- Wellness EditorDhesh Muniswamy MS
Dhesh Muniswamy MS
Wellness Editor
As a health and wellness expert with over 20 years of practice and 10 years of teaching experience, I’m dedicated to guiding people through life’s challenges by helping them find peace and balance through holistic wellness practices.
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Mental Healthcare Patient-Provider Settings
Mental illness treatment can occur in various settings and typically involves a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals such as licensed counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health aides, social workers, and peer support professionals.
(Above Image) In-Office Individual Psychotherapy Session In Progress.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is one-on-one and typically conducted in a therapist’s office. It provides a private space for individuals to explore personal issues. In more complex cases, therapy may occur on an inpatient basis, where the patient receives continuous support within a clinical setting.
Individual therapy is generally administered by a state-licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, or counseling professional trained to offer expert guidance and support.
Individual therapy is used to treat an assortment of emotional symptoms and mental illnesses, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and bipolar disorders. A primary goal of individual therapy is to assist patients in understanding their mental health challenges and finding ways to help them manage their symptoms.
Part of this goal is to assist patients in narrowing their focus on identifying what triggers their symptoms and then showing them ways to mitigate the risk factors.
For example, common risk factors can include behaviors like substance abuse or obsessive use of certain forms of social media, which often contribute to their condition and which often result in poor mental health outcomes.
Through therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, both the therapist and their patients can develop strategies to cope with specific mental health challenges. The treatment goal is to improve the patient’s overall mental health, promote well-being, and enhance the quality of life.
Group Therapy
The group therapy setting supports those individuals who are struggling with comparable mental health issues and conditions. The group setting dynamic creates a supportive community that understands the nuances of mental illnesses, such as those found in drug and food addiction, depression, agoraphobia, and certain types of anxiety disorders.
This form of therapy provides a safe and supportive space where individuals can share their experiences, challenges, and progress with others who can relate. The group dynamic fosters a sense of solidarity and understanding. Participants often find comfort and motivation in knowing they are not alone in their journey towards mental wellness.
Group therapy can be conducted on an inpatient or outpatient basis and is usually led by a mental health care professional such as a state-licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, or counseling professional.
These professionals guide the group discussions, ensuring the environment is supportive and constructive. They also help manage the dynamics within the group, addressing any conflicts that may arise and ensuring that each participant has an opportunity to contribute.
The group limit is generally under ten patients to maintain an intimate setting for meaningful interactions and personalized attention. However, it can be more than ten if the mental health care provider believes the number of participants is manageable and all participants will still benefit from the sessions.
This flexibility ensures that therapy is tailored to the group’s specific needs while maintaining the quality of their care.
Support Group Therapy Testimonial – Agoraphobia
I’ve been a lifelong panic disorder sufferer that has turned to me being full-blown agoraphobic for a little over a year. It’s the same deal as most others: I could barely walk a block away from my own house and could barely drive to the other end of town.
About a month ago, I started putting in some serious work, making sure to go for a walk AND a drive every day even if I didn’t feel like it, which was basically every day, lol. I eventually could drive ~35 minutes away on the highway, which was huge progress (something I hadn’t done for over a year). The reason I started doing this was because I made it a goal to be able to make a 4-hour drive to visit family for Thanksgiving, which at the time seemed completely unrealistic and terrifying.
Now, fast forward to today. I sacked up and made the f##king drive! I arrived and couldn’t even believe it – I thought it was a dream. It was hard, but honestly, it went a lot better than I thought, which makes sense because, as many of you know, we like to make up the worst scenarios and play them over and over again. But obviously, those never play out.
Just want to share this because YOU CAN DO IT TOO! Push through and let the panic and anxiety run its course. Say, “f##k you, I don’t give a shit,” and get mad. It sounds silly, but it actually works.
I still have a lot of work to do, but this was a huge step in the right direction and something I’m super proud of.
Family therapy
Family therapy and the family dynamics at play within the family unit can significantly influence and alter a family member’s mental state. Familial therapy examines each family relationship from the individual perspective and how it impacts the overall psycho-dynamics of the family.
Family interactions and behaviors can impact a member’s emotional well-being and stress levels. Family therapy addresses these dynamics, helping families communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and develop supportive and healthier emotional relationships.
Family therapy is usually performed by an experienced and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). These professionals specialize in family and spousal relationship dynamics and treatment.
Family therapists use their expertise to guide families through the complexities of interpersonal relationships and their emotional impact on family members.
The family therapy setting creates a safe space for family members to express themselves, explore their emotions, and work towards a more functional and harmonious home environment.
Through structured sessions, therapists assist families in identifying issues, setting goals, and implementing strategies for long-term improvement.
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
50% of all mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
(Above Image) A Mental Health Support Group Session In Progress.
Support Groups
There are many types of support groups. One example of such a group is Alcoholics Anonymous. These types of support groups can play a significant role in mental health treatment, particularly in the area of alcohol and substance abuse. These forms of addiction share common and co-occurring issues related to behavioral health.
Support groups provide a supportive space where individuals can share their experiences and challenges in a non-judgmental environment, promoting community and understanding.
The group setting is based on a dynamic that encourages members to support one another. It is led by various counseling and peer-support professionals.
These mental health leaders may not always be doctors or clinical therapists depending on state laws. Still, they are trained and have the expertise to facilitate discussions and guide participants through their recovery process.
Alcoholics Anonymous, for example, is renowned for its 12-step program, which helps individuals gain insight into their alcohol addiction, make amends, and maintain sobriety. There are also effective programs to help support children of alcoholics.
The program is led by trained peer-support leaders who have often undergone similar experiences, which helps to foster trust and relatability within the group. This approach allows participants to learn coping strategies, gain motivation from others’ successes, and build resilience to overcome challenges.
Statistic: Group therapy has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression by 45%, according to a 2021 study by the American Psychological Association.
Intensive Outpatient Care
Intensive outpatient care provides mental health treatment and support for patients experiencing moderate-to-severe mental health conditions. It focuses on mental health treatment strategies such as behavioral health therapies. The patients are closely monitored, and their mental status is carefully documented.
These settings are outpatient-based but typically require a multidisciplinary approach by a team of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and staff clinicians.
This type of outpatient care usually involves medication therapy, where specific medications are prescribed to manage symptoms and are carefully monitored to ensure the patient’s well-being.
Individual and group therapy sessions are often included to provide comprehensive support and facilitate recovery. These programs equip patients with coping skills and techniques to manage their conditions while maintaining their daily activities.
Intensive Inpatient Hospitalization
Intensive inpatient hospitalization is considered the most severe form of mental health care because it requires the patient to be formally admitted to a psychiatric unit within a hospital setting, where continuous monitoring, care, and supervision are available.
Types of Mental Disorders Treated In Hospital Setting
The most common mental disorders leading to inpatient hospitalization include:
- Major Depressive Disorder With Indication of Suicidal Ideation
- Severe and Manic Bipolar Disorders Requiring Crisis Intervention
- Schizophrenia with Delusions and Hallucinations
- Severe Anxiety Disorders With Significant Impairment
- Chronic Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm Ideation
- Severe Cases of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Severe Substance Use Disorders Requiring Immediate Intensive Care
Intensive inpatient medical care employs a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach that combines different types of mental health specialists and therapeutic approaches based on the patient’s clinical needs.
In such settings, the atmosphere is designed around protecting the patient from self-harm and includes those who are clinically treating the patient. These types of critical care patients require close observation and often rapid intervention.
We must remember that this form of Intensive psychiatric care is reserved for patients with severe mental health conditions that pose a risk of harm to themselves and others.
This type of inpatient care usually involves medication therapy and is carefully monitored to adjust treatments as needed for optimal outcomes.
The primary goal is to stabilize the patient’s condition. Once the patient is stable, the doctors and support staff will help them maintain stability while preparing them for discharge.
Psychiatric Therapy
Psychiatric therapy is usually a combination of psychotherapy and the prescription of psychoactive medications.
According to the World Health Organization, psychoactive medications alter brain function and result in changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior. These medications can include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.
Psychiatric practitioners believe medication is an essential tool in managing moderate-to-severe mental health disorders and requires careful follow-up monitoring for potential side effects and interactions.
Financial Tip
Online Counseling
For those seeking flexible mental health treatment, there are online mental health services like TalkSpace.com. These online platforms provide easy access to most types of mental health professionals in and around major cities nationwide.
Common Misconceptions About Mental Health Settings
Misconception: All mental health facilities are institutions for the severely mentally ill.
Reality: Many mental health settings, such as outpatient clinics and community centers, provide care for individuals with varying levels of mental health concerns, not just severe conditions.
Misconception: Therapy only happens in an office setting.
Reality: Mental health services can be offered in various environments, including schools, hospitals, and even online through teletherapy.
Misconception: Inpatient treatment is only for potentially dangerous individuals.
Reality: Inpatient facilities serve individuals needing intensive support for conditions like severe depression or anxiety that cannot be managed safely at home.
Misconception: Group therapy is mostly ineffective and unhelpful.
Reality: Group therapy often provides valuable support, validation, and shared experiences, often leading to significant personal growth.
Misconception: Residential treatment programs are mostly for drug addicts.
Reality: Residential programs address a wide range of mental health issues, including eating disorders, trauma, and mood disorders.
Misconception: Most therapists basically use the same approach and techniques.
Reality: Therapists employ various modalities and techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and more, tailored to individual needs.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re seeking one-on-one therapy sessions, group support, family therapy, online or office sessions, there are a variety of mental healthcare settings and options to choose from.
As we become more aware and accepting of mental health issues, our treatment methods improve, too.
References and Sources
Mental Health Treatment Settings
Hospital Stays Related To Mental Health
Common Mental Health Disorders
Stuenkel, M. (2022). Adolescent Health Services: Access and Outcomes.
Reddit Testimonial – Agoraphobia
Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-5)
