Mental Health Treatment: When to Get it and Where to Go

Mental health treatment is necessary when significant behavior, mood, or daily functioning changes occur.

You should seek mental health treatment when you experience changes in your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that interfere with your daily life for two or more weeks. Seek immediate help if you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

You should seek help for mental health when you experience these changes:

• Emotional Changes (lasting 2+ weeks):
  • Persistent worry, fear, sadness, or depression
  • Unusually high anger or irritability
  • Significant mood swings (highs and lows)
  • Constant fatigue or low energy
  • Feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks
• Mental/Cognitive Issues:
  • Thoughts of suicide (Call 988 immediately)
  • Confused or disorganized thinking
  • Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
  • Obsessive thoughts about one topic
  • Feeling disconnected from reality
  • Preoccupation with substance use
• Physical Symptoms:
  • Unexplained physical ailments (headaches, stomach problems)
  • Significant changes in sleep patterns
  • Major changes in eating habits
  • Increasing tolerance to drugs/alcohol
• Behavioral Changes:
  • Neglecting personal hygiene or living space
  • Experiencing work/relationship problems due to mental health or substance use
  • Legal troubles related to mental health or substance use
  • Missing medical appointments
• Social Changes:
  • Difficult y understanding or relating to others
  • Social withdrawal and isolation
  • Frequent changes in friend groups

According to Eberhart, N. K.’s 2019 study, ‘Monitoring Californians’ Mental Health: Population Surveillance Reveals Gender, Racial/Ethnic, Age, and Regional Disparities.’,  in California, 3.60% of adults experience serious distress, with 12.35% seeking care from a primary care provider or specialist. The state also faces an 8.96% rate of unmet mental health needs and a 0.23% rate of attempted suicide. Additionally, 4.42% of adults report severe work impairment, 8.61% miss four or more days of work or daily activities, and 7.04% miss nine or more days.

There are various mental health treatment services are available, including community centers, online resources, and support groups. Treatment should be tailored to individual needs, whether through medication, therapy, or counseling. The Los Angeles Outpatient Center provides personalized treatment models to effectively address mental health challenges.

When to Seek Mental Health Treatment?

You should seek mental health treatment when you experience changes in thoughts, feelings, or behaviors lasting two or more weeks that impact your daily life. Warning signs include persistent worry, sadness, or anger; significant mood swings; confused thinking; and trouble managing daily tasks.

Physical changes may appear as unexplained ailments, disrupted sleep, or changes in eating habits. Watch for behavioral shifts like neglecting self-care, withdrawing from relationships, or having work-related issues. For substance use concerns, notice if you need increasing amounts to avoid feeling sick.

The following table outlines key signs to look for across different age groups and recommended actions to take when these signs are observed.

Age Group	Signs to Seek Treatment	Recommended Actions
Children (0-12)	– Significant changes in behavior (e.g., withdrawal, aggression) – Poor grades despite effort – Sleep disturbances (nightmares, insomnia) – Excessive worry or anxiety – Frequent temper tantrums – Refusal to attend school or participate in activities	– Consult a pediatrician or child psychologist – Involve school staff for support – Monitor behavior and document changes
Adolescents (13-18)	– Decline in academic performance – Social withdrawal from friends and family – Substance abuse (alcohol or drugs) – Persistent mood swings or depression – Self-injurious behaviors or thoughts of suicide – Excessive anger or rebellion – Changes in eating or sleeping habits	– Talk to a school counselor or therapist – Encourage open communication about feelings – Seek a mental health professional for assessment
Young Adults (19-25)	– Increased stress or anxiety – Relationship issues – Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness – Substance abuse – Difficulty coping with daily responsibilities – Thoughts of self-harm or suicide	– Seek a mental health professional or support group – Consider therapy or counseling – Engage in self-care practices and stress management
Adults (26-64)	– Persistent sadness or irritability – Significant changes in work performance or attendance – Social withdrawal – Sleep disturbances (insomnia, nightmares) – Increased substance use – Feelings of guilt, helplessness, or hopelessness – Thoughts of death or suicide	– Consider therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes – Reach out to a mental health professional – Engage in support groups or community resources
Seniors (65+)	– Feelings of isolation or loneliness – Cognitive decline or memory issues – Grief or loss of loved ones – Changes in appetite or sleep patterns – Increased anxiety or depression – Physical complaints without clear medical cause	– Engage with geriatric specialists or support

What is mental health Treatment?

Mental health treatment is a process of improving your mental health and well-being. Mental health treatment involves various methods and approaches aimed at improving an individual’s emotional and psychological well-being. It includes therapy, medication, and support groups to help manage mental health conditions. For example, depression treatment may involve counseling and antidepressant medication to alleviate symptoms.

Where Can You Go for Mental Health Treatment?

You can go to various mental health services for treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, numerous resources are available to help.

You can find mental health services through your local community mental health center, doctor, or mental health professional. Additionally, many services are accessible online or through mental health support groups.

Mental health services vary based on individual needs. Some individuals may require medication to manage their mental health, while others may benefit from therapy or counseling. Effective mental health services should be tailored to each person’s specific needs. At the Los Angeles Outpatient Center, we provide individualized treatment models designed to meet each client’s unique requirements.

Our admissions and clinical staff are highly trained and experienced, ready to support and guide you in making positive changes in your life. Together, we will address the root causes of your mental health challenges and equip you with the tools necessary to manage your symptoms. If you’re facing a mental health issue, reach out to us today.

How to Find the Proper Mental Health Treatment for You?

To find proper mental health treatment, you should begin by consulting your primary care doctor, who can guide you to trusted mental health services in your area. They often have valuable insights and can refer you to providers they trust. Also, consider reaching out to your insurance company to clarify which mental health services are covered under your plan.

To assist you in this journey, here are some key steps to consider:

• Talk to Your Primary Care Doctor: Your primary care doctor is an excellent resource for finding mental health services in your area. They can provide referrals to mental health providers with whom they trust and have experience.
• Check with Your Insurance Company: Your insurance company can tell you what mental health services are covered under your plan. This is a great way to narrow down your options and find providers within your budget. Our admissions team is happy to help walk you through this process. You can verify your insurance directly on our website here.
• Ask for Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or your mental health professional for guidance. They may know of mental health services that you haven’t considered.
• Take Your Time: Choosing the proper mental health treatment is important. Take your time and make sure you find a provider you’re comfortable with and feel confident in.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Mental Health Treatment?

The benefits of getting mental health treatment include receiving essential emotional support from professionals, which empowers you to cope with challenging situations. Mental health treatment helps you learn to manage stress in healthy ways, leading to improved emotional well-being. You can also gain tools to handle difficult situations more constructively, enhancing your relationships and overall success.

Mental health treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly successful and continues to show promising results in clinical settings. According to Krause, K.’s 2024 study, “Long-Term Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Routine Outpatient Care for Youth with Anxiety Disorders”, CBT treatment of anxiety disorders in youth. Right after treatment, 61.38% of patients were completely free of all anxiety disorders. Even more encouraging, this success rate increased slightly to 63.64% at the long-term follow-up (average 4.31 years later).

For a more comprehensive understanding, explore the additional benefits listed below.

• Receiving emotional support from a professional can be incredibly helpful. This support can give you the strength you need to cope with difficult situations.
• Mental health services can offer you resources that you may not have access to otherwise. These resources can help you better understand your condition and how to manage it.
• Treatment can help you learn how to cope with stress in a healthy way. This can lead to improved emotional well-being and decreased anxiety levels.
• Getting professional help can give you a sense of hope and improve your outlook on life. This can be incredibly beneficial when you are struggling with difficult emotions.
• Treatment can provide you with tools to deal with difficult situations more constructively. This can lead to better relationships and increased success in life overall.
• With treatment, you will likely see an improvement in your symptoms. This can lead to increased self-esteem and a better quality of life.
• Mental health professionals can help you identify any underlying issues contributing to your mental health condition. This can be incredibly helpful in addressing the root cause of your problem.
• Treatment can help you learn how to manage triggers and cope with difficult emotions. This can lead to fewer episodes of anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems.
• Mental health services can provide you with support and resources to make lifestyle changes that will improve your mental health. These changes can include things like getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
• Getting professional help for your mental health can be an important step in recovery. Treatment can provide the tools and support you need to make positive changes in your life.

What Types of Mental Health Treatments Are Available?

The mental health treatments that are commonly available are Cognitive behavioral therapy, Group therapy, and medications. There are many more effective mental health treatments that are available. Some are more effective than others, and some may be more suitable for specific individuals than others. It is essential to speak with a mental health professional to determine which type of treatment may be best for you.

Some common types of mental health treatments include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Also called CBT, this type of psychotherapy helps individuals identify and change negative thinking and behavior patterns. Its goal is to help you reevaluate your current thinking patterns and move forward with healthier and safer methods for managing stress and triggers.

Interpersonal Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on relationships and communication skills. This type of psychotherapy focuses on current issues and situations rather than past trauma or childhood development issues.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: DBT therapy combines cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy elements. DBT was initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder but has been adapted to address a variety of other conditions. You can learn more about CBT and DBT in our blog, Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

Psychodynamic Therapy: Focuses on exploring the unconscious mind and understanding how it affects current behavior. These psychodynamic therapy sessions also encourage clients to examine their emotions, thoughts, and beliefs to find patterns.

Group Therapy: This type of therapy involves meeting with a group dealing with similar issues. It can help provide support and insight from others.

Family Therapy: Family therapy involves meeting with family members to address issues affecting the individual.

Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed in addition to therapy to treat mental health conditions. Medication can help manage symptoms, but discussing the risks and benefits with a mental health professional before starting any medicine is essential.

If you are struggling with a mental health condition, many treatment options are available. Speak with a member of our friendly team to determine which treatment may be best for you.

What Can You Expect from Mental Health Treatment?

You can expect treatment to help you cope with mental illness and improve your quality of life through medication, therapy, or a combination of both. It will assist you in understanding your diagnosis, managing your symptoms, and developing effective coping strategies.

An experienced mental health professional will assess your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan. While it may take time to see results, the effort is worthwhile, and you will learn valuable skills to manage stress and improve your overall well-being. If you have concerns about your mental health, consult a professional to explore your options.

How to Stick with Your Mental Health Treatment Plan?

To stick with your mental health treatment plan, it’s crucial to understand your diagnosis and the available treatments, so ask your doctor or therapist for clarification if needed. Collaborate with your mental health care providers to set realistic goals and be aware of your warning signs that indicate when you need help.

Finding emotional support from family, friends, or support groups can also help you stay on track. Break your goals into manageable steps and maintain a positive outlook on your progress. If you struggle to adhere to your plan, reach out to your mental health professional for guidance and support. Prioritizing your mental health is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life.