Help Overview Navigating a Mental Health Crisis    Suicidal Warning Signs    What to Do In a Crisis    Get Help Now    How the Police Can Help Seeking Help for Mental Illness    Mental Health Navigation Line    When to Seek Help    How to Find Help
Education Overview Understanding Mental Health    Mental Health and Mental Illness Defined    Common Mental Disorders    Mental and Emotional Health Concerns Understanding Treatment    Types of Mental Health Professionals    Types of Treatment    Treatment Settings    Preparing for Your Visit Glossary of Mental Health Terms
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Types of Treatment

People with severe symptoms or complex mental disorders are often treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication, sometimes complemented by additional treatments.

Psychotherapy and Psychosocial Treatments

Psychotherapy and psychosocial treatments may be part of an overall treatment plan for people living with psychiatric disorders or other mental health conditions. These treatments may also extend to their families.

Psychosocial treatments include certain forms of psychotherapy (also known as “talk therapy”), psychoeducation, and even help with social skills or job-related training. Psychosocial treatments for mental illnesses can help individuals improve functioning while lessening the negative effects of their illnesses.

Learn about the different types of therapy and psychosocial treatments, and how they’re tailored to individuals based on specific situations and treatment needs.

Medications for Mental Disorders

Although medications do not cure mental disorders, they play a vital role in relieving and managing symptoms, especially when combined with other treatment options or support.

Psychiatric medications are prescribed by mental health professionals like psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners to address chemical deficiencies and imbalances in the brain associated with mental illnesses.

To get the most out of treatment, it is important to be actively involved in decisions involving medications and to share any questions or concerns you have. Ask your doctor about the expected benefits and potential side effects of any prescribed medication and how it should be taken. As you consider your options, it may be helpful to consider if the benefits of the medication outweighs some of the potential side effects.

Here, you can learn about the primary types of psychiatric medications, the conditions they treat, considerations in prescribing them, and where to find reliable information on medications.

Brain Stimulation Therapies

In addition to medication, psychotherapy, and psychosocial treatments, several types of brain stimulation therapies can help with managing and treating certain mental disorders.

These options involve touching or activating the brain using electricity, magnets, or implants. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most researched and effective stimulation therapy and has the longest history of use. Two other stimulation therapies – repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and biofeedback – are also helpful strategies used for treatment.

Find out how they work and where they are most appropriate.

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