More than 57 million American adults suffer from mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. This statistic hits close to home for friends and family members of those in this group.
The good news is there’s hope. Working with a behavioral health specialist can address the root cause of your loved one’s symptoms and improve their outlook and well-being.
At Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic in Aurora, Colorado, our psychotherapist uses behavioral health to treat common mental health conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more.
This blog looks at behavioral health and how it can support your loved one.
A behavioral health specialist is a medical professional who diagnoses and treats mental illnesses and emotional disorders. They take a multistep approach to treatment that eases symptoms, reduces the risk of side effects, and supports a healthy mood and outlook.
If you have a friend or family member who struggles with mental illness, a behavioral health specialist can identify the source of their discomfort and develop a personalized care plan that prevents the condition from worsening.
At Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic, our on-staff psychotherapist treats mental health conditions, including:
Behavioral health specialists can even treat sleep disorders. For example, your loved one’s provider can teach them good sleep habits that help them relax and fall asleep faster.
Consider contacting Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic if you have a friend or family member experiencing:
Mental health conditions often worsen without treatment. The sooner your loved one sees a behavioral health specialist, the sooner they can feel better.
Seeing a behavioral health specialist might seem intimidating, but there’s nothing to worry about. Here’s what your loved one can expect:
First, our psychotherapist asks your friend or family member about the physical symptoms and mental health concerns they’re experiencing.
The initial consultation usually takes about 30 minutes and provides information about your loved one’s health, outlook, and lifestyle. Encourage them to answer these questions honestly and with as much detail as possible. Their responses play a crucial role in guiding treatment.
After gathering the necessary information, our psychotherapist compares your loved one’s symptoms with criteria in the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).
For example, if your loved one’s symptoms meet the criteria for depression, our provider makes a diagnosis and develops a treatment plan.
Once your loved one receives a diagnosis, our psychotherapist makes treatment recommendations.
Each treatment plan is unique but often includes a combination of prescription medication, talk therapy (counseling), and healthy lifestyle changes like stress management. The goal is to ease your loved one’s symptoms and improve their quality of life.
If you’re concerned about a friend or family member’s mental health, schedule a consultation at Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic. Call our office at 303-351-1800 or book online today.
