What to Expect in a Behavioral Health Treatment Program

Taking the step to get assistance for mental illness or addiction issues is a heroic initial move.

Taking the step to get assistance for mental illness or addiction issues is a heroic initial move. But for many, not knowing what happens next in a behavioral health treatment program causes anxiety. Knowing what to anticipate can put fears aside, enable individuals, and allow them or their loved ones to feel more secure about the road to recovery. Whether you or someone you love is weighing treatment, this handbook spells out what usually occurs in a behavioral health program, step by step.

1. It Begins with an Assessment

Each treatment process starts with a thorough evaluation. This isn’t a pass-or-fail test; it’s an interview. A licensed mental health clinician will interview you about your medical history, mental symptoms, drug use (if relevant), family history, and existing problems. The aim is to gain a good understanding of what’s happening and to establish the best possible level of care. This is a crucial step because behavioral health is not a one-size-fits-all; every individual’s experience and needs are different.

Some of the questions you might be asked include:

• How long have you been having these symptoms?

• Are you on any medications currently?

• Have you ever had suicidal thoughts?
• How is your daily functioning at work, home, or school?

2. Creating a Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on your assessment, a personalized treatment plan is developed. This outlines the goals of therapy, types of treatment you’ll receive, and the estimated length of care. It might include:

Individual therapy

• Group therapy sessions.
• Family counseling.
• Medication management.
• Life skills or coping skills training.
• Support for co-occurring substance use disorders.

Treatment plans are flexible and reviewed regularly to reflect your progress and changing needs.

3. Choosing the Right Level of Care

Behavioral health facilities in Maryland can vary from highly structured inpatient programs to flexible outpatient treatment. Here’s a summary of typical options:

• Inpatient or Residential Treatment: For individuals experiencing a crisis or extreme symptoms, inpatient treatment provides 24/7 monitoring and high-intensity support in a secure, healing setting.
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP):  This type of care usually consists of daily treatment sessions, five days a week, but patients go home at night.
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): IOPs typically involve therapy sessions several times a week for a few hours, more independently than in PHPs.
• Outpatient Therapy: For people with lighter symptoms or coming from more intense programs, outpatient treatment involves weekly or every other week therapy sessions.

4. Therapeutic Approaches You May Experience

Behavioral health treatment involves a range of evidence-based therapies that are intended to help you gain insight, learn ways to cope, and change for the better. Some of the most typical include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Emphasizes the recognition and modification of unhelpful thought processes and behaviors.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Particularly beneficial for managing emotions and interpersonal difficulties.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Identifies the effects of previous trauma and incorporates that awareness into treatment.
• Motivational Interviewing: Assists individuals in accessing their motivation to change.
• Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Skills: Develops awareness and minimizes anxiety.

Group sessions can also be provided on issues such as self-esteem, anger management, relapse prevention, and communication skills.

5. The Role of Medication

In some people, psychiatric medications are an essential component of treatment. They can include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety medications, or antipsychotics. Medication is never an isolated response but can be of decisive value in symptom management and restoration to balance. Your prescribing provider will monitor the effectiveness and any side effects and adjust dosages if necessary. Medication management is always collaborative; you’re encouraged to share how you’re feeling and ask questions.

6. Support Systems Matter

Behavioral health treatment is not solely about the patient. Family education and counseling can be integrated into the process, educating loved ones about the struggles and teaching them strategies to facilitate recovery. Many facilities also offer access to peer support groups or community resources to help patients feel less isolated.

Final Thoughts

Treatment for behavioral health is more than symptom management; it’s reclaiming your life. Although the thought of checking into a program might seem daunting at first, if you understand what to expect, you can take that next step with a clearer understanding and with more courage. If you or someone you care about are having trouble with substance use or mental health, remember: you can find help, and you can heal. Whether you’re considering inpatient care or an intensive outpatient program in Maryland, reach out, get your questions answered, and find the help that’s right for you.

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