The treatment of mental illness is effective. By law, most health plans also cover mental health services. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help you identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors through conversations with a mental health professional. Psychotherapy can help with several different problems, ranging from stress and relationship problems to mental health problems.
However, for many therapies, research involving large numbers of patients has provided evidence that the treatment is effective. These evidence-based therapies have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders. The NIMH health topic pages list some of the evidence-based therapies used to treat specific disorders. Treatment can help to improve a person's condition or to live well, despite the presence of some ongoing symptoms.
Psychological treatments can be useful for people affected by a mental health condition. Sometimes medications are needed, especially if symptoms significantly affect a person's life. There are also other options that can help support recovery. Choosing the right combination of treatments and supports that work for you is an important step in the recovery process. Treatment options for mental health conditions will vary from person to person.
Even people with the same diagnosis will have different experiences, needs, goals, and treatment objectives. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Research shows that most people who receive psychotherapy experience relief from symptoms and are better able to function better in their lives. Around 75 percent of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit in this regard.
1 Psychotherapy has been shown to improve emotional and psychological well-being and is related to positive changes in the brain and body. Benefits also include fewer sick days, fewer disabilities, fewer medical problems, and greater job satisfaction. NIMH has information on ways to get help, find a health care provider and access treatment, including low-cost health services. Psychiatrists and other doctors can combine elements of different approaches to better meet the needs of the person receiving treatment.
Treatment may include private doctors, community mental health centers, emergency rooms, hospitalization and substance abuse centers. They may also recommend access to other health professionals, community supports, or resources to complement treatment. Psychological treatments (or “therapies”) help by giving people an opportunity to talk about their thoughts and feelings with a professional who is specially trained to understand their symptoms and cope with them. The NIMH statistics pages include statistics on the prevalence, treatment, and costs of mental illness for the United States population.
When treatments, such as medications and therapy, can't alleviate symptoms of depression or another mental health condition, brain stimulation therapies may be an option. Working together, you and your primary care provider or mental health professional can decide the best treatment, based on your symptoms and severity, your personal preferences, medication side effects, and other factors. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide to all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. Psychotherapy is a type of treatment that can help people who suffer from a wide range of mental health conditions and emotional challenges.
When people are directly involved in designing their own treatment plan, including defining recovery and wellness goals, choosing the services that support them, and evaluating treatment decisions and progress, the care experience and outcomes improve. If you have a mild mental illness with well-controlled symptoms, treatment from your primary care provider may be sufficient. Psychological treatments can reduce the distress associated with symptoms and can even help reduce the symptoms themselves. Psychotherapy can be used in combination with medication or other therapies or as a stand-alone treatment. A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the study and treatment of mental health conditions.
People may need to stay hospitalized in a hospital if they are feeling very unwell, and intensive treatment is the best way to support themselves. for a short period of time.
