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There are many treatment alternatives. The choice depends on your preferences and needs. Some of the alternatives are individual psychotherapy, family counseling, group counseling and self-help groups. Medication may be prescribed by a physician. Hospitalization, long-term residential care, and day-treatment centers are options that might be recommended in severe cases. These alternatives are described below. Individual, Private Psychotherapy Individual therapy works through the interaction of two people - you and the mental health professional. Once you've selected a therapist, it is important that you work with the professional in an atmosphere of trust so that you can work together. At the beginning of therapy, you and the mental health professional will talk about what you want to accomplish in therapy, set goals and discuss treatment approaches. Your role in therapy is to make yourself fully known to the mental health professional by revealing your feelings, attitudes and experiences, mainly through talking. The role of the mental health professional is first to help you express yourself and then to talk about, define and help you to resolve personal problems that are too difficult for you. The professional acts as your mirror, allowing you to see the aspects of yourself that you couldn't otherwise see, pointing out new perspectives to your problems. Therapy should be a rewarding experience. It's an opportunity to learn about yourself. Therapy can be painful - especially at first when things may seem to get worse before they get better. Although you want immediate relief, realize that it took time for your problems to develop, and it may also take time for you to feel better. You may experience times when you will be resistant to dealing with feelings and problems that are painful. You should share these feelings with your mental health professional who will help you cope with the demands of therapy. While in therapy, if you believe that the mental health professional's interpretation of what you have said is wrong, you should discuss that interpretation. This dialogue is part of the therapy process, builds a better relationship with the mental health professional, and will be of benefit to you in the long run. As you go along, the two of you will want to review your progress towards your goals. If you are not satisfied with your progress, you may want to try another approach, re-evaluate the goals, seek a second opinion, change to another professional, or discontinue therapy. As therapy progresses, you should grow from dependence on the therapist's help toward being able to solve your problems on your own. Therapy that is working helps you manage your life and emotions better. Therapy should not foster your dependence on the mental health professional - it should encourage self reliance. If Medication Is Recommended Your family doctor or mental health professional may suggest medication as part of treatment. You and your family should ask questions of the prescribing physician: - Why medication?
- What type?
- For how long?
- How will this medication interact with other medications being taken?
- What are possible adverse side effects?
- Does this medication have addictive potential?
- What will happen if medication is not taken?
- Are there dietary restrictions?
Medication can be very beneficial for many clients but it should be used only when necessary. Under California law, you have the right to refuse medication unless at a hearing held in the hospital you are judged to lack capacity to give informed consent. Family Therapy or Counseling Family therapy is a way for couples, or the entire family, to talk about the shared problems and stress that each family may be experiencing. It can be beneficial for the family to develop new methods of communicating, problem solving and supporting each other. Self-Help Groups Self-help groups are active in each community. Group members meet to share similar issues and often find help through peer support that a professional or outsider cannot provide. Groups meet on a variety of topics. Contact your local Mental Health Association for referral to local groups. Other Types of Treatment There are many other types of treatment that may be effective for solving particular problems. These may include: behavioral therapy, hypnosis therapy, biofeedback, cognitive therapy, gestalt therapy, psychoanalysis, play therapy, and art and music therapy. Many therapies require special training, certification, or licensure. Be sure to ask mental health professionals which approach they are using. Their licenses and/or certification should be posted in their offices. It is important to choose a therapist and a treatment mode in which you have confidence.
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