Mental Wellness Center and Emotional Healing

Emotional and Mental Healing in a Specialized Center

Maybe you have made a courageous effort to manage an ongoing mental health challenge, but to no avail. You have abided by the prescribed medications and therapy sessions, but still you are plagued with symptoms so intense that your ability to function in daily life is impaired. No matter how determined or committed you are to achieving mental wellness, your mind just will not cooperate.

When a mental health disorder continues to disrupt daily life, relationships, and work life, and may even be worsening, it is time to consider a more intensive approach to treatment. One such option is a mental wellness center where treatment is highly individualized and focused. At a mental wellness center the individual is able to detach from their regular life and all it’s stressors and spend a period of time focusing solely on emotional healing.

What is a Mental Wellness Center

Treatment for mental health disorders can be accessed in a variety of ways. Depending on the severity of the diagnosis or whether there is a co-occurring substance use disorder, help can be found in both outpatient and residential mental wellness programs.

Outpatient Retreats and Treatment

Outpatient care can be as basic as receiving regular therapy with or without a prescription for medications that help ease symptoms. Day programs are a more intensive outpatient wellness option, usually involving several hours of treatment each week at a dedicated mental health center.

Residential Retreats and Treatment

Residential mental health care involves a higher standard of care, as the individual will reside at the mental wellness center. The residential program allows for 24-hour monitoring and support, and will also have provisions for acute stabilization for individuals in severe distress.

Signs that More Intensive Therapy is Appropriate

When under a psychiatrist’s care for a mental health disorder, there may come a point that symptoms are worsening, or simply not resolving. When this state persists it is appropriate to consider a residential setting where more intensive intervention is provided.

The signs that a mental health disorder is deteriorating include:

• Unresponsive to medications, minimal or no symptom relief
• More severe mood swings
• Daily functioning is impaired
• Lack of interest in maintaining personal hygiene or appearance
• Persistent insomnia or sleep disturbances
• Angry outbursts, violent behaviors
• Sudden change in weight
• Isolating from others, avoiding social events
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Increasing substance abuse
• Presents a danger to self or others
• Exhibits delusions or hallucinations
• Suicidal ideation

In the event of a psychiatric acute event, such as onset of psychoses or is a suicide threat, the individual should be immediately admitted into a hospital setting for close monitoring until stabilized.

Types of Treatment Are Provided at a Mental Wellness Center

Mental health programs vary according to the stated philosophy and special services they may offer. In most cases, the core treatment elements will include:

• Individual psychotherapy: One on one talk therapy allows the individual to gain new insights into how underlying psychological issues may be contributing to the disorder.
• Group therapy: Small groups of individuals discuss topics initiated by the therapist, allowing them to share their personal experiences and challenges, and to learn from each other.
• Family sessions: Family therapy can be helpful for younger individuals who may live with parents and siblings, or for an individual’s own family. This enables better communication and support among family members.
• Medication management: In many cases, individuals will benefit from drug therapy, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, or anti-psychotic medication.
• Medical detox (if there is a co-occurring substance use disorder): This allows individuals with an SUD to safely detox from the substance and prepare for therapy.
• Adjunctive therapies: Therapies such as biofeedback or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for working with trauma disorder.
• Relaxation techniques: Techniques that reduce stress and promote relaxation, such as deep breathing exercises and guided imagery
• Holistic activities: These experiential activities include mindfulness training, meditation, massage therapy, art therapy, and yoga, and can enhance the effects of the psychotherapy.
• Nutritional counseling: Nutrition plays a significant role in brain health and overall wellness. Individuals are counseled on better dietary choices, as well as advised to minimize exposure to sugars, processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Exercise: Exercise programs are increasingly included in wellness centers’ menu of treatment elements. It has been scientifically proven that regular exercise is beneficial to mental health as well as physical health.

What Mental Health Disorders are Treated

While there are some mental health treatment programs that are dedicated to one particular specialty, such as helping individuals with depression or anxiety, most mental wellness centers will accommodate a wide spectrum of psychiatric diagnoses. These may include:

• Depression disorders, such as major depressive disorder, post-partum depression, seasonal affective disorder, and dysthymia.
• Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trauma disorder
• Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder I or II
• Personality disorders, such as narcissistic personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder
• Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
• Dual diagnosis, which is a mental health disorder with co-occurring substance use disorder

A mental wellness center allows the individual to receive individualized care that is tailored for their particular mental health needs and recovery goals. This focused attention over an extended stay can help individuals incorporate new healthy habits and practices into their daily routines before returning to their home environment. Following a stay at a residential wellness center, it is always recommended that the individual continue to receive ongoing outpatient therapy for continued support.

Helpful Information About Mental Wellness Centers

The Treatment Specialist is a trusted online source of information about topics in the mental health, addiction, and dual diagnosis fields. For individuals considering a higher level of care for an ongoing mental health disorder, The Treatment Specialist can provide free information and guidance toward treatment options. For more information about how The Treatment Specialist can help you, please contact us today at (866) 644-7911.