Over the last decade or so, mental health treatments in America have improved exponentially. Doctors and therapists are helping people using a wide array of methods and they're getting better at diagnosing certain disorders. The stigma that was once attached to people who admitted they are struggling is slowly, but surely, disappearing.
Access to treatment is even improving. Years ago, it seemed as though someone could only check themselves into a center if they were struggling with some kind of addiction. Many people didn't know that county centers and those found at SBTreatment.com were a great place for those who are suffering from mental illness as well. In-patient treatment centers allow a person to completely immerse themselves in their treatment plan. These centers often offer a wide array of psychotherapies that patients may benefit from.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the treatment options and it's quite helpful.
What Is CBT?
CBT is a popular psychological treatment that can help people who are experiencing a range of issues. It's a short-term talk-therapy that therapists use to try to help their patients meet goals and solve problems. Peer-reviewed studies have shown that CBT helps people effectively overcome a number of maladaptive behaviors. Sometimes a doctor combines the treatment with medication for a well-rounded plan.
The great part about this type of treatment is that programs don't last as long as other forms of psychotherapy. A person may start it while they're in a center receiving help, then continue it for 5 to 10 months after they leave treatment. The sessions aren't long either, usually less than an hour once a week. That makes it easy for busy people to fit in in their schedule.
Problems CBT Can Help
The Mayo Clinic says CBT is a useful tool to help people conquer or cope with a variety of issues. Some of those problems include:
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Anxiety disorders
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Phobias
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Overcoming trauma and abuse
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Depression
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Managing chronic pain
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Eating and sleeping disorders
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Sexual disorders
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Coping with the loss of a loved one
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Learning healthy ways to manage emotions
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder
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PTSD
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Schizophrenia
Those are only a handful of the behaviors and disorders that CBT can help treat.
CBT Steps
Once a person suffering from a mental disorder has found a treatment center or therapist, they'll begin therapy. The good news is this treatment is very safe. Like with any talk-therapy, they will likely feel uncomfortable at some points but it's not going to physically hurt them.
The patient's therapist will help them identify the issues in their life that might be causing stress. For example, did they recently lose someone they love? Are they going through a divorce or breakup? Do they have a diagnosed mental health disorder like OCD or PTSD?
After the patient knows what the issues are, they'll work with the therapist and identify some goals that they want to meet. For example, do they hope to stop abusing alcohol or overeating? The patient will work to meet those goals by learning how to recognize problematic thinking that causes them to respond in an unhealthy way.
A therapist will then teach the patient coping-mechanisms that won't harm them. For instance, the patient may turn to food when things get tough but now they'll identify those feelings, direct their attention to something else and move on.
Changing the Way People Think
CBT is incredibly useful and a lot of patients have had success with it. Managing and changing maladaptive behaviors really improves the lives of patients. Whether they choose inpatient or outpatient therapy to start, CBT is a great therapy to try and there's little risk in doing so.
