If you are experiencing a mental health issue, it is best to seek help from a mental health clinic. Mental health clinics offer various services that can help you get on the path to recovery. Here are four services you can get from a mental health clinic.
1. Psychiatric care
Psychiatric care consists of diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders in both adults and children. Some examples of psychiatric disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, etc.
You can come in for an appointment on your own accord or you may be referred by other medical doctors such as general practitioners (GPs). If you are coming for help because another doctor recommended it, do note that nobody else such as friends, family members, or colleagues should accompany you during the interview session until after you have been assessed. You should also refrain from discussing any personal issues prior to assessment unless the interviewer asks about them.
2. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is interpersonal communication between a client and a therapist. It can help patients to cope with or recover from a psychiatric disorder by providing tools, skills training, and knowledge on how to manage mental illness effectively. There are different types of psychotherapies that suit different situations depending on the severity of your symptoms. Once you have been assessed, you will be assigned a primary care provider from a team of therapists who will guide you through the process. Your progress will be assessed throughout treatment to ensure that your symptoms do not recur after you finish therapy sessions at the clinic.
3. Medication Management
Medication management involves monitoring and managing the medication that you are currently taking for psychiatric disorders. The medications that you take may be prescribed by your primary care therapist or by a specialist such as a neurologist, endocrinologist, etc.
It is important to take your medications as prescribed in order to achieve the best results. You will be given regular appointments by a pharmacist at the clinic to review your medications and check for any adverse effects. Your dosage may also be adjusted accordingly if necessary.
4. Group therapy
Group therapy at the mental health clinic is open to patients who are 18 and above. Group therapy involves attending weekly sessions led by mental health professionals where you will be able to interact with other patients who are undergoing similar treatments. It can sometimes be difficult to discuss one's condition with others, but it is important because there may be someone else in the group that has experienced something you are going through now. This provides hope for the patient and makes them feel less lonely in their struggles.
You may also gain support from the group members during future appointments at the clinic because they would know how you feel without having to explain anything about your past experiences. Lastly, it is a safe and confidential place where you can share your thoughts and feelings without any judgment.
