We all deal with challenges in life. Many of us have behaviors that we want to change but feel incapable of doing so on our own. But when those behaviors start to derail your life, it’s often a sign that professional help is needed.
Behavioral health services in Orange County are designed to help people like you heal from destructive behavior.
Whether that means working with a Lake forest therapist in outpatient mental health services or finding full-time eating disorder treatment in Orange County, help is there. You just have to be willing to reach for it.
Keep reading to learn more about behavioral health services in Orange County and how they help people take back control over their lives.
What is Behavioral Health?
Behavioral health is an umbrella term that’s used to describe any kind of treatment for someone experiencing mental health problems or substance abuse disorders.
For example, if someone has a mental illness like severe depression or anxiety, they may need behavioral health treatment. Similarly, clinical social workers are available to help people move beyond problematic behaviors they’re struggling to change on their own.
The bottom line is that if there’s a behavior that you wish you could change but are struggling to do on your own, then seeking out behavioral health treatment is the solution.
What’s the Difference Between Behavioral Health and Mental Health?
Behavioral health and mental health are two very similar things. The key difference is that behavioral health encompasses mental health, whereas mental health is a standalone discipline.
Behavioral health looks at all of a person’s behaviors and considers how they impact the person’s physical and mental well-being. Mental health, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the mind.
That being said, people with mental health conditions can often benefit from behavior health services. This is because behavioral changes can prompt mental health breakthroughs.
What Kinds of Behavioral Health Treatment is Available?
Behavioral health is a broad field. There are many different kinds of treatments available within it. Let’s take a look at some of the options.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment are forms of behavioral health support. People who struggle with addiction have a destructive behavior that they can’t move on from on their own.
Substance abuse treatment can involve detox, residential rehab, outpatient rehab, aftercare, and other kinds of treatment. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to substance abuse, so it’s worth consulting with clinical social workers before making a decision about your care or the care of someone you love.
Mental Health Treatment
People with a mental illness can also often benefit from behavioral health support. You can work with a Lake Forest therapist while still living at home through outpatient mental health services or move into an inpatient facility for a while. Both options are valid.
Therapists provide behavioral health support to their clients by helping them understand their problematic behaviors and what prompts them. It’s only through this type of understanding that a person can move forward, and it’s tough to gain that level of insight on your own.
Eating Disorder Treatment
Some people may also benefit from seeking out an eating disorder therapist in Orange County. These professionals specialize in helping people move on from damaging conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder.
An eating disorder therapist in Orange County will help you understand your relationship with food on a deeper level and forgive yourself so that you can begin the healing process with a clean slate.
Who Needs Behavioral Health Treatment?
Whether you think you may be a candidate for eating disorder treatment in Orange County or mental health services, you may wonder whether your condition truly rises to the level of needing professional help.
Here’s a two-step process that you can use to determine whether behavioral health treatment is worth exploring further.
1. You Have a Behavior That’s Keeping You From Your Goals
We all have goals in life. But many of us have self-destructive behaviors that keep us from reaching those goals.
For example, substance abuse may keep you from financial security and from maintaining positive relationships with family members. Mental health concerns may keep you from getting out in the world and pursuing your passions. And an eating disorder could prevent you from reaching a healthy weight that makes you feel good about yourself and ready to pursue what you love.
If you’re struggling to answer this question, start by being honest about what your goals in life are. Then, ask yourself if you’re currently making progress towards those goals or if you’re stuck in place or moving backward.
If you’re not making progress towards your goals, it might be due to problematic behavior. If so, you’re still a candidate for behavioral health services.
2. You’re Unable to Quit That Behavior On Your Own
The next step to look at is whether you’re able to quit the problematic behavior on your own.
Many people with behavioral health concerns try to quit problematic behavior time and time again unsuccessfully. If that describes your situation, then you’re a perfect candidate for behavioral health services, and it’s worth exploring this kind of treatment further.
Or, maybe you’ve never really tried to quit the problematic behavior in your life on your own. If not, then it could be worth first trying to do that with the help of your existing support network. If you don’t make any progress, then it’ll be time to look into your options for behavioral and mental health services.
Does Behavioral Health Care Involve Medication?
One question that you may have before seeking treatment is whether medication will be part of the care you receive. The answer to this question really depends on the type of behavioral health issues you’re experiencing and what your doctor thinks is best for your care plan.
For example, some severe cases of drug dependency may involve medication to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Many mental health disorders will benefit from medication as well.
But if you’re opposed to using prescription medication to treat whatever you’re experiencing, there’s a good chance your doctor will be able to help you without it. The behavioral health experts at Zoe will always put your preferences first.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Mental Health Facilities in Orange County
If you’re starting to get serious about behavioral health, it’s worth thinking a little more about whether inpatient or outpatient care could be right for you. Both treatment options are effective. But they offer different benefits and drawbacks, which we get into below.
Inpatient Behavioral Health Care
Inpatient care involves moving into a treatment center and living there full-time for a pre-determined number of days (often 30-60). Living in a treatment center full-time minimizes distractions and allows you to fully commit to the healing process.
You do have to move out of your home and uproot your life a bit with this option. But Zoe offers a variety of pet-friendly and couples rehab options that may be able to make this easier on you.
Outpatient Behavioral Care
Outpatient behavioral care involves getting the care you need while still living at home. Instead of moving into a treatment center, you’ll simply spend a lot of time at one, receiving treatment like therapy.
This style of treatment is more convenient but also more prone to distractions and things like relapses, which can disrupt your care plan. You’ll want to discuss both of these options with a professional before making a decision.
Behavioral Health FAQs
How can you pay for behavioral health services?
A patient’s insurance plan will often help them cover the costs of behavioral health services like counseling or rehab. Zoe also offers payment plans that make it easier for our patients to get the help they need faster.
How long does behavioral health treatment last?
The length of your treatment plan will vary based on what your doctor thinks is best for your recovery. For example, you may need inpatient rehab services for 30 days.
Then, after that, a doctor may recommend that you continue seeking behavioral health treatment from a therapist for an indefinite period. But this could be like weekly therapy sessions rather than intensive care. It all depends on how you respond to the treatment.
Do I need substance abuse treatment and behavioral health services?
At Zoe, we combine substance abuse treatment and behavioral health services. This ensures that you receive comprehensive care that addresses the entirety of your addictive tendencies.
Zoe Behavioral Health Offers Behavioral Health Services for Every Need
Your behaviors should be helping you work towards your goals, not prevent you from reaching them. If you’re struggling with behaviors that feel out of your control, Zoe Behavioral Health is here to help.
We offer a wide variety of treatment options from some of the most skilled and empathetic mental health and substance abuse professionals in California. No matter what type of mental health crisis you’re experiencing, we’re here for you.
Get in touch with Zoe today to learn more about how we can help.
