Treatment refers to medical interventions designed to relieve, manage or cure disease or health conditions. These can be non-invasive techniques such as medications and lifestyle changes or invasive procedures like surgery and diagnostic tests. Treatment also includes therapies and counseling to help people with mental illness improve their quality of life.
Often, chemical dependency services are combined with mental health treatments. This is because many people with substance use disorder also have a mental illness that requires attention. Mental health treatment can include a variety of options like individual therapy, group therapy and family therapy. Some of these therapies are based on specific approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and contingency management.
Another important aspect of treatment is case management. Case managers assist patients with arranging critical services like housing, transportation, legal advocacy and child welfare services. They can also help patients overcome difficulties accessing or participating in treatment programs. Case managers can also facilitate communication between treatment providers and other human service agencies.
Some individuals may require more intensive treatment to get better. This can be in a residential or hospital-based setting. It can also include specialized programs that are provided by community organizations and public agencies. These programs are often called intermediate treatment or partial hospitalization programs. They provide a step-down from residential treatment and may be used as a bridge to inpatient or outpatient care. These programs can include community support groups, residential and day treatment programs, sober living and halfway houses.
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