When considering the probability or treatment for youth or adolescents with diagnosed mental health disorders, the most common thought is treatment is focused on medication. For some, this consideration can affect their perceptions on the most appropriate treatment for their child. However, current research suggests that several mental health disorders can be treated with psychotherapy in conjunction with or instead of medication. Of course, treatment for mental health problems should not be addressed with a single universal approach, but rather a customized treatment plan based on the diagnoses, concerns, severity, and conditions that are specific to each patient and situation.
Psychotherapy can consist of a number of different approaches, which include behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, social effectiveness training, and behavioral classroom management. These possible approaches can be utilized as treatment for a variety of mental health disorders including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, Autism, eating disorders, depression, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, disruptive behavior, substance abuse, and traumatic events.
The most common form of psychotherapy is referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy. This treatment combines two approaches for one comprehensive strategy. Cognitive therapy, a form of therapy designed to target how thoughts and beliefs affect behaviors and actions is one aspect of this treatment approach. The other aspect includes behavioral therapy that addresses a person’s behaviors and actions in an attempt to aid the person in making better behavior choices. The combination of these two therapies provides an approach that allows an analysis of both thinking patterns and behavioral patterns to address how thoughts, actions, and emotions affect our behavioral choices. This approach seeks to aid patients in making adjustments to thoughts and behaviors to live healthy, happier, and more productive lives.
Psychotherapies are only one option for treatment when addressing mental health disorders. However, these approaches can provide parents some course of treatment besides medication, which can allow parents and children to feel more in control of their treatment plan.
