It might shock people that most of the patients in a doctor’s office are there for behavioral health services. Perhaps they need treatment for diabetes management or an eating or substance use disorder. However, is there a difference between behavioral and mental health? Also, which services treat these disorders?

The Line Between Behavioral and Mental Health

Sad woman sitting on sofa needs Beaches addiction and behavioral health servicesThe term “behavioral health” refers to people’s overall well-being. It revolves around how their choices and actions affect their wellness. Because of that, the disorders they develop are the result of their conscious decisions. Since they can change how they act, though, they can reduce or prevent their symptoms.

However, they can’t change how they act until they address the underlying cause of their behaviors. These underlying issues are the primary focus of behavioral health services. Some examples of such disorders include eating, substance, exercise, gambling and shopping addictions.

Also, mental health disorders overlap with behavioral health. People’s choices can impact mental disorders, but these issues have biological or neurological causes. Unlike behavior disorders, changing how they act isn’t enough to address their mental illnesses. Bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are examples of mental health conditions.

Types of Behavioral Health Services

A lot of people who suffer from behavior disorders have a co-occurring mental health issue or underlying trauma. These underlying problems contribute to their poor choices and harmful actions. Because of that, addiction and behavioral health services combine treatments that address both issues at the same time.

Program Types

The first decision people have to make when they seek behavioral health services is the program type. Inpatient and outpatient care are the two main options they have.

Inpatient or residential treatment centers often have the best option for those with severe addictions. It provides 24-hour monitoring and medical attention for at least 30 days. Although it disrupts daily life, it removes people from the stress and triggers that affect their behaviors. Then, they can focus better on recovery in a relaxing environment.

For outpatient care, addiction and behavioral health services occur on a schedule at the treatment center. When people aren’t at the facility, they continue their daily routine. It allows them to participate in family life and maintain their school or work obligations. However, it’s only safe for those with mild addictions because the risk for relapse during treatment is higher when participating in outpatient care.

If a standard outpatient program isn’t enough, other levels of care are available. Intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization are also outpatient services. The amount of time that people dedicate to treatment increases with each program.

Therapy Techniques

During the above programs, addiction and behavioral health services include a combination of therapies. Evidence-based practice is essential to treatment, and holistic activities act as supplements.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common evidence-based treatments for behavior disorders. The reason is that it links how people act with their thought patterns. To correct negative behaviors, CBT changes distorted thinking, which leads to ongoing improvements.

Another common evidence-based treatment is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). It’s a modification of CBT that emphasizes one-on-one talk therapy and group skills training. The skills that people learn include distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. The overall goal is for them to use the skills to create a life they want.

Holistic healing methods play a crucial role in behavioral health services. Mindfulness, art and music therapies, for instance, complement the skills that people learn in CBT and DBT. Fitness therapy and nutrition counseling are other supplements that teach recovering addicts the importance of caring for themselves.

Addiction and Behavioral Health Services at Beaches Recovery

Do you have a substance use disorder and need addiction and behavioral health services? Beaches Recovery can provide the care you need. We offer a range of drug addiction treatments, starting with detox at Tides Edge. Our team can also treat addictions to various drugs, including marijuana, alcohol, meth, heroin, and cocaine.

When you visit Beaches Recovery, we’ll perform a full assessment of your mental, physical and spiritual health. We want to make sure that you’re ready to maintain recovery upon completing your treatment plan. To further that effort, our continuum of care includes programs and services such as:

Don’t wait any longer to get the behavioral health services that you deserve. Choose a treatment facility that genuinely addresses your overall well-being. Call Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532.