Psychosocial Treatment

Psychosocial treatments—including certain forms of psychotherapy (often called “talk-therapy”) and social and vocational training—are helpful in providing support, education, and guidance to people with mental illnesses and their families. Studies tell us that psychosocial treatments for mental illnesses can help individuals decrease the negative effects of their illnesses and increase their functioning (leading to fewer hospitalizations and less difficulties at home, at school, and at work). A licensed psychiatrist (a doctor, who can prescribe medications), psychologist, social worker, psychiatric nurse or counselor typically provides these psychosocial therapies.

In some cases, a therapist and a psychiatrist may work together as many complicated mental illnesses have been found to be treated most effectively with a combination of therapy and medications. Sometimes in these cases, the psychiatrist prescribes medications and the therapist monitors the individual’s progress and can also observe for response to medication treatments. In these cases, a therapist and a prescribing psychiatrist will hopefully be in contact to discuss their thoughts as to how they can work together to support their mutual patients.

The number, frequency, and type of psychotherapy sessions an individual has should be based on his or her individual treatment needs. As with medication, it is important to follow the treatment plan for psychosocial treatments to gain the greatest benefit.

 

Psychosocial treatments include:

• Psychotherapy

• Psychoeducation

• Self-help and Support Groups

• Interpersonal Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Exposure Therapy

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

• Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

• Dual Diagnosis and Integrated Treatment

 

Click here for more information about each of these psychosocial treatments.