Who Needs Mental Health Treatment?

Not every mental health symptom requires professional treatment. For example, everyone feels sad, depressed, or anxious sometimes when they experience something unpleasant. However, to meet the criteria for mental health treatment, the symptoms must be present for an extended period of time and interfere with a person’s ability to function.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.” Mental health “also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.” Individuals struggling with the symptoms and side effects of trauma, grief and loss, or mental health disorders benefit from professional mental health treatment.

Clients attending residential programs often report experiencing the following:

• Difficulty functioning day-to-day due to mental health symptoms
• Problems maintaining healthy relationships and family dynamics
• Difficulty coping with everyday stressors due to untreated trauma
• Severe symptoms of grief and loss

Women who find it challenging to maintain positive mental health most days may have an undiagnosed mental health disorder. An accurate clinical diagnosis is essential to ensure clients receive effective treatments for their condition. The care team at Avery Lane uses comprehensive assessments to determine if women would benefit from residential mental health treatment.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of a Mental Health Disorder

Individuals who recognize the symptoms of mental health disorders are more likely to get help before severe symptoms have an opportunity to develop. However, symptoms manifest differently for everyone, making it challenging to identify the warning signs.

Common indications of potential mental health issues include:

• Unusual sleep disturbances, including insomnia, night terrors, or oversleeping
• Loss of energy or unusual spikes in energy leading to manic episodes
• Prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Uncharacteristic anger, aggression, or irritation
• Extreme mood swings
• Paranoid thoughts or behaviors
• Self-harming thoughts or behaviors
• Sudden loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Difficulty concentrating
• Inability to complete basic tasks of daily living
• Unexplained injuries accompanied by mental health symptoms
• Disordered thinking or speech patterns

Some disorders are hard to recognize because they share overlapping symptoms with chronic medical issues. For example, mild anxiety and depressive symptoms are common side effects of chronic pain. Substance use disorder (SUD) is also a risk factor for many mental health disorders; both conditions share similar symptoms. Anyone concerned about their mental health should undergo a clinical assessment to determine if they meet the criteria for a disorder.

Mental Health Treatment Admissions and Diagnosis

Admissions and diagnosis take place before clients are admitted into a program. Clinicians at Avery Lane use various diagnostic tools, including GeneSight genetic testing, to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. The care team empowers women by collaborating with them and providing essential insights to ensure they make informed decisions about their recovery.

Admissions require up-to-date details about a client’s mental and physical health to clearly understand what issues may affect treatment. During the initial admissions assessment, clients may be asked to provide the following information:

• Emergency contacts
• Primary care physician
• Any current or recent prescription or over-the-counter medications
• Family medical history
• Personal history of trauma, substance abuse, or mental health disorders
• Any active symptoms of physical or psychological disorders

Clients are interviewed by different clinical experts during admissions and undergo a physical assessment. Individuals with mental health issues often have poor nutrition or other health problems contributing to their symptoms. The admissions team ensures clients have a clear understanding of their diagnosis. Clinicians use the information provided to tailor treatment.

Mental Health Services and Therapies Offered at Avery Lane

Avery Lane uses a proprietary Whole Being Recovery model of care to empower clients. The treatment model helps clients heal from trauma and adopt healthier patterns of behavior. Every program and level of care uses this model to ensure consistent and effective treatment.

The mental health treatment services offered at Avery Lane include:

• Psychotherapy
• Psychiatry
• Alternative holistic therapies
• Trauma treatment

Clients are also assessed for nutritional deficiencies and other potential biological causes of mental health symptoms.

Getting Help for a Loved One

Many people with untreated mental health issues cannot recognize their condition. Family interventions and support can ensure people get the help they need to heal. Avery Lane encourages families and friends to reach out for information and support if they believe their loved one may be experiencing a mental health crisis.

Often, getting help is difficult for people with a history of trauma or other issues affecting their self-esteem. The support of the people closest to them may motivate them to seek professional mental health treatment. Treatment programs at Avery Lane provide a welcoming community of women passionate about helping other women find positive ways to heal and move forward in their lives.

Mental health disorders affect millions of individuals and families every year. Avery Lane offers a unique space where women can heal from mental health issues, including trauma and loss or grief. To learn more about our programs and how we can help, call our office today at (800) 270-2406.