Category: Connect with Providers

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Does a Good Therapeutic Relationship Matter in Therapy?

Effective therapists possess empathy, compassion, and trustworthiness that make them seem like superhuman healers. Those who find a good therapist often stay with them for years, which can strengthen their overall healing process and improve their resiliency. 

Building a rapport and sense of trust with your therapist can encourage you to share freely and feel safe doing so. This is crucial—if you’re going to therapy but don’t feel comfortable talking to them, you won’t reap the same benefits.

Many therapists encourage you to stay open-minded to the idea of switching therapists, so you can find your best fit. But how do you know what a ‘good fit’ is? And does it really matter?

Defining The Therapeutic Relationship

Therapeutic relationships1 build off mutual engagement, collaboration, and the bond patients and therapists form. Much of therapy’s success comes from this relationship, even more so than the type of therapy used and the therapist’s specific training. This positive effect exists in both medical and psychological treatment, and improves outcomes in both2.

The therapeutic relationship starts to form at your very first session. It can strengthen with each session2 as you and your therapist set goals, collaborate, and form a space you feel safe in. 

Benefits and Examples of a Positive Therapeutic Relationship

Ultimately, positive therapeutic relationships link to treatment success2 and healing. You’re more likely to continue with treatment and feel hopeful for change if your therapist makes you feel understood, safe, and an important part of the treatment process. 

Setting goals together and working to achieve them teaches practical skills for navigating future problems and concerns—without relying on advice from a therapist. This grows your agency and sense of self-efficacy, bolstering your hope and overall well-being. 

Here’s how a positive therapeutic relationship could look in practice:

  • You reach your first therapy appointment, nervous and unsure of how it’ll go. The therapist notes your discomfort and immediately works to reverse it: smiling, welcoming you, and introducing themselves. They ask questions about yourself and what brought you to therapy, listening attentively and engaging in the conversation with their body language and expressions. You feel cared for and safe, and start opening up more. Based on your first or second session, your therapist outlines a few goals you’ll work on together and asks you how they sound. You feel like a collaborative part of your treatment, which makes you want to engage more. 

Effects and Examples of a Negative Therapeutic Relationship

A negative therapeutic relationship can disrupt treatment and reinforce stigma about therapy and mental illness as a whole. You may feel uncomfortable, shamed, and belittled with a therapist that isn’t the right fit for you. But if that happens, don’t worry; you can always switch therapists. A therapist who isn’t the right fit for you could be perfect for someone else, and vice-versa. 

An example of an unhelpful therapeutic relationship could look something like this:

  • You go to your first session with the new therapist. Right away, they don’t exude compassion or much interest in you and your issues. You start to feel uncomfortable, and don’t trust them with your pain. They ask a few questions about yourself and why you’re there, but other than that, you feel pressured to fill the silence. They suggest modifications and changes to your behavior in a way that makes you feel diminished and a little embarrassed. You leave and cancel your next appointment.

How Therapists Can Foster a Good Relationship

Some people come to therapy with past misconceptions, shame, and nervousness. Therapists can alleviate these anxieties through the way they treat their patients and how they treat the act of getting help. 

For example, a kind, empathetic, and patient therapist can soothe initial nerves and validate their patient’s desire for getting help. They can express gratitude for their patient seeking care, and for trusting them with their emotions and struggles. These efforts connect the therapist and patient as humans, which can spark an immediate, positive affect on their relationship.

Aspects like these are key to forming a positive therapeutic relationship: 

  1. Listening without interrupting
  2. Validating fears and emotions
  3. Compassion
  4. Identifying and setting goals together
  5. Communicating regularly about your sessions and how they’re going

How You Can Contribute

A good therapeutic relationship takes effort on both sides, just like other relationships. Here’s what you can do (if and when you feel comfortable):

  1. Recognize your therapist can’t, and shouldn’t, think for you
  2. Engage in the goals you work on and any homework they may give you
  3. Communicate as openly as you feel comfortable
  4. Stay open-minded during your sessions
  5. Let your therapist know what is and isn’t working for you (they want to know!)

Signs You And Your Therapist Are a Good Fit

How you feel towards your therapist and the quality of your sessions can clue you into the nature of your connection. Do you enjoy talking to them? Do they make you feel safe and valued? Do you ever feel silly or foolish for opening up to them?

Reflect on your therapy itself too. Do you know what your treatment goals are, and has defining them been a collaborative process with your therapist? Do you feel like you’re making progress toward them? Do you feel hopeful in your recovery? 

Here are those questions laid out as boxes you can check to know if you’re a good fit:

  • You feel comfortable with your therapist.
  • You feel like they genuinely want to help and understand you.
  • You appreciate them as a person and feel appreciated in return.
  • You set clear goals and collaborate to meet them.
  • You feel hopeful and sense the tangible possibility of healing.

If you find you can’t check any of these boxes, or even feel the opposite, that’s a good sign you and your therapist aren’t the right fit. Remember, that’s okay. View any poor fits as a helpful learning experience that gets you closer to the right one. 

What to Do If Your Therapist Isn’t The Right Fit

First, know it’s acceptable and normal to not click with your therapist. Who you will feel comfortable with won’t be the same as your friends, or people in TV shows and movies. 

Therapists want you to feel comfortable and understood, and trying a new therapist is often one of the best ways to accomplish that. They’re used to it and don’t view it as a personal attack–not at all. People switch therapists for financial reasons, personal reasons, scheduling constraints, and much more.

Before you terminate your sessions, first have a conversation with your current therapist. You can bring up your concerns and what might make you feel more comfortable. For example, you might say you’re not seeing as much progress as you hoped and don’t feel like you’re learning coping strategies. You could also explain the behaviors or attitudes of your therapist that may make you less comfortable engaging in treatment. See what they say, and how they plan on addressing your concerns. 

You may find a solution and feel comfortable continuing services. If you don’t, here’s what you can do:

  1. Cancel any upcoming appointments with your current therapist.
  2. If you’re comfortable with it, explain that you’ll be leaving and looking for another therapist. Your current therapist can help connect you to other options. 
  3. Search for other therapists in your location or ones with online availability.
  4. Vet your new options for the qualities or treatment modalities you’d like to see after your first experience. Here’s 11 tips for finding the right therapist.
  5. Set up your first appointment; you can voice your concerns and preferences right away so your new therapist understands your past experience and treatment goals.

Empathy And Connection to Power Your Healing

In a good therapeutic relationship, you might feel like your therapist has superpowers. They help you see different perspectives, set personal goals, and feel–perhaps most importantly–that you and your experiences matter. You’ll ultimately learn to become your own therapist, navigating challenges and day-to-day life with new skills and coping strategies you learned in therapy.
Listen to our podcast episode to learn more about the therapeutic relationship and insights from renowned expert Dr. Donald Miechenbaum.

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The Role of Culture in Integrative Care

Your health is more than one limb or organ system functioning correctly. It encompasses your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being—a combined sum of all your parts and systems that work synchronously. But when one aspect gets out of sync, the effects can reverberate through them all. 

Your unique cultural background can affect each aspect of your health (mental, physical, spiritual, and more), which is why addressing it in your healthcare is so important. Integrative care incorporates evidence-based, alternative, and holistic treatments to integrate your unique life and culture into an effective care plan.

You can learn more about integrative care and cultural humility by listening to our recent podcast episode featuring Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal.

What Is Integrative Care?

Healthcare typically provides reactive treatment for specific issues, like manifestations of stress or localized pain. Doctors provide care once symptoms make your life difficult.

Integrative healthcare is more proactive, preventative, and collaborative1. It blends evidence-based, holistic, naturopathic, and alternative medicine to meet your unique needs. Your whole health is considered, going past symptoms to understand your history and how each aspect of your health functions and interacts. For example, if you came in with stress-related symptoms, your appointment would explore:

  • The potential causes
  • Why they cause you stress
  • How you can manage your symptoms, and
  • How to prevent them 

You may even realize that other parts of your health feel the effects and work on treatment for that. If needed, your provider will involve other professionals to ensure that each identified problem area gets the appropriate care.

Integrative care often requires more time to thoroughly explore your overall health and give your provider an in-depth understanding of you. Your provider will ask questions beyond your symptoms, likely delving into your upbringing, culture, spirituality, mental health history, and physical history. You’ll review any past health concerns and what treatments you’ve found beneficial. Your provider will also get a gauge on your preferred approaches, like alternative or evidence-based treatments, to create a custom care plan. You and your provider work as a team, with your contributions and thoughts taken as valuable knowledge. 

Integrative vs. Integrated Care

Integrative and integrated differ in more than just word endings—a few nuanced differences set these two apart. Integrated care treats your mental and physical health as a combined whole. Integrative care considers all aspects of your health and adapts treatment to your cultural background, health history, preferences, and more. 

Each offers benefits beyond traditional healthcare. However, integrative care can be more beneficial to someone with complex conditions, unique cultural considerations, or preferences for non-traditional approaches.

Why Doesn’t Everyone Do Integrative Healthcare?

Because it’s not typically covered by insurance. Integrative care practitioners often operate in private practices or integrative care clinics, which insurance companies don’t often view the same as traditional healthcare. For those reasons, integrative healthcare isn’t usually paid for by insurance; you’d pay out-of-pocket for the costs of:

  • The provider’s time and expertise
  • Lab tests or diagnostic testing
  • All treatments, alternative and/or evidence-based 

Culture: More Than Where You Live

Culture2 includes your “language, ideas, beliefs, customs, codes, institutions, tools, techniques, works of art, rituals, and ceremonies, among other elements.” It’s much more than your ethnicity or what part of the world you come from, though those elements certainly contribute.

Cultures can be subtle but impact us all the same. They can affect how you view the world, how you express yourself, and what you’re comfortable with. Culture can greatly affect the effectiveness of your healthcare, too. 

For example, if you grow up using herbal remedies and alternative treatments, you might feel more comfortable exploring similar options before traditional healthcare. With integrative care, your treatment would align with your preferences and what you feel works for you. If your doctor has contrasting suggestions, you’ll discuss them before implementing them into treatment. 

Religion And Faith

Your faith may impact your healthcare preferences and how you receive it. For example, someone of a Hindu, Jewish, or Buddhist faith may view their health, mental health, and healthcare differently. Beliefs about Karma, pain, and the merits of non-traditional healthcare can require an integrative approach. Feeling seen and understood by their doctor can help people of different religions get the personalized care they need.

Integrative doctors are more likely to understand different religions and religious requirements, including dietary restrictions, prohibited practices, and stigma-related challenges. This element alone can help those with religious requirements feel more comfortable seeking care.

Exploring Your Culture And Its Effects

In your first appointment with an integrative healthcare provider, they may ask you something like, “What’s your cultural background?”

At first, you might not think you have a culture. Many white Americans, for example, wouldn’t identify with an ethnic culture or a religion with set practices and restrictions. But those elements aren’t all that shape your culture. How you grew up, your family’s view on health, and events you experienced collectively can affect your views and preferences. To better understand your culture, your integrative healthcare provider may follow up with questions like:

  1. Did you feel comfortable talking about your health and mental health at home?
  2. Were your health needs met right away, or did monetary restrictions or neglect prevent that?
  3. How did your friends and community view health?
  4. Did you grow up with non-traditional remedies for pain and sickness? Like what?
  5. How would you rank your hierarchy of needs? Are they being met?
  6. Do you or your family incorporate cultural traditions or practices into your healthcare?

Answering these questions, among others, helps your doctor learn more about you and how to meet your needs. Comparatively, traditional healthcare questions may only cover what hurts, how long it’s been hurting, and if it’s worsening. While these elements are vital, they don’t often capture the whole picture like integrative medicine can. 

Healthcare in Harmony

Your culture plays a part in your identity. Healthcare that values and understands your identity, or what you feel makes you you, complements healing. Effective treatment for complex or non-complex conditions runs hand-in-hand with the compassion and trust found at the cornerstone of integrative care. 

With integrative care, you’ll learn to resync each aspect of your health into a melody of well-being. Listen to our recent podcast episode with Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal to delve deeper into integrative care and its importance.

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A Journey to Wholeness: Rebuilding Safety and Trust with Trauma-Informed Care

We were thrilled to speak with Athena Phillips in our recent podcast episode. Athena is an experienced therapist and educator who specializes in trauma and dissociative disorders. Our enlightening conversation was led by our host, Dr. Malasri Chaudrey-Malgeri, Editor-in-Chief, and co-host Cliff McDonald, Chief Growth Officer.

Listen to Athena’s episode and hear from other guests here!

Background, Experience, and Passions

A history in behavioral health treatment inspired Athena Phillips’ pursuits as a therapist and her desire to spread resources, education, and support to address the global issue of trauma. Athena founded the Integrative Trauma Treatment Center (ITTC), created the education-focused Orenda Project, and co-founded a continuing education and community support platform, KALOS, for other mental health professionals. Athena also spent time in Rwanda, learning about their experiences and creating her Multicultural Trauma Training program there.

Her passion for progressive, culturally competent trauma treatment began during an internship at the Sexual Assault Resource Center. Athena worked with people with developmental disabilities for 15 years, then in private practice before opening the ITTC. Her facility meets an ongoing need for trauma-informed care and a progressive understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative disorders.

Journey to Trauma Treatment and Findings Along The Way

Athena founded the Integrative Trauma Treatment Center (ITTC) in 2012, filling a large gap in trauma-informed care. She recognized patients with trauma, PTSD, and dissociative disorders weren’t often receiving the sensitive, trauma-informed care that made them feel safe in treatment and trusting of their providers and peers. Their sensitive setting and culturally competent staff create a unique space for healing. ITTC offers a unique array of therapies and services, including individual therapy, group therapy, Reiki, yoga, and more.

Athena and her coworkers traveled to Rwanda to learn more about their experiences with collective trauma and post-traumatic growth. There, Athena created and facilitated a trauma training program catered to their culture and community. Her time in Rwanda emphasized collective and culturally competent healing, which she integrates into her current practice and in continuing education opportunities. Athena says,

“So I really want to emphasize community as part of healing for humans, all humans, but even for clinicians…that was one of the key features that I pulled from Rwanda.”

Normalizing The Human Experience Through Group Work

As a trauma and dissociative disorders specialist, Athena strives to meet each patient where they’re at with their comfort levels, ability to share, and level of trust. Connecting on a human level, letting each patient know what they’ve experienced doesn’t separate them from others, can strengthen their recovery experience. Athena says,

“Even if our experience feels like a departure, we’re still interconnected on a really deep and unknown level….And it helps me continue to normalize the experience of those I’m working with.”

As Athena saw in Rwanda, community and group healing can be powerful tools in healing. They offer group therapy at ITTC to bring patients together, helping them see and hear they aren’t alone. She notes an environment of safety and trust is often required for those with trauma to feel comfortable in a group setting, but once patients feel comfortable, the benefits can go far beyond 1:1 therapy. Here’s another quote from her podcast episode:

“That’s like the foundation of attachment, right? That we need somebody to see us, to attune to us, to understand us and respond appropriately…. Expanding the number of hands and arms that are around us while we go through hard things is obviously going to create a different, a higher level, of support. So I really strongly believe in group work as being foundational to moving forward.”

Addressing Complex Cases with Compassion and Experience

Along with treating symptoms of trauma and complex PTSD, Athena also specializes in dissociative disorders and their relation to trauma. She helps patients navigate complex conditions like dissociative identity disorder (DID), which can develop after childhood trauma and adversity. Athena is almost complete with her education as a Doctor of Psychology, adding to her experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)/therapist. She continues to provide training and community for other healthcare professionals with KALOS, an education platform.

Early, accurate diagnoses of conditions like DID, other dissociative disorders, and PTSD can lower costs of treatment, speed up access to care, and improve a patient’s overall quality of life. Athena sees changes like this, and a reuniting to our human connectedness, as important pieces in improving lives and helping those with trauma feel seen in their healing.

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Rural Recovery: Challenges and Hope

Rural areas offer great benefits, like a slower pace of life, open fields, and close-knit communities. But what happens when they can’t provide the resources someone vitally needs, like addiction and mental health treatment? Lacking what many urban dwellers take for granted—access to resources—can endanger the billions of people living in rural communities worldwide. 

Thankfully, technology has opened new doors for rural areas. With just a phone or laptop and internet access, people can attend therapy online and even virtual rehab. Increased mental health awareness in small communities may also create new and improved resources for areas in desperate need.

To learn more about the healthcare challenges in rural areas and how providers navigate them, listen to our recent podcast episode featuring Dr. Jonathan Rosenthal!

Behavioral Health Challenges in Rural Areas

About 1/5th of rural Americans have a diagnosed mental health condition1. Urbanites make up close to the same. However, those in rural areas have more trouble accessing care and finding clinicians, as opposed to urban cities with multiple clinics and practices to choose from. 

Over 60% of rural Americans live in ‘mental health provider shortage’ areas1, with 65% of rural counties without psychiatrists. Waiting lists for therapy or more intensive care can extend for months. Limited mental health knowledge and stigma often prevent rural residents from seeking treatment at all. If they do, low availability often means they must choose the first provider they can get, whether they’re a knowledgeable fit or not. Personalized care can become more of a luxury than a necessity.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) often become the first and only line of defense for mental health conditions and substance use. While PCPs can prescribe medications and recommend next steps, they often don’t have the specialized training in mental health or addiction to educate and support patients properly.

A Top Challenge: Growing Suicide Rates in Rural Communities

Rural residents are twice as likely to die by suicide than urban residents1. Isolation, stigma, poverty, and an inability to access care contribute to the steadily growing rate of rural suicides. Timely access to care, crisis services, and increased awareness of mental health could lower the risk of suicide among rural residents, particularly veterans and young adults. 

Boundaries to Effective Care in Rural Communities

People in rural areas face several prevalent barriers to care, including limited availability of resources, long travel times to get to treatment, and stigma. 

Lack of Access

Here’s a story highlighting a common treatment scenario in rural communities, where the necessary treatment simply isn’t available:

  • Rosie has been struggling with severe depression and loneliness. After months of waiting, she finally got into therapy. Rosie thinks group therapy would help her feel less alone and stigmatized. Her therapist agrees, but tells Rosie they don’t have any groups in town. Rosie keeps going to individual therapy but misses out on an aspect of treatment she feels is crucial.

Not having access to is the biggest bar to effective care1. Often, those in rural communities simply don’t have clear or easy access to treatment (or any access at all) and thus don’t receive it. And when they do seek treatment, overwhelmed medical providers can only refer to whatever resources they have and hope availability opens up.

Rosie’s story is a poignant illustration of the challenges faced by those seeking mental health care in rural areas. After enduring a prolonged wait to receive therapy, she encounters another hurdle: the absence of group therapy options in her area, which she and her therapist agree could be vital for her recovery. This scenario highlights the disparity in mental health resources available in less populated regions and the significant impact it can have on those in need of comprehensive care.

Long Wait Times

Waiting time poses another barrier to care. Here’s a second scenario highlighting this:

  • Darren has a paralyzing fear of socializing and talking in groups. He feels something isn’t right and seeks out therapy, but hears he’ll have to wait at least five months to get in. To manage his symptoms in the meantime, Darren starts bringing alcohol with him to work and getting tipsy to deal with his social anxiety. 

With these long wait times, symptoms can worsen; patients could lose motivation and back out. Being unable to access care could lead to substance use as a way to cope with conditions like depression, trauma, or anxiety. 

Darren’s situation underscores the pressing challenges that arise from the lack of timely access to mental health services. Suffering from a paralyzing fear of socializing and speaking in groups, Darren recognizes the need for professional help and reaches out for therapy. However, he bumps into a discouraging five-month wait. In a desperate attempt to manage his escalating anxiety, Darren resorts to bringing alcohol to work, using it to lessen his discomfort in social situations. This scenario highlights the detrimental effects that can occur when immediate mental health support is unavailable.

Behavioral Health Illiteracy

People in rural communities may not know how to identify behavioral health issues1 or how to get treatment. Bigger cities and communities often have more programs and initiatives highlighting behavioral health treatment and broadening awareness.

Stigma

Without adequate knowledge of behavioral health conditions, stigma can make mental health challenges and addiction seem unimportant or weak, discouraging rural residents from seeking help. Living where everybody knows everybody, they may worry they’ll be judged if they try to get help or admit to a problem. 

Travel Times

Rural residents often have long drives to get to a treatment facility or clinic that meets their needs. Juggling the time spent on the road, work, and other personal obligations can delay care2 or keep them from seeking it altogether. Here’s a predicament a farmer may face when trying to get treatment:

  • Bill seeks out treatment for his alcohol use disorder and needs a psychiatrist to go to once a week. The closest psychiatrist to him practices an hour and a half away, which means he’ll be gone for almost four hours each time. But Bill runs his own cattle farm, and he needs to milk his cows every morning and ensure they’re fed. Leaving for 4 hours feels out of the question; he cancels his appointments and decides to deal with his symptoms alone. 

Solutions for Better Access and Support

Rural areas need more general physicians, therapists, and specialists to meet the rising demand for behavioral health services. Incentive programs in some states encourage new physicians to practice in rural areas1, which could steadily grow their workforce and improve access to care. Other solutions, many already in play, include:

Virtual Care

Virtual care uses the internet3 to connect patients and care providers virtually. Since COVID-19, virtual care has become more commonplace and can serve as a vital connection for rural residents and treatment providers. You only need a phone or laptop and an internet connection to access virtual care. You’ll use a secure online platform to conveniently meet with a doctor, therapist, psychiatrist, or other healthcare provider.

With virtual care, you don’t have to live in a certain city or near a therapist’s office. You can even attend residential rehab online and outpatient levels of care. And with a larger pool of providers and specialists to choose from, you can get into treatment faster and find care specialized to your needs. 

Incentives for Rural Providers

Some state governments have incentivized more healthcare providers1 to practice in rural communities. If they practice for a set number of years, they receive additional financial compensation. If every state had the funding for this initiative, it could repopulate the rural workforce with eager health and mental health providers.

Increased Behavioral Health Training

Additional training would benefit current rural providers1 and help them make better-informed decisions on patient care. Primary care physicians would understand all the available options, including virtual care and local crisis services for mental health and addiction. Some programs have started training non-professionals to provide peer support, which has had success in the rural Native Alaskan community.

Known and Accessible Suicide Prevention Strategies

Death by suicide occurs more commonly in rural populations1, especially in kids, young adults, and older adults. Social isolation and not knowing what support they have can lead to untreated crises. Many programs and crisis services do exist and specifically serve rural populations, like local crisis teams, but residents don’t often know they’re there.

Educating community members on their available crisis services and support programs could save lives. Community leaders could make their crisis services more prominent and accessible by posting them in daily newspapers and highlighting crisis hotlines like 988 (National Suicide Prevention Hotline). Schools, churches, and businesses could also spread the word to destigmatize mental health and inform residents of their resources.

Better Support for Physicians

Physicians and mental health professionals face burnout in all settings, but rural providers can end up shouldering high caseloads and pressure to treat more people than they reasonably can. Compassion fatigue and discouragement can drive providers to areas with better support, so providing support in rural settings could help them stay. Financial incentives could bring more practitioners to rural areas, also lightening the load for current practitioners. 

Psychological care, peer support, and financial benefits can help providers retain their well-being and compassion, essentially helping them help others.  

Future Goals and Ideas

In an ideal world, rural populations would have the same access to and knowledge of mental health and addiction care as urbanites. Virtual health would fill in the gaps, with more better-trained and better-supported providers meeting the high need and demand for behavioral healthcare. Awareness and education on behavioral health would reduce stigma and help people feel more comfortable asking for help. 

Low-Cost Clinics

Low-cost clinics, funded by grants or donations, could offer the affordable care many rural residents in poverty need. Staff at these clinics could educate patients on good mental and physical health, with free resources for improving their diet and creating healthier habits.

Funding Local Resources

Funding for local programs could strengthen community services, too, helping them offer more robust non-clinical services. For example, funds to a local crisis support unit could go towards hiring full-time staff with specific crisis training.

In rural areas and beyond, everyone who needs treatment should have a clear path to it and support along the way, whether from their doctor, family, other community members, or all three. 

Learn more about future goals and ideas in improving rural healthcare by listening to our recent podcast episode here!

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Exploring Recovery and Treatment Options: Your Guide to Mental Health and Addiction Support

It’s a powerful decision to seek treatment for addiction and mental health conditions. Once you commit to recovery, you can begin the process of finding treatment that fits your needs. This can be much simpler than you might expect with the myriad of resources and treatment services available. 

This guide explores the various treatment options for addiction and mental health recovery, so you can identify what will work best for you and your recovery needs.

Understanding Treatment Options and Levels of Care

Your condition, its severity, and other factors typically determine your level of care. Consult with your doctor to see which level they recommend based on your unique situation. Treatment options include:

  1. Inpatient detox with the necessary medical support to manage withdrawal symptoms and make detox a more comfortable and safe experience. You’ll have 24/7 monitoring and support in a live-in environment.
  2. Residential treatment for intensive addiction and mental health treatment focused on your psychological needs and providing a safe, structured environment. Here, you live on-site and engage in full-time therapy to heal underlying factors.
  3. Day treatment offers 30+ hours of weekly therapy, and you’ll typically live at home with evenings available for work or family time.
  4. Intensive outpatient programs provide 20+ hours of weekly therapy in morning, afternoon, or evening sessions to accommodate work and personal needs.
  5. General outpatient includes 1-2 weekly therapy sessions to keep you connected to peers and professional support.
  6. Sober living provides peer housing to keep you connected with daily structure, routines, and accountability.
  7. Virtual treatment offers an all-online recovery experience, using secure online platforms to join meetings and speak with treatment providers in a location convenient to you.

Residential treatment, which usually lasts 28-90 days, provides more intensive care and a monitored living environment that’s substance-free and supportive. Outpatient offers less intensive care when you and your care team decide you feel comfortable living at home and having more independence. Some people progress through each level, starting with detox and ending with sober living. Others may only attend day treatment; your path depends on your unique needs.

When considering treatment, you can also get an idea of where you want to go—if you want to stay close to home, travel to another state (like a southern state in the winter), or go abroad for a completely new experience. Going close to home may be more convenient, while out-of-state or international treatment allows you to enjoy a new environment.

Therapy and Counseling

Therapy and counseling provide regular support on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. You’ll talk 1:1 with a therapist or in a group setting to investigate your condition(s) and its root causes, develop coping tools, and adjust negative self-talk. Your therapist will use one or more evidence-based therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), or a trauma-focused therapy like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

You can also attend Biblical counseling, marriage counseling, and family counseling to recover from addiction and mental health conditions.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) relieves withdrawal symptoms from opioids and alcohol. It can also prevent relapse by managing cravings1 and causing unpleasant reactions to substances, like Antabuse for alcohol use disorder2. MAT can also refer to psychopharmaceuticals, which are medications for mental health conditions3 like depression, anxiety, and psychotic disorders.

A doctor or psychiatrist prescribes MATs based on your symptoms and preferences. Together, you’ll identify how long you’ll be on the medication, effects you can expect, and any negative side effects to be aware of. They may develop a tapering plan to help you gradually lower your dose until you’re off the medication completely.

Support Groups and Peer Counseling

You can join a wide array of support groups for addiction and mental health recovery. Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are faith-based and follow the 12 Steps to maintain recovery.

Non-12-Step, peer-led groups include Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) peer groups, and spiritual groups. A therapist leads group therapies focused on a specific therapy, such as DBT groups.

Exploring Different Therapeutic Approaches

You have multiple therapies available to meet your unique needs. They’ll have different focuses and techniques, but all aim to improve your well-being and resilience. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT addresses unhelpful thought patterns and thought distortions4, like black-and-white thinking (something’s either all good or all bad) and discouraging self-talk. Your therapist will help you recognize the thoughts and emotions leading to unhealthy coping behaviors, like addiction. Then, you’ll work on changing or adapting these distortions until they become realistic, positive, and/or manageable. For example, you may recognize shame as a driving factor for taking drugs. CBT helps you challenge that shame, find out where it comes from, and recognize you have other ways to cope. 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Similar to CBT, DBT is mindfulness-based and addresses unhelpful thought patterns but with the intent of coping, accepting, and adapting5 rather than challenging the thoughts. It’s renowned for its ability to treat borderline personality disorder, suicidality, and depression, but has wide-spread benefits. DBT can feel more validating and motivating for patients with ingrained thought distortions, encouraging them to navigate them without invalidating their experience and emotions. 

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing uses direct, person-centered motivation6 to encourage beneficial behavior and implement self-sufficient tendencies. It was first developed to treat alcohol use disorder and encouraged clients to “explore and restore ambivalence.” It helps clients recognize issues and how they’re going to cope with them by tapping into their inner values and goals. For example, a patient may recognize they have an issue with explosive anger; they value others and their feelings, and use that value to motivate changes in their behaviors.

Holistic Approaches

Holistic recovery options address each person as a whole, typically using movement or body-based activities to provide mental and physical healing. Examples include yoga, energy therapy, and creative therapies like art therapy and music therapy. These therapies engage mind and body, promoting recovery in the same. When combined with evidence-based therapies, they can be especially effective7. 

Specialized Programs for Dual Diagnosis

Having a dual diagnosis means you have two or more co-occurring conditions, like a substance use disorder and depression. Many rehabs and other treatment centers offer specialized dual-diagnosis care to treat addiction and its underlying causes. That’s because mental health conditions and addiction, or two mental health conditions, can cause the other8 and become an ongoing cycle. Dual-diagnosis treatment aims to address both conditions at once for a more integrated and personalized recovery experience.

A treatment facility with dual-diagnosis care will often begin treatment with in-depth psychological and physical assessments to diagnose co-occurring conditions and tailor your treatment accordingly. They may also have psychologists and psychiatrists on-staff to offer more informed mental health treatment.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Treatment Program

Once you and your care team narrow down the type of treatment and level of care you need, you can then consider some key logistics to help you make a final decision. Keep the following factors in mind:

  • Location and accessibility. Is it easy to get there? Can you realistically make the commute as often as your treatment plan requires? Consider where you’d like to go for treatment, too—close to home, in another state, or abroad.
  • Cost and insurance coverage. Check to see if the treatment facility you have in mind takes your insurance. If they don’t, or if you don’t have insurance, see if you qualify for a scholarship program or if you can set up a payment plan.
  • Accreditation and licensing. Check to make sure your facility is properly accredited and licensed. They’ll typically include this information prominently on their website, like being accredited by the Joint Commission or CARF, LegitScript certified, and/or licensed in their state to provide treatment.
  • Individualized treatment plans. Will your treatment plan be personalized to your needs? You can confirm this by searching their website or speaking directly with staff to see how they’ll individualize your care.

Start Exploring and Forging Your Path to Recovery Today

Your treatment journey is yours and yours alone. The more you learn about your recovery options, the more confident you can feel starting the journey. Doctors and mental health professionals can also guide you through the process and help you figure out which treatment methods and alternative therapies will suit you best.
To browse a variety of treatment centers, use Recovery.com to see photos, insurance information, and an overview of each center’s treatment options.

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Navigating Therapy: 11 Tips for Finding the Right Therapist

Finding the right therapist opens a myriad of available treatment types, session formats, and positive therapeutic relationships in your area. It’s the first step on what could be an effective healing journey.

Finding a therapist that fits your needs isn’t always a streamlined process, but it can be. Keep these 11 tips in mind as you start your search to feel empowered in your decision. 

#1: Self-Reflect 

Reflect on your needs and what your goals are in therapy. Do you need help with depressive symptoms? Are you looking to gain coping tools for stress? Or do you know you simply need someone to talk to? 

Take a few moments to identify and write down what you need from therapy. Depending on what you find, it can make your process simpler. For example, if you can identify you need help healing from trauma, you can narrow your search down to therapists who specialize in trauma care.

#2: Determine Therapeutic Approach

Evidence-based therapeutic approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and many more.  

Some therapists may also specialize in holistic approaches, like somatic experiencing and mindfulness-based CBT to better connect your mind and body. Therapists may also specialize in individual therapy or only offer group therapy.

Different approaches may match better with your personality and treatment goals. You can discuss your options with your primary care provider or a prospective therapist to learn more about what resonates with you.

#3: Consider Specializations

Therapists may specialize in certain forms of therapy or techniques. For instance, a therapist may specialize in EMDR or internal family systems (IFS) therapy. Therapists may earn specialized credentials or training to perform these types of therapy, or they may dedicate their career to a particular therapeutic approach and gain specialized experience over time.

You can look at a therapist’s bio to learn more about their experience and what they’ve specialized in. Ask them what their specialties are too. They may also have a badge of accreditation included on their profile. 

#4: Research Credentials

Licensed therapists will have any of the following licensure:

  • LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
  • LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor
  • LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  • LLP: Limited Licensed Practitioner (Psychologist)
  • LP: Licensed Psychologist 

Therapists need a master’s degree in psychology or counseling and pass a licensure exam. Licensed psychologists have their doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and pass a licensure exam. 

#5: Seek Recommendations

Ask your primary care physician for their recommendations on a therapist and the therapy approach that may meet your needs. You can also ask family and friends for their recommendations, which can be especially helpful for finding local support.

You can also check online platforms like the American Psychological Association, Yelp, and Google for reviews and summaries of what individual therapists offer. 

#6: Assess Compatibility

Researching a therapist may clue you into your compatibility. Or, you can assess your compatibility during your first session. If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist, it’s important to find someone else. Having a positive therapeutic relationship can increase the benefits of therapy1 and help you heal. 

Keep in mind that you don’t have to stick with one therapist. You can stop at any time and look for a stronger connection elsewhere. 

If you’re compatible with your therapist, you’ll feel like you’re being heard and validated. You’ll feel comfortable speaking and sharing intimate details of your life or situation. You’ll also feel like your words or feelings won’t be judged, which can help you open up freely and experience more benefits. 

#7: Inquire About Therapeutic Approach

Ask your therapist about the approaches they use to hear it described in their own words. In an initial consultation or session, you can learn more about their approaches and why they’ve chosen to provide them. You can also ask about their treatment philosophy to learn more about why they do what they do, and if their motivations align with yours. 

If you have any questions about their approach, you can ask them in this session or in online communications with the therapist.

#8: Evaluate Communication Style

Everyone communicates differently, including therapists. Some may speak more bluntly and directly. Others may prioritize gentleness and will communicate more indirectly. 

You’ll typically discover your therapist’s communication style in your first session. If your communication styles align, you’re more likely to develop a positive therapeutic relationship. 

#9: Consider Logistics

To make therapy a practical endeavor, their office should be easily accessible and their services affordable. You can ask your therapist right away if they offer online sessions; their profile or webpage will typically mention this too. If you have to drive an hour to their office, it may be more difficult to commit to going. Expensive sessions can also deter consistent attendance.

Many therapists accept insurance to keep costs manageable. Consult with your insurance provider and their office to see if your plan will cover costs of treatment. In some cases, your plan will only require a small flat rate for each session.

Some therapists offer therapy online for greater accessibility. If you’re comfortable attending online, virtual sessions can offer flexibility and make treatment possible for those in rural areas or with disabilities.

#10: Trust Your Instincts

You may find a therapist with all the skills and qualifications you feel you need. They could have decades of experience and a fancy office. But that doesn’t mean they’ll be the right fit for you—if anything feels off, trust your instincts and look elsewhere. 

Pursue therapists you form a genuine connection with. You’ll likely notice this right away, or at least within your first 2 sessions. You’ll intuitively feel comfortable with them and open to sharing.

#11: Stay Open to Exploration

You have as many chances as you need to find a therapist you connect with—it’s not something you have to get right in your first try. You can adjust your expectations by remaining open to the idea of trying new therapists. The first one may not be the right fit, and that’s okay. Keep trying.

Pursuing a stronger therapeutic relationship or a different therapeutic approach can benefit your healing and potential for growth. You can continue self-reflection as you attend therapy to ensure your therapist meets your needs and you’re both achieving set goals.  


More intensive care options, like residential rehabs, offer individual therapy as well. You can browse behavioral health centers with individualized care and see prices, insurance options, and reviews.

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23 Essential Facts About Alcohol Addiction

It can be hard to trust what you hear about alcohol addiction. And when you’re planning for recovery, you need to know exactly what you’re facing. These alcohol facts can help you make important decisions about treatment. 

1. Alcohol Addiction Is a Chronic Disease

Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease1 with serious, long-term health effects. This condition is also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcoholism. AUD is highly treatable and can go into long-term remission.

2. Alcohol Use Disorder Can Affect Anyone

Anyone can develop AUD, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and so on. Because alcohol is socially acceptable in most parts of the world, it can be hard to tell when your drinking gets out of hand. 

3. Alcohol Addiction Affects Nearly 30 Million People

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) tracks alcohol facts and statistics in the U.S. According to their most recent data, 28.6 million adults had alcohol use disorder2 in 2021. That’s 11.3% of everyone in the country aged 18 or older. 

4. Your Genetics, Environment, and Other Factors Can Lead to Alcohol Addiction

Many factors can make you vulnerable to alcohol addiction.3 For example, alcohol addiction tends to run in families. On the surface, that implies AUD is genetic. But this could also be an environmental issue, because childhood trauma increases your risk of addiction. Studies show that mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression can also play a role. 

5. Long-Term Alcohol Abuse Has Serious Health Impacts

Over time, excessive drinking can cause severe physical health problems:4

  • Stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver problems
  • Weakened immune system
  • Pancreatitis
  • Cancer

Alcohol abuse also increases your risk of developing mental health problems.5

6. Alcohol Addiction Gets Worse Over Time

For most people, alcohol use disorder is progressive.6 In other words, it gets worse over time. Without proper treatment, your alcohol addiction will likely get more severe. 

7. Alcohol Withdrawal Can Be Physically Dangerous

When you first quit drinking, you may develop some or all of the following alcohol withdrawal symptoms:7

  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep problems
  • Headache
  • Digestive issues
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Delirium tremens

Without proper treatment, withdrawing from alcohol can be fatal. When you first enter recovery for AUD, it’s extremely important to get the medical care you need.

8. There Are Many Treatments for Alcohol Addiction

There are countless ways to heal from addiction. Rehab for alcohol addiction can include a combination of medical treatments, talk therapy, support groups, and other activities. Different programs offer various types of therapy. Some even develop individualized care plans for each client.

9. Alcohol Addiction Often Co-Occurs With Other Mental Health Disorders

Alcohol addiction commonly co-occurs with other mental health issues. People with AUD have higher rates of depression,8 anxiety, PTSD, and other substance use disorders. If you’re healing from multiple conditions at once, you will likely need specialized treatment.

10. Alcohol Use Disorder Has a High Relapse Rate

Relapse is a common part of alcohol addiction recovery. In one study, at least 60% of people with AUD relapsed9 within the first year of recovery. Certain risk factors — like clinical depression — make relapse more likely. On the other hand, having a strong support network reduces your risk of relapse.10 That could include a therapist, support groups, family, and trusted friends. Building out your support system is an essential part of healing. You can start this process during rehab by making a specific plan for aftercare.

11. Alcohol Addiction Affects Relationships

Alcohol abuse can profoundly affect your closest relationships, in every stage of addiction and recovery. While untreated AUD can severely impact whole families,11 treatment has the opposite effect. Experts say it’s impossible to separate alcohol addiction from family dynamics. That’s why many rehabs offer family therapy as a central part of treatment.

12. Alcohol Addiction Can Impact Cognitive Function

Drinking alcohol, and especially alcohol abuse, can interfere with brain function.12 Specifically, it interferes with memory, motor function, and judgment. These effects are worse for teenagers and for people with chronic, long-term addiction. 

13. Early Intervention Can Make a Huge Difference

Early intervention and treatment for alcohol addiction can significantly improve the chances of successful recovery.

14. Social Support Can Help You Recover

Social support is essential during recovery13 from alcohol addiction. A wealth of data shows that people with stronger relationships recover more quickly and completely. Your support network could include family, friends, colleagues, your care team, and members of a support group. Given the high success rate of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), it might be a good place to start building your community.

15. Alcohol Addiction Is a Diagnosable Medical Condition

Despite the stigma surrounding addiction, healthcare professionals agree that AUD is a serious medical issue. The American Psychiatric Association (APA), for example, explains that people with alcohol addiction “have lost reliable control of their alcohol use.14 It doesn’t matter what kind of alcohol someone drinks or even how much: Alcohol-dependent people are often unable to stop drinking once they start.” If you have a diagnosis of AUD, you’ll probably need professional treatment to recover. 

16. Excessive Drinking Can Weaken Your Immune System

Heavy drinking can interfere with immune function.15 As a result, chronic alcohol abuse increases your risk of pneumonia, respiratory problems, liver disease, and certain types of cancer. People with AUD have a higher rate of complications after surgery and may heal from injuries more slowly.

17. Alcohol Addiction Harms Marginalized Communities

Anyone can abuse alcohol. However, some data shows that AUD disproportionally affects marginalized communities. For example, having less education and lower socioeconomic status greatly increases your risk of alcohol addiction.16 This is true regardless of genetics or family history. Other studies report that race also plays a role in AUD,17 and that Black communities are at greater risk. 

18. Binge Drinking May Increase Your Risk of Addiction

Recent studies show a link between binge drinking and alcohol addiction.18 We still need more information about how they relate. It could be true that binge drinking raises your risk of developing an addiction in the future. On the other hand, some say that binge drinking itself is a sign of addiction. If that’s the case, the act itself wouldn’t increase your risk of AUD. But either way, it can still qualify as alcohol abuse. If you binge drink regularly, you might consider getting treatment for alcohol addiction.

19. Relapse Is Not Failure

Relapse is a common part of recovery from alcohol addiction. It is not a sign of failure. When you think of AUD as a disease, it’s easier to make sense of this pattern. The National Institute of Health (NIH) compares addiction to other chronic conditions,19 like asthma and high blood pressure: “Relapse is common and similar across these illnesses. Therefore, substance use disorders should be treated like any other chronic illness. Relapse serves as a sign for resumed, modified, or new treatment.”

20. Underage Drinking Can Lead to Alcohol Addiction

Drinking as a teenager20 increases your risk of developing AUD as an adult. One study found that people who drank alcohol before age 15 were 3.5 times more likely to abuse alcohol. Underage drinking can also change or interfere with the way your brain develops. For teenagers with alcohol addiction, family therapy is usually an important part of treatment.

21. Integrated Treatment Can Help

If you have a mental health diagnosis in addition to AUD, it’s called dual diagnosis. Recovering from co-occurring disorders can be complex. Studies show that it’s most effective to treat mental health issues and addiction21 at the same time. By integrating different types of therapy, you can address the root cause of both issues simultaneously. Many residential rehabs use this holistic approach to treatment.

22. Chronic Alcohol Abuse Can Cause Brain Damage

Long-term alcohol addiction can lead to brain damage.22 This can occur in several different ways:

  • Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: This condition is a rare type of dementia. It affects people who drink so heavily, for such a long time, that they develop severe vitamin B-1 deficiencies. Symptoms include confusion, memory issues, poor judgment, hallucinations, and cognitive decline.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Alcohol increases your risk of TBI, either due to accidents or aggressive behavior. Up to 81% of people with TBIs are intoxicated when they first sustain their injuries.
  • Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD):23 While ARBD mimics dementia, it has some key differences. For one thing, it usually doesn’t worse over time. This condition usually affects people in their 40s or 50s. With proper treatment, many patients can completely recover.

23. Different People Need Different Types of Treatment

There are many factors to consider when you’re planning recovery. For example, do you need to detox from alcohol before starting rehab? While you’re in treatment, will you need ongoing medical care? Are you interested in attending a faith-based program that follows the 12 Steps? There’s no right or wrong way to approach treatment, but it’s important to find a center that can meet your unique needs. 

Compare rehabs that treat alcohol addiction to find the right program for you.

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A Guide to the Biopsychosocial Model of Mental Health

According to the biopsychosocial model of mental health, there are 3 different dimensions of health and illness. Clinicians believe biological, psychological, and social factors can all affect your well-being.

Within this model, you’ll receive holistic treatment. Your care plan will include various therapies that focus on each aspect of your life. This comprehensive approach addresses your needs as a whole person, instead of just treating isolated symptoms. 

Understanding the Biopsychosocial Model

George L. Engel introduced the biopsychosocial model of mental health1—sometimes called the BPS model—in 1977. Since then, it’s gained widespread support among mental health professionals. 

According to Engel, health problems don’t happen in a vacuum. He defined 3 areas that contribute to any diagnosis: 

  • Biological
  • Psychological
  • Social

These 3 dimensions of wellness have a complex relationship. Having symptoms in any one of these areas can cause problems in the other two. 

For example, seasonal allergies are a biological issue. If you work outside, severe symptoms might force you to take a sick day. That could affect your income and your family, which are social issues. Sneezing all day can also put you in a bad mood, affecting your psychological state. What starts as a simple immune response can impact every aspect of your life. 

When you understand how your symptoms support each other, it’s easier to find the right types of treatment. For example, data shows that anger makes chronic pain more severe.2 If you have both of these issues, going to talk therapy for anger management could help you physically heal. 

The BPS model draws clear distinctions between its 3 areas of focus: 

Biological Factors

There’s a strong link between mental and physical health.3 On one level, this may seem intuitive. If you’re sick, you’ll probably have to rest instead of doing things you enjoy. But the connection goes much deeper. Having a heart attack, for example, raises your risk of depression. And some mental health issues, like PTSD, can have physical symptoms.4

Mental Health and Genetics

Many mental illnesses run in families,5 suggesting they might be genetic. However, until researchers can isolate the relevant genes, this will remain a theory. Today, experts believe that bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia, among other diagnoses, are likely hereditary. 

The Neurochemistry of Addiction

Behavioral health problems can also have biological components. For example, the neurotransmitter dopamine plays a role in addiction.6 This naturally occurring chemical makes you feel a sense of reward. 

When you have an addiction, the act of taking drugs stimulates the release of dopamine. That’s true no matter which drugs you’re using. Your brain can come to depend on substance use as the trigger to produce this essential neurochemical. In other words, you’ll only feel a sense of achievement when you drink or take drugs. 

This chemical balance can get worse over time, making it harder and harder to quit. While that cycle is a biological process, it also has serious emotional consequences. 

Psychological Factors

Psychological factors, like self-esteem, can affect your mental health.7 On its own, low self-esteem isn’t technically a symptom of mental illness. But it can lead to more severe issues. For example, one study found that people with less self-esteem had a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and attention problems.

Cognitive Processes

A cognitive process is the way your brain performs a task.8 Learning, decision-making, and paying attention are all examples of cognitive processes. 

Mental illness affects your cognitive processes. For example, data shows that depression interferes with memory formation.9 And ongoing memory problems can affect your work, social life, and overall well-being.

This connection goes both ways. Poor cognitive processing10 increases your risk of developing a new mental illness. Without proper treatment, this can lead to a spiral of worsening symptoms. 

Social Factors

Interpersonal relationships have a major impact on mental health.11 Social support lowers your risk of developing mental illness and addiction. And if you do have mental health issues, strong relationships improve your chance of recovery. 

Cultural Norms

There’s more to your social life than relationships. Your cultural background also influences your mental health.12 That’s because your values affect the way you think about your behavior. In some cultures, for example, it’s okay to have a beer with friends after work. In others, drinking is strictly taboo. Either way, your beliefs may affect how you define alcohol abuse. 

It’s important to find treatment that supports your values. With the biopsychosocial approach, clinicians may design a clinical care plan just for you. They may employ a variety of treatment methods, depending on your unique recovery goals. 

Socioeconomic Status

Your economic status matters, too. Researchers correlate lower socioeconomic status with higher rates of mental illness.13 This is probably due to the chronic stress of financial insecurity. That stress can also damage relationships, cutting you off from valuable social support. And what’s more, a lack of resources makes it harder to afford mental health treatment.

Application of the Biopsychosocial Model in Assessment

Under the biopsychosocial model, treatment starts with a comprehensive assessment.14 This approach to diagnosis is the standard of care. In other words, experts agree that it’s an effective way to start planning your long-term recovery. 

During the assessment, your care team will ask a series of questions15 about your physical, mental, and social well-being. These interviews are extremely detailed and may vary between providers. However, most assessments will include certain basic questions:

  • Do you have any past or present medical diagnoses?
  • Do you have any past or present mental health diagnoses?
  • Do you have a family history of any physical or mental illnesses?
  • What symptoms are you currently experiencing?
  • Do you now, or have you ever taken illicit drugs?
  • What is your living situation?
  • How much sleep do you normally get in a night?
  • Who is part of your support network? Does it include family, friends, healthcare providers, etc?
  • What is your highest level of education?
  • Are you currently employed?

Clinicians use this information to understand how your symptoms fit together. If you don’t already have a diagnosis, they may give you one before discussing treatment. Either way, the next step is to develop your plan of care. 

Treatment and Interventions

Despite the evidence that supports it, biopsychosocial treatment is not widely available.16 One study found that in hospital settings, few doctors perform comprehensive assessments. Instead, most providers focus on physical symptoms. If you’d like to receive treatment under the BPS model, you may need to seek out a specialized program.

By definition, biopsychosocial care includes multiple types of treatment.17 Each one addresses a different aspect of your health. For example, your care plan might include some or all of these therapies:

  • Biological: Medical care, nutrition counseling, physical therapy
  • Psychological: Talk therapy, behavioral therapy
  • Social: Family therapy, support groups

In many programs, your clinicians will work together18 to provide integrated treatment. You may meet with your care team as a group, and they may meet privately to discuss your case. This close communication allows them to track your progress and make adjustments to your care plan if necessary.

Limitations and Criticisms

While biopsychosocial assessment is the standard of care, this model has some limitations.19 Specifically, it focuses more on diagnosis than treatment. Without formal guidance on how to design a care plan, every provider takes a slightly different approach. This makes it hard for patients to know what they can expect during recovery. 

Some experts argue that the biopsychosocial approach is outdated.20 Critics say that scientific breakthroughs “have changed the very face of psychiatry in the last few decades,” leaving Engel’s theory behind. This new research suggests that some mental health issues have purely biological causes. However, we need much more data before we can confirm these theories.

The BPS model is more holistic21 than other approaches—maybe to a fault. S. Nassir Ghaemi, Director of the Mood Disorder Program at Tufts Medical Center, explains that “its boundaries are unclear.” In the effort to include so many dimensions of health, Engel left room for practitioners to interpret information as they see fit. As a result, their personal biases may affect treatment. Biopsychosocial treatment “gives permission to do everything, but no specific guidance to do anything,” Ghaemi writes. 

Future Directions and Implications

Despite these critiques, other experts say we can keep learning from this approach. For example, experts posit that focusing on the biopsychosocial model might reduce burnout among medical students.22 This could have far-reaching implications for the future of treatment. By setting an example for the next generation of healthcare providers, we might be able to reduce the stigma around mental illness. 

Biopsychosocial care also offers unique opportunities during recovery. Because treatment is so personalized,23 you and your care team may develop a closer bond. That connection can help you commit to treatment more fully. 

For a complete assessment of your physical, mental, and social needs, reach out to a treatment center and inquire with their admissions team. From there, you can begin planning the next phase of your recovery journey—and the rest of your life. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Biopsychosocial Model of Mental Health

What is the biopsychosocial model of mental health?

The biopsychosocial model of mental health recognizes that biological, psychological, and social factors all contribute to a person’s well-being and the development of mental health issues. It emphasizes holistic treatment that addresses each aspect of a patient’s life to provide comprehensive care.

What are the 3 dimensions of the biopsychosocial model?

The biopsychosocial model consists of 3 dimensions: biological, psychological, and social. These dimensions interact with each other, and symptoms in one area can impact the other two. By understanding these connections, healthcare providers can develop tailored treatment plans.

What types of treatment are involved in the biopsychosocial model of mental health?

In the biopsychosocial model, biological treatments may include medical care, physical therapy, and nutrition counseling. Psychological treatments may involve talk therapy and behavioral therapy. Social treatments may include family therapy and support groups. Integrated care, where different treatment providers collaborate, is common in this model.

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The Link Between Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence: Understanding and Breaking the Cycle

There’s a strong relationship between substance abuse and domestic violence. Abuse is traumatic, and its effects can follow you even after you end the relationship. Many people use drugs or alcohol to cope with that trauma, which can quickly lead to addiction. But addiction is traumatic, too. What starts as a coping mechanism might eventually compound the problem. When you’re ready to end this cycle, a rehab that treats trauma and addiction can help you move forward.

If you or someone in your life is experiencing domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) to get immediate support. 

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is the intentional use of force by a family member, romantic partner, roommate, close friend, or other loved one. There’s a common myth that all abuse is physical assault. In reality, domestic violence can be much more subtle and complex. You don’t have to wait for it to escalate. Instead, you can get help as soon as you notice any of these types of abuse, no matter how minor they may seem:

  • Intimidation
  • Destroying property 
  • Physical assault
  • Verbal insults
  • Social isolation
  • Forced sex
  • Harming pets
  • Financial, physical, or emotional control
  • Coercion to have sex, drink, or take drugs

Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or social standing. There’s also a complex relationship between substance use and domestic violence.1 These 2 issues often go hand in hand, and each one makes the other more likely. 

Both perpetrators and survivors of abuse have high rates of addiction.2

The Impact of Addiction on Domestic Violence

Addiction is common among perpetrators of domestic violence.3 25-50% of intimate partner abusers have substance use disorders. And as an abuser’s addiction grows more severe, both the frequency and severity of their abuse increases.4 

It’s important to note that most people experiencing addiction are not violent5 towards others. However, the influence of drugs or alcohol can make people with violent tendencies more likely to act on them.

By definition, being drunk or high changes your brain chemistry.6 As a result, drinking or using drugs can change the way you think, feel, and react to stress. You might be less capable of controlling your anger, making violence more likely. Ongoing drug use increases your risk of violent behavior7 over time. 

Social norms can also contribute to higher rates of violence. In some cultures, “I was drunk” is an acceptable excuse for a wide range of negative behavior, from telling secrets to picking fights. When people feel like they can blame their actions on substances, they may drink or use drugs to justify ongoing violence.8 This mindset can also prevent them from getting the help they need.

Women experiencing alcohol or drug addiction are also more likely to become victims of domestic violence.9 However, studies show that this often relates to their partners’ substance abuse issues even more than their own.

Substance use doesn’t cause domestic violence. And blaming violence on a person’s addiction—whether they’re the survivor or the perpetrator—removes the abuser’s responsibility.

Facts on Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence

Data shows a strong connection between correlate substance use and domestic violence: 

  • Domestic violence survivors are nearly 6 times more likely to develop alcohol addiction. 
  • Nearly 50% of women who enter addiction treatment are domestic violence survivors. The rates are much higher for women in opioid addiction treatment. 
  • When both people in a relationship use substances, their risk of interpersonal violence goes up.
  • 39% of incarcerated abusers have a history of alcohol addiction.
  • 22% of incarcerated abusers have a history of drug addiction.
  • Substance use is involved in up to 80% of child abuse cases.
  • Teens and young adults who were abused in childhood have a higher risk of addiction.
  • Serious physical violence occurs in 8-13% of all marriages.
  • Women who abuse substances are at a higher risk of domestic violence.

How Domestic Violence Can Lead to Addiction

Domestic violence survivors are at a high risk of addiction.12 That’s partly because it’s so common for survivors to self-medicate13 the symptoms of trauma. Survivors are also more likely to experience mental health issues.14 So they may use drugs or alcohol to cope with the symptoms of another diagnosis, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Addiction in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Many people cope with the trauma of intimate partner violence (IPV) by using drugs or alcohol.19 For many survivors, this occasional coping method quickly turns into addiction—especially if you lack other coping strategies. Survivors of IPV also tend to have more severe addiction symptoms. 

Physical injuries from IPV can also lead to addiction. For example, it’s common for IPV to result in chronic pain or traumatic brain injury. Both of these conditions increase your risk of addiction. But developing an addiction also increases your risk of experiencing IPV again, and this can quickly become a cycle. Seeking treatment can keep you safe from further violence. 

Special Considerations for Men Who Have Survived Domestic Violence 

Although most research focuses on women survivors, 25-50% of people who survive IPV each year are men.20 And like women, studies show that male survivors of domestic violence are more likely to develop addiction. But the cultural stigma that male survivors face can be a barrier to treatment and recovery. 

Treatment for Addiction and Domestic Violence-Related Trauma

When you’re recovering from abuse and addiction, it’s ideal to find treatment that addresses both at the same time. Studies show that comprehensive treatment is more effective21 than seeking help for trauma and addiction separately. 

How Does Comprehensive Treatment Work?

Most rehabs that address both addiction and domestic violence offer trauma-informed care. Trauma affects everyone differently, and its impacts can be surprising. A trauma-informed approach accounts for your unique needs during recovery, even as those needs change.

Recognizing your triggers and respecting your boundaries is a huge part of this. For example, you’ll be able to say “stop” at any point in therapy, and take a break or change the subject. The physical environment will also be conducive to healing with well-lit common areas, no loud noises, and safety features like security personnel at entrances and exits. 

Integrated treatment also accounts for the role of trauma in addiction.22 For example, if you’re in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you might learn how to cope with trauma triggers without using drugs or alcohol. These skills can help you navigate long-term recovery from both conditions. 

Aftercare Planning for Survivors of Domestic Violence

For survivors, aftercare includes more than ongoing mental health support. While that’s important, it’s just one part of your safety. In most programs, you can start planning for aftercare as soon as you enter treatment.

When you start rehab, your therapist may ask you to sign a no-contact contract,23 where you’ll agree not to communicate with your abuser during treatment. But after rehab, it’s not always that simple. If you have children with them or share assets like a house, the legal system may require some amount of contact. 

It’s also common for survivors to be socially isolated24 and have fewer financial resources immediately after an abusive relationship. So as you approach the end of treatment, you’ll work with your therapist to create a concrete safety plan25 for after you leave. That plan might include: 

  • Intentions around if, when and how you’ll be in contact with your abuser, including information about your legal rights
  • A safe place to live
  • A new phone number, email address or other contact information your abuser won’t have access to
  • A local therapist
  • In-person support groups
  • Relevant hotlines for social services
  • Other community resources

Healing from abuse is a deeply personal process, and every survivor has unique needs. Your provider can help you find the resources you need to achieve your recovery goals.

You can start healing from abuse and addiction in treatment centers around the world. Rehabs that treat trauma will help you plan for a safer, brighter future. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence and Addiction

How does substance use affect domestic violence?

Substance use is common among both perpetrators and survivors of domestic violence, and it can increase the risk and severity of violent behavior. Alcohol and drugs change brain chemistry, making it harder to control anger and increasing the likelihood of violence.

How can rehab help with domestic violence and addiction?

Rehabs that specialize in treating both addiction and trauma offer a safe, supportive space where survivors can heal from the trauma of abuse while also addressing their addiction. Treatment often includes individual and group therapy, medical care, and complementary therapies. Rehab can also provide survivors with the skills and tools they need to build a healthy, substance-free life after leaving the program. It’s important to choose a rehab that’s equipped to handle both issues and has experience working with survivors of domestic violence.

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2023 Oscar Nominated Movies That Include Addiction

Films and TV shows tend to shape how culture views a certain subject (or profession). Recently, the idea of therapists, mental health, and addiction in pop culture became more mainstream. However, some films and shows do more harm than good—overdramatizing addiction and mental health, or just poorly representing it.

Others capture the rawness, truth and importance of addiction and mental health. 

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed 

Winning an Oscar for best documentary, All the Beauty and the Bloodshed recounts photographer Nan Goldin’s experience with addiction. She depicts her addiction to prescription painkiller OxyContin, and her frustration with the Sackler family.  

America’s Opioid Crisis

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed shows that Nan’s addiction began after an injury. Doctors prescribed a common medication at the time, OxyContin – which is highly addictive if taken incorrectly1. It contains oxycodone, which causes a high similar to heroin. 

Nan, like many others, became addicted to OxyContin after a perhaps thoughtless pain management plan. Nan formed P.A.I.N.2, Prescription Addiction Intervention Now, to “speak for the 250,000 bodies that no longer can.”

The Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, received backlash for pushing OxyContin prescriptions when they perhaps weren’t needed. Nan worked to get museums and other Sackler-supported institutions to publicly separate from the family. 

America’s opioid crisis may have begun with overprescription of pain meds3, but it’s since grown for new reasons, like cheap, accessible products. Fentanyl, too, plays a large role in the 1,500 opioid-related deaths per week.

Treatment Options for Opioid Addiction

Many rehabs treat opioid addiction. In a residential setting, you’ll likely go through a medically supervised detox first, then begin therapeutic treatment. 

Therapies for opioid addiction could range from talk therapies to contingency management plans, which offer rewards for each step you complete in treatment. Talk therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) will help you work through the thoughts and emotions causing your behaviors. Then, you’ll learn new ways to process and manage what you feel.

You’ll learn coping tools for the future, relapse prevention strategies, and typically engage in an aftercare program to keep you well supported. 

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed explored prescription medication addiction. Other nominated movies this year blazed new trails, like The Whale.

The Whale Explores Grief And Binge-Eating

The Oscars nominated Brendan Fraser for Best Lead Actor. The Whale depicts Charlie’s (Fraser) journey through binge eating, grief, and depression. His coping mechanism began after the death of his partner. 

The story highlights the power of grief and the hold of eating disorders, and how they can function as a coping tool. Different characters in the film try to help Charlie, but as it often is, his grief is persistent. 

What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating is eating without control4—it might feel impossible to stop. Sometimes, after binging, a purge happens; this is the pattern of bulimia nervosa5. You might purge through throwing up, taking laxatives, excessive exercise, or starving yourself. It’s meant to “undo” the binge. Not every binge eater purges, though. 

Binge eating might be your coping tool, especially if you’re dealing with something as powerful as grief.

Grief And Depression

Depression is a stage of grief6, as proposed by Kübler-Ross. In The Whale, Charlie mourns the loss of his partner, who died by suicide. Depression became a strong stage in his mourning. 

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, you can call or text the number 988.

The film suggests binge eating became Charlie’s own way of committing suicide.

Getting Help for Grief And Depression

There’s help for the millions of others like Charlie. Grief and depression can weigh heavily—sometimes unbearably so. But you do have options to heal. 

Complicated grief therapy (CGT)7, for example, can help with grief and all its stages. Using loss- and restoration-focused care, “the therapist works to facilitate the progress of grief to help the client come to terms with the death.” 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help with depression and grief7. Using CBT, your therapist can help you modify your thoughts and change your behaviors. For grief, CBT could help you process your loss in a more productive way.

To Leslie And Blonde

Both To Leslie and Blonde highlight drug and alcohol addiction. They were also both nominated for Best Leading Actress in the 2023 Oscars. Ana de Armas played Marilyn Monroe in Blonde, and Andrea Riseborough played Leslie in To Leslie.

To Leslie depicts a mother’s struggle with addiction, spurred on by a seemingly-ideal lottery win. Leslie reaches new lows and eventually seeks help for her daughter’s sake and herself. 

Blonde retells the life story of Marilyn Monroe, who tragically and famously died after an overdose. 

Drug And Alcohol Addiction: Not Just for The Famous

Movies like Blonde make addiction seem almost ritzy—something only people with deep pockets can do. Then, To Leslie goes and proves that wrong. So which is true? 

It’s both. 

Addiction doesn’t discriminate. In each movie, despite the contrasts in leading women, their reasons for substance abuse were similar. The case remains true for many today. Stressors, mental illnesses, or trauma can start a habit you can’t stop on your own. 

Stories like Leslie’s and Monroe’s can help the larger public see this through a cleaner lens. Addiction wasn’t a moral failing of either woman. It was how they coped. 

But there’s more than one way to find that same sense of control. Treatment can help you see that.

Treatment Options for Drug And Alcohol Use

Many rehabs treat drug and alcohol addiction. Here, you’d have constant monitoring, individualized care, and a structured treatment schedule. Most residential rehabs also offer on-site detox. 

Depending on your situation, you might find an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or partial hospitalization program (PHP) more suitable. Each of these programs provides effective treatment, and you get to go home at night. IOP is less intensive, usually lasting 3-5 hours a day, while PHP could go for 5-8. 

In these treatment settings, you’ll learn relapse prevention skills and work on the thoughts behind your behaviors. Rehabs typically offer a variety of therapies to meet your needs. 

You can browse our list of rehabs to see reviews, pricing, and insurance information, and more.