Key Considerations When Selecting a Mental Health Treatment Center

Choosing the right mental health treatment center is a crucial decision when seeking support for mental health concerns. These centers offer a wide range of therapeutic approaches to address various mental health conditions. 

Before choosing one, however, an in-depth exploration of factors to consider should be made. While there are mental health treatment centers that offer various therapies, treatment centers that specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are preferable due to its effectiveness in treating several mental health disorders.

Evaluating Your Mental Health Needs

Before selecting a particular treatment center, it is essential to assess your mental health needs and objectives. Understanding your specific concerns, a professional diagnosis (if applicable), and mental health treatment goals will help you find a treatment center that aligns with your requirements. Consider the following questions:

1. What mental health condition or symptoms are you seeking treatment for?

2. Do you have any co-occurring disorders, such as substance use or eating disorders?

3. Are you looking for outpatient or inpatient care?

4. Are you interested in individual therapy, group therapy, or a combination of both?

5. What is your preferred treatment approach or therapy type?

Qualities to Look for in a Mental Health Treatment Center

Accreditation and Licensing Ensure that the treatment center is accredited and licensed by relevant state or national authorities. Accreditation signifies that the facility meets recognized standards of care.

Experienced and Qualified Staff Research the qualifications and experience of the treatment center's staff, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support staff. Check if they have experience in treating your specific mental health concerns.

Evidence-Based Approaches Look for a center that emphasizes evidence-based therapies proven effective for various mental health conditions. DBT, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapies are examples of evidence-based approaches.

Comprehensive Assessment A reputable treatment center should conduct a thorough assessment to understand your unique needs and tailor a personalized treatment plan accordingly.

Range of Therapeutic Modalities Seek a center that offers a variety of therapeutic modalities, including individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and holistic approaches like yoga and art therapy.

Inclusive and Culturally Competent Consider a center that values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that their staff is culturally competent and able to provide care to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Support for Co-Occurring Disorders If you have co-occurring disorders (e.g., substance use or eating disorders), choose a treatment center equipped to address both conditions simultaneously.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy as a Treatment

Initially developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is now a widely recognized and evidence-based form of psychotherapy . Over the years, it has been adapted and proven effective in addressing a range of other mental health conditions. These include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and eating disorders.

DBT was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s as a response to the limitations of traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Used to treat individuals with BPD who often experience intense emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and self-destructive behavior, Dr. Linehan integrated elements of cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices and dialectical thinking to create DBT.

Mindfulness

DBT places a strong emphasis on mindfulness, which involves being fully present in the moment without judgment. It's about embracing the current moment with acceptance, encouraging individuals to stop dwelling on past regrets or worrying about the future.

A concept rooted in Eastern philosophies and meditation practices, its integration into DBT has proved to be highly effective in helping individuals manage their emotions, helping individuals recognize and accept their emotions as they occur. By doing so, individuals can prevent their emotions from overwhelming them and making impulsive decisions. It is also particularly helpful in helping individuals cope with distressing situations and emotions. Instead of avoiding or suppressing distress, individuals learn to sit with it, acknowledge it, and ultimately find healthier ways to manage it.

Another goal of DBT is to reduce impulsivity, allowing individuals to respond to situations in a more measured and deliberate manner. It also helps individuals to cultivate a greater sense of well-being, fostering a greater sense of peace, acceptance and contentment in their daily lives.

Mindfulness skills also help individuals observe their thoughts, feelings, and sensations, promoting self-awareness. They become more in tune with their thought patterns, emotional responses, and physical sensations, which is crucial for gaining insight into their mental and emotional states.

Dialectics

The term "dialectics" originates from classical philosophy and refers to the integration of opposites. It is often described as the synthesis of conflicting ideas or perspectives. The concept of dialectics lies at the heart of DBT and it plays a significant role in helping individuals navigate the complexities of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors .In DBT, dialectical thinking helps individuals accept their current reality while simultaneously working toward change. 

DBT emphasizes the importance of radical acceptance—accepting reality as it is, without resistance. Radical acceptance involves acknowledging and embracing one's current circumstances, even when they are difficult or painful. This does not mean approval or resignation but rather a willingness to acknowledge what is, as a starting point for change.

While acceptance is a crucial component of DBT, it does not imply complacency or inaction. Dialectical thinking encourages individuals to recognize that accepting their current reality is not mutually exclusive from working towards positive change. It fosters the belief that, even in the face of adversity, individuals can take steps towards improving their lives and well-being.

This balanced approach is pivotal to the effectiveness of DBT as a treatment modality. This is evident in various aspects of DBT, with DBT therapists validating their clients' experiences and emotions while also helping them identify and implement strategies for change. This combination of validation and change strategies creates a supportive and forward-focused therapeutic environment.

Clients are encouraged to accept themselves and their experiences as they are, while simultaneously committing to making meaningful changes in their lives. This dual approach helps individuals find a middle ground between complacency and constant self-criticism.

DBT validates the validity of emotions and the importance of acknowledging and processing them. This acknowledgment is essential for emotional regulation and provides the foundation for developing healthier coping strategies.

Dialectical thinking also aids in resolving ambivalence, a common challenge in the process of change. Ambivalence refers to the simultaneous presence of conflicting desires or motivations. For example, an individual may desire to quit a destructive behavior while also feeling a strong pull to continue it. Dialectical thinking helps individuals explore and navigate these conflicting motivations, ultimately guiding them towards a more balanced and informed decision.

By striking a balance between acceptance and change, DBT empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of their emotional experiences and behaviors, ultimately promoting personal growth and well-being. It is through this dialectical process that DBT offers a comprehensive and effective approach to mental health treatment.

A Structured DBT Program

If you are seeking DBT specifically, ensure that the mental health treatment center has a structured DBT program that provides comprehensive and consistent DBT therapy. DBT programs typically include individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultation team meetings.

DBT is complex and requires therapists with specialized training. Ensure that the treatment center has experienced and certified DBT therapists who adhere to the model's principles. DBT can be adapted to treat co-occurring disorders, making it a versatile approach for individuals with multiple mental health concerns.

Additional Considerations

It’s not just the therapies being offered or the competency of the staff that’s important in selecting a mental health treatment center. There are other factors like location and environment to consider when choosing a treatment center that’s fit for your needs.

Location and Accessibility Is it easily accessible for you or your loved one? As of 2020, there are 12,275 mental health treatment facilities in the United States. Outpatient facilities are the most common type, followed by residential centers. Accessibility can significantly impact participation in treatment. 

Duration of Treatment How long will the treatment take? Determine the expected duration of treatment programs, as this can vary widely depending on the center and the type of therapy offered.

Family Involvement Can the family be involved? Explore the extent to which family members can be involved in the treatment process, especially if family dynamics play a significant role in your mental health concerns.

Supportive Environment What kind of environment does the center offer? Seek a treatment center with a supportive and compassionate environment that prioritizes the well-being of its clients.

Aftercare and Relapse Prevention Does the center offer aftercare? Inquire about the center's aftercare programs and relapse prevention strategies, as ongoing support is crucial for maintaining progress after treatment.

Making the Right Choice

Selecting the right mental health treatment center is a significant step toward addressing mental health concerns and achieving recovery. To make an informed choice, evaluate your specific mental health needs and treatment goals. Prioritize accredited facilities with experienced and qualified staff, evidence-based therapies, and a range of therapeutic modalities. If DBT is the preferred approach, ensure that the center offers a structured DBT program with experienced therapists.

Remember that seeking treatment for mental health concerns is a courageous step, and the right treatment center can provide you or your loved one with the necessary tools and support for healing and long-term well-being.