Mental Illness and the Family: Finding the Right Mental Health Care for You

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Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and when mental illness strikes, it not only affects the individual but also reverberates throughout the family. The complexity of mental health challenges can make it difficult to determine where to turn for help and how to find the right care. This article provides guidance for those seeking mental health services, whether for themselves or for a family member, offering clarity on the types of professionals available, treatments, and resources to consider.


Where Can I Go for Help?

The first step in addressing a mental health concern is finding the appropriate care. The right path often depends on several factors, such as the individual’s age and the specific nature of the mental health issue. Whether the symptoms are affecting an adult or a child can significantly impact the type of care required. Here are several resources to help you get started:

Local Mental Health Associations: Organizations like Mental Health America (MHA) offer resources to connect individuals with mental health professionals and support services. Your local Mental Health Association can be found in the Yellow Pages or through an online search.

State and Local Health Departments: Many state-funded mental health divisions prioritize serving individuals who meet certain criteria. While these services may involve waiting lists or eligibility restrictions, they are a vital resource for those in need.

Family Physicians and Clergy: Often, primary care physicians and clergy members can offer initial guidance and suggest appropriate mental health professionals. They can provide referrals based on the specific symptoms or issues.

Family Services Agencies: Organizations such as Catholic Charities, Family Services, or Jewish Social Services provide support and may have connections to local mental health services.

School Counselors and Educational Consultants: For children and adolescents, educational institutions often have school counselors or child guidance specialists who can assess concerns and offer resources.

Marriage and Family Counselors: For families dealing with mental health challenges, marriage and family counselors can provide therapy that addresses relational issues within the family unit.


Which Mental Health Professional Is Right for Me?

Finding the right mental health professional can be daunting, given the variety of specialists available. The following is a breakdown of different types of mental health professionals and their qualifications.

Psychiatrists: Medical doctors with specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to prescribe medications and often manage more severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Qualifications: Psychiatrists must hold a state license and be board-eligible or certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.


Child/Adolescent Psychiatrists: These professionals focus specifically on children’s mental health and behavioral disorders. Like adult psychiatrists, they can prescribe medication as part of the treatment plan.

Qualifications: Similar to adult psychiatrists, they require a state license and certification by the appropriate board.


Psychologists: Psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology and are trained in therapy and psychological testing. They provide individual or group therapy and can diagnose mental health issues.

Qualifications: Psychologists may be credentialed as health service providers and typically have two years of supervised professional experience.


Clinical Social Workers: Counselors with a master’s degree in social work, trained to provide individual or group therapy and diagnose mental health issues. They often work in hospitals, community health centers, and family service agencies.

Qualifications: State licensure and certification from professional organizations like the Academy of Certified Social Workers.


Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs): Professionals with a master’s degree in psychology or counseling, LPCs are trained in therapeutic techniques to help individuals and families cope with various mental health challenges.

Qualifications: State licensure is required, and they must have completed supervised clinical hours.


Mental Health Counselors: These professionals hold a master’s degree and have several years of clinical experience. They provide therapeutic services to individuals and groups and are skilled in diagnosing mental health issues.

Qualifications: Certification from the National Academy of Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors is often required.


Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors: Specialized counselors trained to diagnose and treat individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Qualifications: State licensure and specialized training in substance use treatment.


Nurse Psychotherapists: Registered nurses with training in psychiatric care, capable of providing therapy and some level of diagnostic services.

Qualifications: State licensure and certification as mental health nurses.


Marital and Family Therapists: Professionals with training in family dynamics and relationship counseling, working to address issues within the family unit.

Qualifications: State licensure and specialized education in family therapy.


Pastoral Counselors: Clergy members who have received additional clinical training in mental health counseling, integrating spiritual guidance with therapeutic practices.

Qualifications: Certification from the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.


You Make the Call to the Mental Health Professional…Now What?

Once you’ve identified a potential mental health professional, it’s crucial to assess whether they are the right fit. This process starts with an initial phone conversation. During this call, you can ask questions about their approach to therapy, their philosophy, and any specialties they may have. For example, some professionals specialize in grief counseling, while others may focus on child behavioral issues or family dynamics.

If you feel comfortable during the call, the next step is to schedule an appointment. During the first session, the mental health professional will gather information about your life, your concerns, and your support network. This information helps them develop a tailored treatment plan.

Remember, it is important to feel comfortable with your mental health professional. If after a few sessions you don’t feel at ease, it’s okay to explore other options. Building trust and rapport with your therapist is key to a successful treatment process.


Types of Treatment

Therapy comes in various forms, and the type of treatment you receive will depend on your specific mental health needs. Below are some common forms of therapy.

Behavior Therapy: Focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and behaviors. Techniques such as stress management and relaxation training are used.

Psychoanalysis: A long-term therapy designed to uncover unconscious motivations and early life experiences that may influence current behaviors.

Cognitive Therapy: Seeks to identify and challenge harmful thought patterns that lead to negative emotions and behaviors.

Family Therapy: Involves the entire family in therapeutic sessions, focusing on improving communication and problem-solving skills.

Movement/Art/Music Therapy: These creative therapies allow individuals to express emotions through non-verbal means, such as movement, art, or music. They are particularly effective for those who struggle to express their feelings through words.

Group Therapy: A group of individuals with similar concerns meet under the guidance of a therapist. Participants provide support to one another and share coping strategies.

Drug Therapy: Some mental health disorders require medication. It’s important to discuss the risks, side effects, and potential interactions with other medications with your doctor.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): In severe cases, particularly for major depression, delusions, or hallucinations, ECT may be recommended. ECT is often a last resort when other treatments have failed, and it’s critical to discuss the risks with your doctor.


Am I Getting the Care I Need?

As you go through therapy, it’s important to monitor your progress. Effective mental health care should lead to a gradual improvement in symptoms. You should experience greater self-assurance, an improved ability to make decisions, and a sense of relief from distress.

Therapy can sometimes be uncomfortable, particularly when addressing painful emotions. However, discomfort during therapy sessions is often a sign that you are making progress.

If you feel that your treatment is not effective, talk to your therapist about your concerns. A good therapist will be open to discussing your feelings about the therapeutic process. If you’re still unsatisfied, seeking a second opinion from another mental health professional can be helpful.


What About Self-Help/Support Groups?

In addition to professional therapy, self-help and support groups can offer invaluable support. These groups consist of individuals who share similar experiences, such as dealing with grief, battling substance abuse, or managing chronic mental illness. Participants offer each other understanding and support and share practical coping strategies.

Support groups are available for a wide range of issues, including alcoholism, bereavement, parenting challenges, mental illness, and many others.

family photo on green grass during golden hour

Mental illness is not a solitary battle—it affects the individual, their family, and their broader community. Finding the right mental health care, whether for yourself or a loved one, is a critical step toward healing and recovery. By understanding the different types of professionals available, exploring various treatment options, and knowing when to seek additional support, you can make informed decisions that lead to improved mental health and well-being. If you’re unsure where to start, remember that resources like local Mental Health Associations, health departments, and family services agencies are available to guide you through the process.

Source: Mental Health America

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