Behavioral Health

Behavioral health facilities offer inpatient and outpatient treatment for mental illnesses and substance abuse issues. Inpatient care helps you begin new medicines, adjust to new symptoms and focus on recovery without the stresses of daily life.

As an outpatient, you live at home and attend therapy sessions several times a week. This option may work better for people who need to work or go to school. Before you choose either form of help, be sure to check with your health insurance to see what is covered.

When choosing a facility, consider these questions:

• Does the facility offer treatment only for this diagnosis?
• What form of therapy will I receive? Cognitive-behavioral (changing patterns of thinking to help cope)? Individual or group therapy?
• Does the facility require tests when admitted? If so, what are they?
• Who will perform these tests?
• Who will evaluate me after admission, and what are his or her qualifications and title?
• Will this person see me regularly?
• How are loved ones involved during treatment?

Also seek out recommendations from your doctor, counselor, friends and family to help decide what facility works best for you.

Additional Resources

American Hospital Association: www.aha.org

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): www.nimh.nih.gov

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: www.samhsa.gov