Tips for Creating a Brain-Based Mental Health Treatment Plan

• Include Caregivers and Supportive Adults: While the client is the focus, involving caregivers and other key adults can help create a more supportive environment. Many mental health challenges come from environments that don’t fully understand the client’s brain differences. Educating caregivers can reduce unrealistic expectations and improve the client’s well-being. This is important at all life stages, including adulthood.
  
  

• Focus on Interdependence, Not Just Independence: Instead of pushing for complete independence, treatment should support healthy interdependence—where the client can rely on others when needed. Reconsider terms like "dependency" and "enabling" in this context.
  
  

• Support Caregivers Too: Caregivers may have their own brain-based challenges. Set realistic, achievable goals for them so they can provide better support.
  
  

• Match Learning Styles: People learn differently—some prefer visual aids, others learn best through hands-on experience, reading, or listening. Consider these styles when sharing information with the client, caregivers, and other support people (like teachers). Use videos, written guides, hands-on activities, or discussions to ensure understanding.
  
  

• Build Trust First: Clients with brain-based differences may have experienced trauma that affects their ability to trust and accept help. Establishing safety and trust with both the clinician and caregivers is essential for progress.
  
  

• Consider the Environment: The surroundings can affect therapy success. Factors like lighting, colors, clutter, and daily transitions impact mood and focus. A well-structured space can reduce stress and improve self-regulation in therapy, at home, in school, or at work.
  
  

• Use Strengths to Guide Treatment Goals:
  
  

  • Make sure goals are based on the client’s brain strengths and challenges.

  • Let the client have a say in their treatment goals.

  • Don’t just focus on weaknesses—build on strengths and interests to boost learning and confidence.

  • Goals should match the client’s emotional and cognitive development, not just their age.

  • Skills may not transfer easily across different settings, so involve all support systems (home, school, therapy) to ensure consistency.

  • Progress may take time. Set realistic, flexible goals broken into small, manageable steps to support steady growth.