Mental Health Treatments (2024)

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.

Learn more about Psychotherapy

Medication

Medication does not outright cure mental illness. However, it may help with the management of symptoms. Medication paired with psychotherapy is the most effective way to promote recovery.

Learn more about Medications

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.

Learn more about Hospitalization

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.

Learn more about Support Group

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.

Learn more about Complementary & Alternative Medicine

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.

Learn more about Self Help Plan

Peer Support

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

Learn more about Peer Support

Other treatments include:

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Art Therapy

Mental Health Treatments (2024)

FAQs

What are common treatments for mental health? ›

Psychological therapies can be helpful for most people affected by mental health issues. For some mental health conditions, medications can also be helpful. Other support options include counselling, peer support, and community support services.

What treatments are good for mental health? ›

Some people find complementary and alternative therapies helpful to manage stress and other common symptoms of mental health problems. These can include things like yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, herbal remedies and acupuncture.

Where do people go when they have bad mental health? ›

You can find affordable mental health services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Visit http://www.samhsa.gov/treatment or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

What is the most popular treatment for mental health? ›

Some common ones include cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy. Talk therapy is often done one-on-one. It can also be done in a group setting or with your family. Individual and group talk therapy is sometimes helpful.

What are the 3 main kinds of treatment for mental disorders? ›

  • Drug Therapy.
  • Psychotherapy.
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy.

What is the hardest mental illness to live with? ›

Borderline personality disorder is one of the most painful mental illnesses since individuals struggling with this disorder are constantly trying to cope with volatile and overwhelming emotions.

What are two treatments for depression? ›

Education, lifestyle changes, social support and psychological therapy are important treatments for depression. People may also require antidepressant medication.

Can a mental illness be treated? ›

Treatment can involve both medications and psychotherapy, depending on the disease and its severity. At this time, most mental illnesses cannot be cured, but they can usually be treated effectively to minimize the symptoms and allow the individual to function in work, school, or social environments.

What are 4 major causes of depression? ›

Causes - Depression in adults
  • Stressful events. Most people take time to come to terms with stressful events, such as bereavement or a relationship breakdown. ...
  • Personality. ...
  • Family history. ...
  • Pregnancy and giving birth. ...
  • Menopause. ...
  • Loneliness. ...
  • Alcohol and drugs. ...
  • Illness.

What is a mental breakdown? ›

A nervous breakdown, also known as a mental health crisis or mental breakdown, describes a period of intense mental distress. People who feel they are having a nervous breakdown may be experiencing overwhelming anxiety, paranoia or thoughts of self-harm.

Who suffers most from mental illness? ›

Young adults ages 18 to 25 in the U.S. experience the highest rates of mental illness (36.2%), followed by those ages 26 to 49 (29.4%) and adults ages 50 and over (13.9%) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Accessed 2/6/2024. .

What is the number 1 mental illness in the world? ›

Depression. Impacting an estimated 300 million people, depression is the most-common mental disorder and generally affects women more often than men.

What is the number 1 most common mental illness? ›

3 Most Common Mental Health Disorders in America
  • Anxiety disorders. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, this disorder is highly treatable, but only around 37 percent of those affected actually receive treatment. ...
  • Major depressive disorder. ...
  • Bipolar disorder. ...
  • How We Can Help.

What are the 3 most common treatments for depression? ›

Three of the more common methods used in depression treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Often, a blended approach is used.

What are the two most common types of treatment for mental disorders? ›

How are mental health disorders treated?
  • Medication: Some mental illnesses respond well to medication, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics. ...
  • Psychotherapy: Talking to a mental health professional can help you work through the challenges of an illness and manage its symptoms.
Jan 24, 2022

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