Full Description
A unique consumer resource for understanding mental health treatment
With over 250 models of counseling and psychotherapy currently used to treat emotional problems and serious mental illness, figuring out where to look for the right services can be a daunting task. A Consumer's Guide to Mental Health Services offers pragmatic solutions for those considering or already beginning treatment. It helps you to make important decisions regarding whether seeing a psychiatrist, a social worker, a counselor, or a psychologist is best for your particular needs. It also explores health insurance and coverage of treatment as well as how long it may take for you to begin feeling like yourself again. This valuable text looks at the intricacies of the mental health care system and provides a helpful summary that is both accessible and useful.
If you've ever tried to find help for a major life transition, depression, or anxiety and have been overwhelmed by the options for mental health treatment, you are not alone. A Consumer's Guide to Mental Health Services is a unique text that breaks down the vast array of service options with a critical eye so consumers can get the vital information they need in a straightforward and accessible way. This comprehensive text even includes a Questions to Ask section that will help you find the right clinician to fit your exact needs.
Some of the topics A Consumer's Guide to Mental Health Services covers in detail are:
causes of mental health problems
the three main models of mental health
how clinicians who use the different models view mental health
types of providers available and the different services they offer
talk therapies and medications
ethical codes of all professions
consumers' rights
the insurance industry, its history and current role
matching treatment to the problem
alternatives to therapy
and much more!
A Consumer's Guide to Mental Health Services is a valuable and practical resource for anyone considering or beginning mental health treatment or their family and friends. It is also a useful addition for educators or students working through introductory courses in all of the major mental health fields.
Contents
Foreword (Greg Gumbel)
Introduction
PART I: CAUSES OF MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
Chapter 1. The Medical Model
The Biological Medical Model
Cultural Bias
To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Brain and Mind
A Brief History
Top Ten Problems with the Medical Model
Conclusion
Chapter 2. The Psychological Models
Developmental Theories
Behavioral Theory
Humanistic Theory
Top Five Problems with a Psychological Model
Conclusion
Chapter 3. The Systems Models
What Is a System?
Bowen Family Systems Theory
Structural Family Therapy
Postmodern Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Top Six Problems with a Family Systems Model
Conclusion
PART II: TYPES OF SERVICESPEOPLE, MODES, MODELS, PROCESSES, AND OUTCOMES
Chapter 4. The Providers
The Players
Addictions, Substance Abuse, Alcohol and Drug Counselors
Clinical Professional Counselors
Clinical Social Workers
Hypnotists
Marriage (Couple) and Family Therapists
Pastoral Counselors
Personal Coaches
Rehabilitation Counselors
Psychiatrists
Psychoanalysts
Psychiatric Nurses
Psychologists
Chapter 5. Talk Therapies: Modes, Models, Processes, and Outcomes
Quick Fixes and Fast Cures
Modes and Models of Therapy
Models, Techniques, and Frameworks
Therapy Processes
Types of Mental Health Delivery
Chapter 6. Biological Treatments
Problems with a Biological Model
Medications: Pros and Cons
Frequently Prescribed Medications
PART III: THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOWETHICS AND PAYMENTS
Chapter 7. Legal and Ethical Issues: What You Should Expect As a Consumer
Informed Consent
Confidentiality and Privilege
Counseling Approach and Theory
Counseling and Financial Records
Ethical Guidelines
Licensing Regulations
Credentials
Fees and Charges
Disputes and Complaints
Conclusion
Chapter 8. Using Health Insurance to Pay for Mental Health Services
A Brief History of the Insurance Industry
Health Insurance and the Mind-Body Split
How Does the Money Flow?
Accessing Behavioral Health Benefits through Health Insurance
Tomorrow's Health Insurance
Conclusion
Chapter 9. Getting What You Need: The Many Alternatives
Spectrum of Services and Products
Medication Treatments and Management
Psychotherapy
Coaching by Professionals
Self-Help Groups
Health Promotion Programs and Services
Peer Sponsors
Social Supports
Holistic Health Care
Psychoeducational Events with Professional Teachers
Self-Help Publications and Events
Notes
References
Index
