Comparing Mental Health Treatment Approaches

The first decision you need to make in choosing a counselor who will be right for you is about treatment philosophy. The treatment you receive will be based on the practitioner’s “theoretical orientation”, which means their belief about what causes you to think and feel the way you do. Two fundamental schools of thought are the medical and holistic models of mental health. The medical model of mental health views your symptoms as a disease, largely the result of a biochemical imbalance, often considered genetic, that is typically treated using prescription medication geared for your psychiatric diagnosis. Conventional psychiatrists and psychologists tend to fall in this category, and referrals can be found on www.psychologytoday.com. The holistic model of mental health recognizes that there are many pathways that create mental and emotional imbalance, not just biochemical and genetic. Holistic practitioners by definition explore all pathways for restoring wellness to the whole person, mind, body and spirit. As a result, you have many treatment options to choose from, whether traditional, alternative or complementary. And, if you are currently receiving care from your conventional physician, that care can be integrated holistically into your treatment or wellness plan.

If this more humanistic style sounds right for you, please click below for more information on my holistic and integrative approach to psychotherapy and life coaching, or call me today at 303.547.8327.