At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
How Do I Choose the Best Mental Health Rehabilitation Center?
When choosing a mental health rehabilitation center, decide whether you require a facility that offers outpatient services or specialized programs. It is a good idea to ask your primary care physician or a mental health counselor for recommendations. Psychiatric rehabilitation services may include sessions to help a patient recover from substance abuse or mental illness, so choose a center that offers a suitable program or service. Many mental health rehabilitation centers also offer group therapy with family members who can offer support. Before choosing a mental health rehabilitation center, be sure to inquire about costs and insurance plans that are accepted.
A community mental health rehabilitation center may be a convenient option to consider. Location is important, and often you may find such a center in your local neighborhood. Additionally, many community mental health centers offer 24-hour emergency services to established patients. It's best to select a center that performs analysis and screenings of patients to determine the correct course of treatment.
It's a good idea to make a list of potential mental health rehabilitation centers in your area. Take a tour of the facility beforehand, and take note of the surroundings and atmosphere. Mental health care providers should be helpful, courteous, and willing to answer all questions. Qualifications of counselors and staff members are of utmost importance as well. To help you in your quest to find the right mental health rehabilitation center, check consumer ratings for feedback.
Before making your decision, you might want to inquire if the facility employs counselors that are authorized to prescribe medications, should the need arise. To do so, a licensed counselor must meet certain qualifications. The facility should employ staff with diverse backgrounds, such as social workers, psychologists and psychotherapists. If you have a personal preference for male or female counselors and therapists, ask if you have the option of choosing.
You will most likely want to choose a mental health rehabilitation center that offers flexible scheduling. If you prefer outpatient services, be certain that you can schedule hours at your convenience. Ask in advance if you will require weekly or monthly sessions. It's also a good idea to ask if your payments are required at the time of service.
It is best to choose a mental health rehabilitation center that offers after-hours phone contact should the need arise. If your therapist or physician cannot be reached in the event of an emergency, the facility should offer a substitute to stand in for him. If you feel the least bit uncomfortable with any of the answers you receive, feel free to look elsewhere for the right facility.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Woman with a headache]()
Woman with a headache
Discussion Comments
Find the center that will give the individual the best chance of succeeding. That is the top priority when choosing a rehabilitation center. Unfortunately, finding that perfect match can be very difficult.
Depending on the particular mental health issue and the individual,you may want to choose a supportive outpatient program where the person visits once a week; or you may want to choose an intense 24-hour program where individuals are under constant supervision.
The important thing is to know all the options available. Mental health programs are as individual and the people who use them.
My girlfriend's sister has an eating disorder and she suffers from depression as well. I have read that about 80 percent of people treated for depression get better, so seeking treatment is worthwhile, but most people never do.
I would imagine that if you choose the best rehabilitation center then the number would be greater than 80 percent. The numbers are even better for people with anxiety issues.
Eating disorders can be a bit more difficult for people to overcome. This will be the third time my girlfriend's sister has gone to some type of residential treatment program, and she also goes to group sessions after the residential treatments end.
In the United States, especially in the state where I live, governmental funding for mental health facilities in general has been cut to such a degree that many people are unable to afford rehabilitation facilities.
And many general insurance policies don't cover or offer little coverage for conditions related to mental health, so in too many cases only people with great insurance policies or people with above average amounts of money can take advantage of mental health rehabilitation centers.
Post your comments