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Therapies for Treating Mental Health

The following table gives a summary of therapies that are often used to treat mental health difficulties.   Keep in mind that a combination of treatment strategies is often better than just one.

  

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THERAPY

Biological

PURPOSE

Alleviate Symptoms

EXAMPLES

Medications

  • Antipsychotics for psychosis

  • Antidepressants for depression

  • Anticycling agents for bipolar

  • Hypnoanxiolytics for anxiety

  • Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

    • Chiefly used when other       therapies are not successful​

  • Monitored use of Psychedelics

    • Beginning to be used​

Psychosocial

Address underlying issues which will lead to changes in behavior.

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Individual Therapy

  • Psychotherapy or counseling with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist

  • Pastoral Counseling with a minister

 

Group Therapy

  • Professionally run groups

  • Peer support groups ex: Alcoholics Anonymous

 

Couples and Family Therapy

  • Marriage Counseling

  • Family Therapy

Behavioral

Address behavior, which will lead to change in feelings and attitudes.

Biofeedback

Electronic instrument gives feedback to patient

Relaxation

Systematic relaxation of parts of the body

Operant Conditioning

Reward and reinforce positive behaviors

Complementary and
Alternative Therapies

Not Part of Mainstream Mental Health Care

Acupuncture

Energy Therapies

Light Therapy

Massage

Meditation

Wearable Brain Stimulation

Yoga

Many more...

 

Sources for this material:

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