Therapy
Group therapy is defined as treating more than one client simultaneously, usually by the same therapist. Generally, group therapy is focused on a specific topic that affects everyone in the group. Groups can also vary in size and focus. In the case of couples therapy, there are usually only two clients, but substance abuse support groups, anger management groups, or depression support groups may have more than ten clients in a session.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, clients will meet with a therapist as a family unit. Family therapy focuses on resolving familial dysfunction and helping family members improve communication and learn problem-solving skills. Sometimes family therapy is performed in conjunction with other treatments, such as with a family attending therapy while one member is receiving treatment for a severe mental illness or addiction.
How a Mental Health Therapy Program Can Help You
These are only a few of the therapy options available to you. However, each has a range of benefits that can help you address mental health struggles and live a healthier, happier life. Some of the universal benefits of a mental health therapy program can include:
- Understanding the behaviors, emotions, and unhealthy coping mechanisms that are behind your mental illness
- Receiving a diagnosis for your mental health struggles
- Identifying the life events, including trauma, violence, illness, or divorce, that can be at the root of your problems
- Regaining control of your mental health
- Learning healthy coping mechanisms
- Learn to work together with others to solve emotional problems
- Expressing complex emotional issues in a safe environment
- Receiving support, comfort, and validation for your mental health struggles
Choosing a Mental Health Therapy Program
When choosing which program is right for you, you need to take into account several factors. Each program will have a different focus and use various treatment methods. Some people may need the validation and solidarity that comes with a group therapy program. Such programs can ensure you know you’re not alone in your mental health struggles and can help you form mutually supportive bonds during treatment. Other people may need family therapy to address dysfunction at home or the harm brought on by a family member’s mental illness. Finally, some people may be uncomfortable in group settings and will need the individual focus and confidentiality of individual therapy.
Each therapy program will meet different needs, so you must understand the nature of your mental illness and your mental health needs. Fortunately, a quality mental health therapy program will work with you to better understand your needs and create an individualized treatment plan for you to follow. They will bring you into the process and work closely with you to find the right therapy program for you.
