Where Can I Get Depression Treatment in Laguna Beach?

Where Can I Get Depression Treatment in Laguna Beach?

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There have been 15 million doctor visits that result in the diagnosis of depression in the last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Depression is a serious psychological disorder that can sneak up on you. Sometimes it is hard to detect, as some people may think they are feeling down for the season and will “get over it.” Depression treatment can help equip you with coping skills when you have a depressive episode or provide you with skills and knowledge to manage consistent depression. Whatever your type of depression, you can get excellent outpatient treatment in Laguna Beach.

Different Types of Depression

In states that have consistent rain and cloud coverage, people tend to understand that depression can affect you when you lack sun exposure. However, depression can develop from trauma, biology, or due the experiences someone has. There are different types of depression, as they all affect a person for different time lengths and severity.

Major Depression

This type of depression is experienced in episodes with feelings such as sadness, listlessness, or lack of motivation. These episodes can last for a few weeks and have long-term effects. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), where a person experiences symptoms typically in the winter, is a type of major depression.

Persistent Depression

The reoccurrence of major depressive episodes can develop into persistent depression. Experiencing depressive episodes within a certain timeframe is what changes it to persistent depression. In the past, persistent depression was also called dysthymic disorder.

Clinical Depression

Experiencing life depressed, like a default setting in your brain is turned on, is considered clinical depression. This type of depression affects a person not in episodes but consistently from the onset. Clinical depression is what people mean when they talk about cripplingly continuous depression. Someone with this type of depression will struggle to be part of their own life.

Postpartum Depression

Only women who can give birth experience this type of depression, although not all childbirth results in postpartum depression. It typically affects women who have just given birth and can persist for months or years. Research believes postpartum depression occurs due to the hormonal shift in a woman’s body after birth.

Disorders With Depression Symptoms

Co-occurring disorders are when someone has two or more psychological disorders affecting their brain. Many co-occurring disorders or singular disorders have symptoms that mimic depression, such as feeling sad or a lack of motivation for activities. You may see these symptoms with anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but especially with bipolar disorder. Previously bipolar disorder was known as manic depression, so it used to be categorized as a type of depression. However, there is more to bipolar disorder than depressive episodes.

Depression Treatment and Therapy

Just as with other disorders, depression treatment requires psychotherapy and consistent support. It depends on the severity of a person’s depression and its symptoms, but depression is usually treated with a type of therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

With the use of CBT, a therapist helps a person identify false patterns of thoughts and beliefs to help change maladaptive behaviors. For example, false beliefs can be  “I do not matter to anyone.” With CBT’s help, that thought can become something realistic and accurate, like “I matter to a few close loved ones, even when I feel I cannot talk to them.” This can help avoidant behavior, for example.

Outpatient Depression Treatment Levels

Alter Behavioral Health, located in Laguna Beach, offers different levels of depression treatment to meet your needs. For people with less severe depression, outpatient treatment is a good option, as it does not fully disrupt your life.

When someone attends outpatient depression treatment, they are only required to attend therapeutic groups for six to 30 hours a week. The time participating in the program varies, depending on your needs and the plan set with your treatment team. At Alter Behavioral Health, there are three levels of outpatient treatment:

  • Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
    • 1st Level – IOP5: Attend groups at period intervals, with 40 to 60 days being the average stay
    • 2nd Level – IOP3: Morning and afternoon group sessions, with 30 to 40 days being the average stay 
  • Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
    • This program is one level, with programming several hours a day, for three to five days a week

Tips for Finding Depression Treatment

Lacking motivation, energy, or a will for life can make it hard to research depression treatment options. When you have energy, making a list of qualities you need in your treatment can help when researching. Five qualities to consider on your list include the following:

  • Will you be assessed and rediagnosed upon starting the program?
  • Do they treat more than depression? 
  • Are flexible times offered? 
  • Will there be a variety of therapies?
  • Is holistic healing prioritized? 
  • Can they help with all your needs? (i.e., need help with insurance, aftercare services, or plans for reentry)

Alter Behavioral Health can help you with all of these needs and more. Not all depression treatment is of good quality. With a nationally recognized program, Alter Behavioral Health is a top, evidence-based treatment program.

Do you live in the Laguna Beach area and are feeling overburdened with depression symptoms? Do not be content only surviving depression or any other disorder anymore. At Alter Behavioral Health, we offer treatment for a variety of disorders, including depression, autism, borderline personality disorder, and more. Depression treatment can provide you with healing and skill-building to manage your disorder and thrive. Participating in one of our programs means you get to learn about your disorder, how it affects your brain and life, and the skills and resources to manage the symptoms. Do not let depression continue to cloud your life; call us at (866) 691-4386 to speak with our friendly staff about your program and treatment options. 

Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy for Treating ADHD

Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy for Treating ADHD

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In recent years, the diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become increasingly common. According to an article in the Journal of Personalized Medicine, “ADHD has a global prevalence of 5.9% to 7.1% in children and 1.2% to 7.3% in adults.” Several theories aim to address the increasing prevalence of ADHD, including greater public and professional awareness of the condition. Nevertheless, discussing effective treatment options for those with ADHD is crucial for motivating treatment engagement and recovery. 

Alter Behavioral Health is a mental health treatment center that is devoted to the success, creativity, and happiness of all individuals. We offer a wide range of therapeutic programs and services to individuals seeking treatment and recovery from all types of mental health concerns. Moreover, we specialize in the treatment of ADHD using a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy treatments. 

Understanding ADHD

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains that ADHD “is marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.” It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is most commonly diagnosed during childhood. However, it is important to note that many individuals do not receive a proper ADHD diagnosis until they reach adulthood. 

The type and severity of signs and symptoms of ADHD vary on a case-by-case basis. For example, some people may only struggle with symptoms of inattention, while most struggle with symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Some examples of symptoms that a person with ADHD may exhibit include:

  • Inattention:
    • Difficulties with staying on task
    • Inability to sustain focus
    • Issues with staying organized
    • Frequently overlooking important details at work or school
    • Issues with following through on instructions
    • Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort
    • Constantly losing important items
    • Being easily distracted
  • Hyperactivity-impulsivity
    • Restlessness
    • Difficulties with acknowledging potential long-term consequences of behaviors
    • Low tolerance for frustration
    • Excessively talking
    • Constantly in motion
    • Issues with sitting or staying still
    • Anxiety

Dismantling the Stigma of ADHD

Despite being a legit mental health condition, ADHD is commonly addressed using humor and stereotypes. For example, those with ADHD may be identified as lazy, inconsistent, and careless. In an attempt to dismantle hurtful stigma, it is important to recognize that individuals with ADHD struggle significantly in completing and following through with tasks. Like all other mental health disorders, this is because ADHD deeply affects the brain. 

ADHD in the Brain

According to an article in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, the brains of those with ADHD experience dysregulation in various neural pathways and regions involved in attention, impulse control, and stimulus integration. Additionally, ADHD is the result of neurotransmitter deficiencies that would otherwise activate the brain’s reward system properly. 

One of these neurotransmitters that is often shorted due to ADHD is norepinephrine. Combined with deficiencies in other related neurotransmitters, a person with ADHD is unable to concentrate effectively or experience value in daily activities. Moreover, impulsive behavior is heightened through an urge to stimulate neurotransmitter-generating activities. 

Those with ADHD should not feel ashamed or guilty for their inability to follow through with tasks or for their impulsive behavior. ADHD is a condition that can affect anyone, and therefore, its symptoms have no reflection upon an individual’s character. Fortunately, there are a host of treatment options available for symptom management and treatment of ADHD. 

Treating ADHD

The first step in treating ADHD is receiving a diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional. When seeking a diagnosis, an individual can ask questions and become more informed about the underlying factors that drive their ADHD symptoms. Additionally, a professional can suggest the most effective treatment options available for healing. 

At Alter Behavioral Health, our primary treatment approaches for ADHD include pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. We recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all for treatment, which is why we can personalize our client’s treatment plans to fit their unique needs and goals. 

Pharmacotherapy

This treatment involves the use of pharmaceutical medications to treat various symptoms of ADHD. Stimulants are the most effective medication type for ADHD, as they work to increase dopamine levels and other important neurotransmitters in the brain. As a result of stimulant medications, an individual may experience increased motivation, pleasure, and attention. 

It is important to highlight that using medication for a mental health disorder is not as simple as taking a prescription and experiencing an immediate reduction in symptoms. Often, medication is a process that takes time, often referred to as medication management. Working with a qualified mental health professional, a person may need to trial different medication types and dosages to ensure effective results. Additionally, understand that medication can take a few weeks to work properly. 

Moreover, medication is often not enough on its own to cease the symptoms of ADHD. An individual will need to address the connections that lie between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to experience lasting healing and recovery. In this way, pharmacotherapy in combination with psychotherapy often informs the most effective results. 

Psychotherapy

Although psychotherapy may not be enough on its own to treat ADHD, it can be extremely effective when used in tandem with prescription stimulants. Often, individuals with ADHD leave their condition untreated or are not properly diagnosed until adulthood. When ADHD is untreated or left undiagnosed, it can wreak havoc on an individual’s life. Once that individual begins treatment, they will need to address and navigate the consequences that their ADHD has had on their life. 

With psychotherapy, an individual will learn coping skills and stress management techniques for navigating common maladaptive thoughts and behavior patterns that often result from ADHD. For example, habitual cycles of negative self-talk and other self-destructive behaviors, such as substance use, can be common. Therefore, by regularly working with a therapist in psychotherapy, a person can break out of these patterns and begin to identify with an ever-healing, ever-changing self. 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. However, it is a highly stigmatized condition, with those with ADHD often labeled as “lazy” or “careless.” Nonetheless, it is a condition that results from neurotransmitter deficiencies in the brain. Fortunately, there are several effective treatment approaches that can help with symptom management for those with ADHD. At Alter Behavioral Health, we are committed to providing excellent mental health care to adults seeking healing. We specialize in the treatment of mental health and co-occurring disorders, highlighting our use of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for the treatment of ADHD. To learn more about our programs and options, give us a call today at (866) 691-4386.

Identifying Schizophrenia and Developing a Treatment Plan

Identifying Schizophrenia and Developing a Treatment Plan

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Identifying schizophrenia can be difficult, given the diverse symptoms. Schizophrenia is an often debilitating disorder that impairs one’s ability to think and behave rationally. Individuals with schizophrenia have a difficult time differentiating fantasy from reality. These symptoms manifest in a variety of ways, and no known method can cure the disorder. This article will look at how schizophrenia impacts individuals in five different categories.

The disorder affects the cognitive, behavioral, mood, phycology, and speech of the individual. While this disorder requires lifelong care, there are effective methods of treatment that can improve the quality of life and alleviate symptoms. Alter Behavioral Health has established an intricate network of healthcare professionals dedicated to providing specialized care for individuals who have schizophrenia.

Identifying Schizophrenia: Causation

A whole host of conditions are believed to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. Although, researchers have not identified any one specific cause for the disorder. It is widely believed that a combination of developmental, psychological, genetic, and environmental factors contribute to potential psychotic episodes. Because there are so many factors that play into the foundation of the disorder, treatment is lifelong.

Individuals with schizophrenia have exhibited traits that suggest an increased risk for the development of the disorder. Some of these risk factors are family history, complications at birth, drug use, and differences in brain development. Schizophrenia tends to be passed down genetically. Many individuals with the disorder have a family history of the condition.

Identifying schizophrenia can often start at birth. Studies have also shown that individuals that are underweight, premature, or experience a lack of oxygen during birth have the potential to develop the disorder.

Brain development has also been brought into the conversation of schizophrenia. Individuals with the disorder show subtle differences in the structure of their brains, suggesting that the disorder originates there. Drug use has also been linked to the development of schizophrenia. Certain narcotics can produce side effects that mimic symptoms of schizophrenia and can even trigger psychotic episodes in some who may be susceptible to the disorder.

Identifying Schizophrenia Symptoms

This disorder affects individuals in several different ways. Schizophrenia affects the cognitive, behavioral, mood, phycology, and speech of the individual. The nature of the impact of this condition makes treatment long-term.

Cognitive Impairment

Schizophrenia has a profound impact on cognitive functions. Many individuals will experience confusion, disorientation, slowness in processing, and even distorted beliefs about themselves. Schizophrenia tends to create feelings of superiority and uniqueness. Some individuals even exhibit beliefs that normal events or interactions have special meaning. There is sometimes a grandiose way of thinking and interpreting information.

Behavioral Symptoms

Complications centering around behavior and interpersonal interactions are some of the most apparent symptoms of schizophrenia. Isolation is common among individuals with this disorder, as they often have a difficult time connecting with others. Individuals also exhibit increased irritability, compulsive behavior, aggression, self-harm, and difficulty restraining themselves. Behavioral symptoms prove to be some of the most disruptive and destructive difficulties that individuals with schizophrenia struggle with.

Mood Dysregulation

Individuals who have schizophrenia experience severe difficulty regulating their moods. This may look like outbursts of strong emotions and a propensity to become easily dysregulated. Schizophrenia can produce strong feelings of anger, apathy, irritability, detachment, and inappropriate emotional outbursts. Difficulties regulating mood can make public interaction difficult and increase the need to isolate and detach from relationships.

Psychological Complications

The impacts of schizophrenia on an individual’s psychology are profound. These symptoms are usually what come to mind for most people when they think about the disorder. One of the primary symptoms of schizophrenia is visual and audible hallucinations. These hallucinations are often comprehensive and make it difficult to differentiate the hallucinations from reality. Other psychological symptoms include depression, paranoia, and anxiety.

Identifying Schizophrenia: Treatment

As previously mentioned, treatment for schizophrenia is a lifelong commitment and requires a dedicated team of care providers. Alter Behavioral Health offers several methods of treatment for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Considering there is no known cure for schizophrenia, a combination of different treatments is most recommendable. To begin the treatment process, a cohesive group of healthcare providers needs to be assembled.

One of the most effective methods for treatment is the use of medications such as antipsychotics. One of the most difficult symptoms to treat is visual and audible hallucinations. Using antipsychotics to help mitigate these particular symptoms provides a good foundation for helping the individual engage with reality. Often individuals with schizophrenia have a hard time separating the hallucinations from real life. Regulating this system is incredibly valuable in the therapeutic process.

Pairing antipsychotic medications with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) adds another layer of care to the equation. CBT helps the individual engage with their thoughts and belief system. Considering the impact schizophrenia has on the mind and thought patterns, a professional must intervene and help establish boundaries for the individual. Professional counselors can also help the client engage with their trauma and develop coping skills for regulating strong emotional outbursts.

Schizophrenia is a serious and often debilitating mental illness. Although there is no way to cure this disorder, there are methods for treatment that can significantly improve the quality of life for the individual. Treatment needs to be holistic and consistent over the course of the individual’s life. Alter Behavioral Health has a dedicated plan for treatment and a broad community of professionals that are ready to provide the care needed to help individuals with schizophrenia. For inquiries, contact us at (866) 691-4386. Even though there is no cure for this illness, there is space to dramatically improve the lives of the individuals who are struggling and help equip family members and friends to provide further support.

Was My PTSD Misdiagnosed as Depression?

Was My PTSD Misdiagnosed as Depression?

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Mental health treatment should be supportive and kind. It should be challenging yet educational and healing. If not, a person’s mental health may be more harmed. Proper treatment and diagnosis are necessary for healing. However, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression often get misdiagnosed, as some professionals mix up the symptoms. Alter Behavioral Health begins with an assessment and diagnosis to make sure this does not happen to you during treatment.

PTSD: The Experience and Symptoms

Experiencing something traumatic, such as being abused or a car crash, can linger and develop into PTSD. Not all experiences of trauma cause PTSD, although symptoms may begin within three months of the initial event but can occur years later as well. If you have PTSD, you may experience one or all of the following symptoms:

  • Having flashbacks or re-experiencing the trauma, causing a person to relive the trauma or have persistent thoughts and dreams
  • Avoidance of  thoughts, people, or places that remind of the trauma
  • Reactivity, which causes quick reactions, such as angry outbursts
  • Altered cognition and mood, distorted thoughts or feelings about oneself or the world, or not remembering parts of the trauma

You can get treatment to heal from PTSD, but it takes effort and time to finish. Three of the most effective trauma-focused therapies include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps make connections between thoughts, emotions, and behavior to understand how trauma affected you and change how you feel
  • Exposure therapy: Exposing yourself to the memories by talking about them again and again, or in some cases, visiting places, to lessen the severity of the memories
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): This uses repeated sounds or movement to focus the brain while you talk through the trauma to work through the feelings

Describing Depression

Depression alters a person’s outlook on life, motivation, and enjoyment of activities, people, and life in general. While “I’m depressed” gets thrown around in conversations as a replacement for “I’m bored” or “I’m sad” a lot, depression is serious. There are five main types of depression:

  • Major depression: Where you experience episodes of depression symptoms, such as listlessness or lack of motivation
  • Persistent depression: This is when major depressive episodes occur frequently
  • Clinical depression: When a person experiences depression throughout their life, almost by default
  • Bipolar depression or manic depression: Intense swings between positive or energetic and depressive
  • Postpartum depression: Occurs in some women after giving birth

While these five types of depression can look similar, they affect a person’s life at different intensities. Everyone experiences depression differently, especially if they have past trauma in their life. Common symptoms of all types of depression are:

  • Negative persistent feelings, such as sadness or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in activities, hobbies, or people
  • Insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Anxiety or restlessness
  • Slowed thinking or movement
  • Reoccurring thoughts of death or suicide

Depression vs. PTSD

PTSD and depression often get mixed up because PTSD can cause depression or depression-like symptoms. However, they are two very different disorders.

Depression can be debilitating, whereas PTSD often triggers the fight-or-flight response. A person can freeze and not know what to do or be able to move when having a PTSD flashback. Alternatively, depression can cause manic energy or avoidance. They sound similar but affect a person’s life differently.

Someone may naturally start managing their PTSD, as most people will adapt and learn to survive the trauma. With PTSD, a person may be distracted from memories and thoughts. They may be able to put off a flashback with the help of others. In comparison, depression makes a person not want to exist or show up in their own life. Even with all the coping skills in the world, depression without professional help can be dangerous.

Dangers of Misdiagnosis

Someone can go through their life with a misdiagnosis, thinking they need to heal certain parts of themselves and missing other parts that need healing. Misdiagnosis can cause a person to deny symptoms because it is not part of their disorder. It can cause repression of memories because they do not align with the diagnosis.

When depression and PTSD are mixed up, a person may only be working on their outlook on life, not knowing there are traumatic memories that need exploring. That can cause turmoil in their life, such as being reactive to people and not understanding why.

Treatment for PTSD at Alter Behavioral Health

Receiving treatment for PTSD includes a supportive and comforting environment, around-the-clock medical and mental care access, focused treatment, and peer support. Alter Behavioral Health provides more than treatment, but helps connect you to community services, helps you build skills for a successful life, and helps you plan for after treatment. They also have you work closely with your treatment team to make sure your therapy and treatment goals are being reached. When they are not, you and your therapist will work together to make changes so you can be successful.

You will also receive whole-person treatment at Alter Behavioral Health. While some therapists or treatment programs only look at and treat the symptoms of the disorder you are there for, whole-person healing looks at you as a whole. This includes your emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, and occupational wellness. If one or more of those areas of your life are suffering, it will affect your disorder and you as a whole.

Being misdiagnosed can be harmful to your mental health. At Alter Behavioral Health, we prioritize assessment and diagnosis upon entering our program for accurate diagnosis. When you have an accurate diagnosis, you can get the correct type of treatment to change your life. With evidence-based care and a safe place to heal, whether from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, we have the program for you. Contact us today at (866) 691-4386 to hear about our program options. With a nationally recognized program, you can trust us with your healing. Only you can make the ultimate step to improve your life, but we will be right there with you, helping along the way. 

How Does Living With Untreated Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Affect My Life?

How Does Living With Untreated Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Affect My Life?

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Some cultures do not accept mental health problems as real. They may teach people to bury their problems, or a person is too embarrassed, so they ignore the symptoms. Whatever the reason, it is possible to miss the symptoms of a disorder. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a commonly missed disorder, especially in women. Ignoring symptoms of a psychological disorder can have adverse effects on a person’s health. However, you can receive diagnosis and treatment at Alter Behavioral Health for ADHD.

Exploring ADHD

More than a person’s ability to pay attention is affected by ADHD. Someone with ADHD may experience the following symptoms:

  • Inattention: Someone struggles to stay on task, sustain focus, or maintain organization
  • Hyperactivity: Someone may not be able to stay in one place, such as experiencing restlessness or talking too much
  • Impulsivity: Someone may act without thinking or struggle with self-control

People often assume incorrect facts about someone with ADHD because of how it presents itself. Such as they are lazy or that only men develop ADHD. Some people also think that ADHD needs constant medication to manage the symptoms. Another myth is that ADHD is a learning disability and that children with the disorder need to try harder.

All of those are incorrect myths. While men are 13% more likely to develop it, women often get overlooked or not assessed for ADHD, so research only estimates six percent of women have the disorder. ADHD does not mean that a child needs to try harder. In fact, it means that the child needs more support. ADHD is its own disorder and affects people differently. No one should assume they understand what it is like living with the disorder unless they have it.

How Untreated ADHD Can Become Harmful

Some people have their ADHD diagnosed incorrectly as a behavioral disorder. Others may not know they have a disorder, as people can brush off symptoms, claiming a person is inattentive or “ditzy.” However, untreated ADHD, while not life-threatening, can still have negative outcomes on a person’s mental health or relationships.

In addition to misdiagnosing, someone with ADHD, especially children, may get overmedicated to manage the symptoms. This can create substance use problems or changes to the brain during development. ADHD symptoms can also cause friction in relationships. Inattention, talking too much, or self-control issues may exasperate loved ones. Losing the support of a friend or family member can be disheartening or make someone think they do not deserve attention and support.

ADHD can also cause mental health professionals to overlook other psychological disorders, thinking the symptoms are due to impulsivity or inattention. That can be dangerous, as with behavioral disorders, there is a  persistent and severe feeling of anger or defiance. This can create further problems in school or work or with friends and family.

Symptoms of ADHD

A psychological disorder needs to be evaluated and diagnosed by a mental health professional. However, knowing the symptoms can help you identify if you need to be evaluated for another disorder or if you need ADHD-specified treatment. Symptoms are not limited to but include:

  • Seemingly carelessness towards activities, conversations, tasks, or work
  • Not seeming to listen when being directly talked to
  • Finding it hard to follow through on tasks, schoolwork, or work
  • Difficulty with organization or doing things in a sequence
  • Fidgeting, tapping, or restlessness
  • Unable to do tasks quietly
  • Constant motion
  • Excessive talking
  • Disrupting conversations or questions
  • Losing objects or supplies
  • Being easily distracted

Treatment at Alter Behavioral Health

Co-occurring disorders are when someone has substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder. This can be a combination of any mental health disorder, such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to name a few. An estimated 20% of adults with SUD also live with ADHD.

Not only do ADHD symptoms pose a threat to a person’s life and health, but they can cause other disorders to develop that pose an additional threat. Alter Behavioral Health offers different levels of care to support whatever healing needs a person has, including the ability to tailor treatment to focus on ADHD.

Therapy and Pharmacotherapy

One of the top ways to treat any psychological disorder is with talk therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a top therapy modality used to treat ADHD and other disorders. “CBT involves identifying patterns of thinking and false beliefs to change behaviors.” When connections between thoughts and emotions are made, a person is able to recognize how it affects their behavior. This leads to being able to change it, like learning copings skill to not interrupt others.

Psychological disorders can change the neurons in the brain. Altered brain chemistry can cause mood or behavioral problems. When that is the case, a therapist may prescribe pharmaceutical treatment or medication. With the aid of medication, a person can get help regulating their brain chemistry to improve symptoms of the disorder. For example, someone with ADHD may have a low tolerance for stress. Medications can help decrease the production of cortisol, the chemical that causes stress. That way, you do not feel angry or frustrated easily and can manage feelings or thoughts around the situation.

Treatment Programs

Alter Behavioral Health offers residential and outpatient treatment. This way, whatever the psychological needs or personal responsibilities, a person can receive help. With residential treatment, you live and stay in the treatment program. This helps when someone cannot manage their disorder symptoms on their own. Staff and peers provide accountability and support throughout the day and night.

Outpatient treatment is different in that a person lives at home and attends treatment only a few hours a week, like when children go to school and return home in the evening. This provides support while someone works or goes to school, and they can still learn how to manage their ADHD or other disorders.

Has your behavior become increasingly inconsistent? Having an untreated mental health disorder can cause harm to your health and life. Alter Behavioral Health provides you with the diagnosis and treatment you may be missing. With a combination of therapy, group therapy, medication management, and holistic healing, you get to the root of your emotions and trauma to understand your behavior. Learn how to not only cope with your disorder but how to cope with the stress that comes with day-to-day life. Our staff is there to support you throughout your healing journey through residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient programs. Contact us at (866) 691-4386 to hear more about healing with us. 

How Can Dialectical Behavior Therapy Help Me Become Self-Empowered?

How Can Dialectical Behavior Therapy Help Me Become Self-Empowered?

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Any type of psychological disorder can feel overwhelming and uncontrollable. These feelings can be intense during the early days of a disorder’s symptoms appearing. Someone with a mood disorder may understand those feelings intimately, as intense, uncontrollable emotions are a symptom of many mood disorders. Treatment for mood disorders often includes dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Learning DBT skills at Alter Behavioral Health can teach a person to regulate their emotions, as well as learn self-confidence and feel self-empowered in themselves.

Mood Disorders

There are many names for categories of psychological disorders or mental illnesses. Mood disorders are a common phrase to describe a category of mental health disorders that affects a person’s emotional state of mind or mood. This can, in turn, influence dysfunctional behavior. Having a mood disorder simply means that a person will find it difficult to regulate their emotions or have healthy and consistent relationships. However, those skills can be learned with time and the appropriate support.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

A proven therapeutic approach to helping a person with a mood disorder or with suicidal ideation is using DBT.

Emotional Regulation

With a mood disorder such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), a person may struggle to regulate their emotions. This can cause constant mood swings, reactive behavior, and stress between the person and their loved ones. DBT is employed to help someone with BPD understand their emotions. Understanding emotions leads to maintaining control over how they are displayed or expressed.

By developing emotional regulation skills, a person can learn to interact with people more appropriately. However, the best part is being able to be in any situation and still manage emotions when you feel upset or uncomfortable.

Distress Tolerance

Continuing with the example of BPD, a person with this disorder will experience a lot of distress. This can come in the form of pain and sadness, or anxiety. Mood disorders, including BPD, can cause irrational and constant worries and thoughts. A person with BPD may struggle in everyday situations because of their internal worries, thoughts, memories, or outlook on life. When someone with a mood disorder is in a distressing situation, they may take impulsive actions to lessen the distress or get out of the situation.

In treatment or therapy, DBT teaches skills to tolerate those feelings of stress rather than reacting. This lessens impulsivity. However, distress tolerance also teaches a person radical acceptance. This helps them accept life as they experience it, with its ups and downs.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Most people today find it difficult to interact with others, even if they know them. The US has a culture of independence, which can often alienate people from each other. However, with a mood disorder, those feelings of difficulty increase tenfold. Someone with a mood disorder will struggle to maintain relationships because of the distress that can come with interactions, but also because of their thoughts and mood.

Through DBT, interpersonal effectiveness skills are taught. This helps a person learn how to communicate effectively, make themselves heard and understood, and tolerate the differences or things they do not understand about the other person.

Mindfulness

The practice of mindfulness is to be present in the moment. This may sound basic, but someone with a mood disorder, or any psychological disorder, may struggle to sit with themselves and their feelings. It is harder than it sounds to sit with your emotions. Especially because mindfulness also teaches nonjudgement.

By mastering mindfulness, a person can sit, feel, and describe their emotions without self-judgment. When a person can eliminate self-judgment, they are freer to have fun, interact with others, or just be without developing self-hate.

Becoming Self-Empowered With Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Through DBT, a person learns how to live a more enjoyable life. Psychological disorders can feel like a self-attack sometimes. They can be painful and difficult to manage. However, with the right treatment, that does not have to be the case. With the right support and therapy, anyone can become self-empowered.

By learning distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness, and emotion regulation, a person gets to learn confidence in their thoughts, their emotions, their reactions, and their existence. That is empowering on its own, but interpersonal effectiveness literally teaches a person skills ranging from acting assertively to maintaining self-respect. Self-respect can only grow into feeling empowered in oneself.

Programs That Use Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Anyone can benefit from what DBT teaches, regardless of the disorder. It is up to a person’s therapist, treatment team, and themselves to decide whether DBT is a good fit. Through the different programs, a person can engage in DBT.

Residential Treatment

This level of care is for someone who needs more constant support and accountability. In residential care, a person lives on-site in their own bedroom but in a shared living and treatment space. At Alter Behavioral Health’s residential program, a person can find fully furnished and decorated space, so they can move in and immediately focus on healing and learning to thrive with their disorder.

Outpatient Treatment

After completing residential, a person can step down to one of several outpatient programs. However, someone does not need to go through residential care to be able to participate in outpatient. Sometimes a person cannot take time off work, school, or from family to attend treatment. With different outpatient programs, a person attends treatment programming for six to 30 hours a week, so they can still attend to their other responsibilities the rest of their time. 

Being diagnosed with a psychological disorder often causes feelings of shame and fear. This is due to the stigma and lack of understanding society has for mental health disorders. However, any disorder can provide new strength and wisdom that others do not have. There can be pride in living and managing a disorder. At Alter Behavioral Health, different treatment modalities are used, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), to help you learn to thrive with your disorder. Through therapy and medication management, you gain control over your life and learn to let control go. You become the expert in your life. Call us today at (866) 691-4386 to hear how you can gain stability through therapy.  

What Can I Expect From Mental Health Treatment?

What Can I Expect From Mental Health Treatment?

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Living and thriving with a mental health disorder, or psychiatric disorder, is possible. However, when you first start exhibiting symptoms and behavioral changes from a developing psychiatric disorder, it can be hard to imagine living with one. For stability, understanding your disorder, and how to live with it, mental health treatment is out there.

What Is Mental Health Treatment?

At Alter Behavioral Health, psychiatric disorders are defined as “a [type] of disorder that primarily affects one’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.” Being burdened with thoughts and emotions can cause your behavior to feel out of control. When you get to that point, it that can signify the need for an intervention.

Mental health treatment is like an intervention or an interruption of thoughts or behavior. In a treatment program, you will attend group and individual therapy. These groups range in topics and depend on the group’s needs but tend to focus on skill building. With the help of peers and therapists, you work through problems as they immediately come. You also work through past experiences and hear peers talk about their own experiences.

By hearing group members share, you can come to understand that there are others out there who are also working through similar experiences or thoughts as you. You may not feel so alone or like something is wrong with you. Learning new social skills and putting coping skills into practice is another benefit. Peers can help inspire you but also provide strength and encouragement. Treatment can be important to help you learn certain skills and truths about life.

What to Expect When You Attend Mental Health Treatment

In a mental health treatment program, you will learn about your disorder and how to cope with it. Whatever your disorder may be, you can also find positivity and strength in it. Through different therapies, you also learn to regulate and cope with the emotions that come along. Treatment can be a hard process but one that is ultimately rewarding.

Learn With the Help of Therapy

A person with a psychiatric disorder will experience distorted thoughts and false belief patterns about themselves and life. Due to this, therapy is the main way that professionals have found to help psychiatric disorders. Combined with appropriate medications, therapy can help a person have a successful life. The two main therapy modalities used are:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy focuses on the relationship between thoughts, cognition, behavior, and emotions. With the help of CBT, a person learns strategies and skills to regulate, process, and feel emotions and thoughts, which influences appropriate behavior.
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Self-driven DBT focuses on emotional regulation, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. DBT tries to build on existing skills and knowledge to successfully navigate feelings, other people, and stress.

There are other therapies, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) or acceptance therapy. However, you and a therapist will decide what will work for you and your psychiatric needs.

Mental Health Treatment Programs at Alter Behavioral Health

It can be hard to confide in others about your mental health. Alter Behavioral Health puts every effort into responding to your individual needs. This includes your therapeutic needs, financial, medical, or legal needs. Starting with a thorough assessment, Alter Behavioral Health offers treatment for different time restraints, different disorders, or co-occurring disorders.

Residential Treatment Programs

Some people need more intense, prolonged, or integrative mental health treatment. Residential treatment can be the start of your treatment journey. Located in Irvine, the home you stay in is curated and decorated with safety and peace kept in mind. Rather than having to worry about establishing a place to live that supports your well-being, you can live and focus on healing.

Residential treatment is designed to support you throughout your day as you live in the treatment facility. There, you participate in group therapy, individual therapy, and psychoeducational groups to fill your day. A person does not have to stress, as there are breaks and time in between to take in the beautiful scenery, rest, or work on treatment goals independently.

Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) or partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are the two outpatient programs available. Outpatient is an in-between step between residential and weekly therapy sessions. In outpatient, a person is able to live at home, do what they need to do, and still attend mental health treatment. Depending on work, school, family, or other needs, outpatient treatment is between six to 30 hours a week of therapeutic treatment. Whereas you follow a schedule and time constraints in residential, you are in charge of your timeline in outpatient.

Crisis Stabilization

Some people can struggle with severe, immediate, intensified emotions, experiences, or concerns. This can cause a mental crisis, where a person cannot function as they normally would. If this is the case, crisis stabilization is available for immediate, short-term stabilization. This helps a person get into the right head-space for further treatment. It can also be a way to help a person function in their lives again.

Leaving home to participate in a therapy program can be scary. Having to sit with strangers and talk about personal feelings and life experiences sounds intimidating. Have you been struggling with these feelings? Alter Behavioral Health prioritizes your healing and treatment, so you get to engage in treatment at your pace. With different therapies, whatever your disorder or disorders, you will find a treatment program that tackles your concern thoughts, behaviors, or concerns. Seeking treatment does not need to only be scary but can become empowering. You deserve to be successful in life and proud of yourself. Contact us today at (866) 691-4386 to learn how to improve your outlook on life.  

I'm in Mental Crisis: How Can I Get Help?

I’m in Mental Crisis: How Can I Get Help?

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Prolonged stress or exposure to trauma can cause a mental crisis. Being in a mental crisis can make everyday activities, such as brushing your teeth or talking to people, that much harder. It can make emotions feel more intense and overwhelming. Whatever your reaction to a mental crisis, it may require help and stabilization. Alter Behavioral Health has a specific facility for you to receive crisis stabilization help.

Crisis Help

If you are in immediate danger of harming yourself or others, you can find immediate crisis help. Sometimes you may not know to plan for a mental crisis, or you may not know what you would do to get help during one. Having preemptive plans, like creating a list of potential people or organizations to call if you are in a crisis, can help you in the minute. This can be a stop gate before you seek further treatment that can help you learn to manage your mental health or mental health disorder.  

How to Find Help for a Mental Crisis

During a mental crisis, finding help can be one of the hardest things to do. Your brain may not be functioning normally, so you cannot think or process as you generally do. When you are in a  more stable mindset, it can be helpful to write a list of things you need from a mental health program. If you cannot make that list, you can ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do they offer crisis stabilization services? 
  • Are there services for after stabilization? 
  • Does the program offer holistic healing? 
  • Do they offer psychiatric support? 

If the program you are looking into does not offer services to help your immediate needs, as well as help you heal from what drove your mental crisis, then they may not be the right place for you. It is important to get help with your immediate crisis, but it is also crucial to get help with what led to the situation. Further therapy support is needed to work through those thoughts, emotions, and memories.

Immediate Treatment for a Mental Crisis

One place to start your mental health care search is Alter Behavioral Health’s crisis stabilization unit in San Diego, California. As an alternative to inpatient hospitalization, they offer a variety of services to help you with your immediate crisis. Their most important goal is to get you stable for immediate help. The strategy for stabilization at Alter Behavioral Health is as follows: 

  1. Define the problem: With the treatment team, work together to identify the problems at the core of the crisis
  2. Ensure safety: Determine what is needed to reach and maintain safety in the program and beyond
  3. Provide support: The core of treatment is providing you with support
  4. Examine alternatives: Brainstorm ways changes can be made in your life
  5. Make a plan: Work to identify what needs to happen to prevent another crisis
  6. Obtain commitment: Make sure you are committed to your plans and treatment and that they work for you

However, Alter Behavioral Health also offers other services, such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or residential treatment, for further help working on your mental health. The program team can even help you identify if that is a good next step for you.

Why Does Mental Health Matter?

Mental health affects your thinking, mood, and behavior. Your mental health includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. When any of those are affected by stress or trauma, you may not be able to handle or cope with the situations or feelings.

In addition to stress, mental health also helps you relate to others and make healthy choices. At any stage of life, if you are hurt, overly stressed, or experience trauma, you may experience mental health problems or a crisis. However, you should not be discouraged. Understanding what a mental crisis looks like and what can cause it can help you learn when to ask for help, as there is always help available for you.

Mental Crisis: How You Are Affected

The prefrontal cortex is in the front of your brain. This area is where planning and decision-making occur. When a person is in their adolescence up to their early 20s, that area of the brain is still developing. This can make a younger person respond to stress or trauma differently than an adult would. Exposure to stress, especially prolonged exposure, can have long-lasting effects on a person. This can lead to the development of a mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression.

A mental crisis causes stress. Extreme stress in the body can cause a person to react in a way they may not normally. It can cause a person uncontrollable emotions, an inability to react or plan, or cases of extreme apathy. Without the proper tools to cope, someone who has a mental health disorder and experiences any level of stress can experience a mental breakdown. 

When to Ask for Help

If you are struggling to settle or be okay with your thoughts, memories, and emotions, it can be a sign that there may be something deeper going on. When you grow up with trauma or even experience trauma in adulthood, it can have lingering effects. Sometimes, you need to acknowledge and talk through the problems.

A mental crisis or even an ongoing mental health disorder can cause changes to mood, behavior, and your physical body. You may experience body pains, rapid mood changes, acting out when you are overwhelmed, chronic headaches, and the list can go on. Knowing when to ask for help is up to the individual, but if you are experiencing differences in mood and behavior and you cannot manage them, it may be a good time to ask for help. 

Do you need immediate help with your mental health? At Alter Behavioral Health, our goal is to get people into the treatment they need immediately. Waiting to treat a developing disorder can increase or worsen the symptoms. By calling us at (866) 691-4386, you can talk with our kind and supportive staff about treatment options. Starting with an assessment, you will be placed in the program that is right for you and your needs. Whether you need residential care, outpatient treatment, or crisis stabilization, we have the program for you. Call us today to start treatment. You have the power to change your circumstances; we would be happy to help and support you on your journey. 

Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder and What to Do Next

Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder and What to Do Next

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Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, as its commonly known, is a developmental disorder that first appears in early childhood. Roughly one in 36 children are diagnosed with some form of ASD, making the condition very common.

The reason ASD is referred to as a spectrum has to do with the wide range of presentations of autism. There is tremendous variety in the severity that the conditions manifest. Some individuals may grow to need minimal support, while others may need high levels of support through adolescence and adulthood. Regardless of the severity of the diagnosis, there is hope for a long and enjoyable life, given that proper care is taken.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Due to the varied nature of this disorder, it often goes undetected in early childhood. Because this disorder is so broad, it is easy to assume that minor developmental issues are attributed to temperament and personality when the individual actually falls on the spectrum of autism.

ASD is s developmental disorder that is most easily observed in social communication and interaction skills. This genetic disorder is hereditary, although environmental factors greatly affect how the disorder progresses. It is important to note that ASD is found across all racial and ethnic groups, although there is evidence that it occurs more commonly in boys than girls.

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Individuals diagnosed who fall on the spectrum of autism usually have difficulty or greater challenges with social interactions. Some have a hard time understanding or being aware of social norms like personal space, voice volume, implicit and explicit language, and reading nonverbal cues. Here is a list of characteristics infants with ASD usually display:

  • Difficulty with keeping eye contact
  • At nine months, does not respond to their name
  • Difficulty displaying emotions like happy or sad
  • Has difficulty with interactive games
  • Does not routinely use gestures
  • Doesn’t demonstrate attachment and interest in objectives early in development
  • Has difficulty comprehending pain or discomfort demonstrated by other children
  • May have difficulty connecting with other children
  • Cant engage in make-believe games
  • Does not dance or sing

As children with ASD grow, many will be able to function adequately enough to engage in common social settings. However, some individuals will continue to have difficulties. The spectrum of ASD ranges greatly, and some individuals will have trouble in one area where others do not. Some individuals may also have significant difficulties where other people with ASD do not. As adults, ASD manifests in several ways:

  • Comprehension of social rules
  • Talking over others
  • Maintaining eye contact
  • Trouble respecting personal space with others, getting too close to them
  • Becoming angry when their personal space is violated or they are touched
  • Is preoccupied with details, patterns, sounds, and smells
  • Developing strong interests in certain topics
  • Being very process driven

After reading this list of characteristics, it is easier to see why it may be difficult to assess if someone has autism or not. Individuals who may not be on the spectrum but have not been properly socialized may share many of the same characteristics.

Many individuals that deal with ASD also have other underlying issues. These co-occurring disorders include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression. Underlying conditions can often make life far more difficult for the individual and make treatment plans more difficult as well.

Diagnosis and Treatment

There are numerous methods for treating ASD, all of which begin with a proper and accurate diagnosis. Considering the genetic nature of this disorder, symptoms manifest early in childhood development. Within the first year of life, children will begin to demonstrate signs of ASD. Primary caregivers of children with autism need to be vigilant and wary of what to look for. The list of symptoms provided above is a good starting point for developing an understanding of the condition.

Alter Behavioral Health is equipped to walk with families seeking treatment plans for ASD. For adults who are looking for help managing their autism diagnosis, Alter Behavioral Health is ready to help devise a plan for making life manageable. While there is no medication currently that will help with ASD, there are underlying conditions that can be treated with medication that often make coping with everyday tasks much more achievable. Scheduling a consultation with a trained mental health care professional will help establish a baseline for a treatment plan. Treatment plans and further care include the following:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Training in developing coping strategies
  • Social connection and engagement
  • Work programs
  • Care for anxiety and substance abuse

These are just some of the ways that Alter Behavioral Health is partnering with individuals living with ASD. If treated properly, ASD is not always a debilitating disorder. Many individuals live very happy and full lives by applying coping strategies and their unique skill base to their lives.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a genetic disorder that begins to show symptoms in early childhood. This disorder often is best observed in social and interpersonal interactions. Individuals with this disorder may have a hard time relating to their peers and engaging in “normal” social behaviors. Individuals with autism often develop issues with anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Whether it’s cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), developing coping techniques, or treating underlying conditions through medication, Alter Behavioral Health is prepared to offer the care needed to find a stable and enjoyable pace of life. For more information on services and treatment, call us today at (866) 691-4386. We are ready to help you live the life you want.

What Is the Difference Between Healthy and Unhealthy Coping Skills in Mental Health Treatment?

What Is the Difference Between Healthy and Unhealthy Coping Skills in Mental Health Treatment?

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When you are learning to live with a mental health disorder, coping skills can help you manage your emotions and feel relief from stress. However, no one really teaches you coping skills. People typically learn them by adult example during childhood.

Without those examples, a person may use unhealthy coping skills to manage difficult situations. They may not even know they are using unhealthy coping skills. However, through therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) offered at Alter Behavioral Health’s inpatient and outpatient programs, a person can learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping skills.

What Is Mental Health?

Society has come to give room for mental health; however, what does the term really mean? Mental health can be defined as “emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act.”

If you are struggling with your mental health, you may experience warning signs such as:

  • Eating or sleeping too much or too little
  • Having low or no energy
  • Experiencing unexplained aches and pains
  • Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
  • Yelling or fighting with family and friends
  • Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head

Why Is It Important to Develop Coping Skills?

Sometimes when you have an endless list of tasks to accomplish, work to go to, and family to take care of, it can feel like the only option is to push through. Get things done; then, you can rest. However, by doing that, you ignore your feelings and ignore your mental health.

Ignoring your mental health only increases the feelings of stress. Symptoms of mental health problems, such as those listed above, may worsen. Coping skills allow you to manage overwhelming feelings in the moment. They allow you to manage your feelings, thoughts, and actions by yourself with mental and physical exercises. By doing so, you are able to live your life and find enjoyment rather than constant stress.

How Does a Person Learn Coping Skills?

Learning to manage your emotions and thoughts takes practice and work. Here is an example: a child steals a toy from another child. The child who has the toy stolen from them gets upset and begins crying. An adult steps in to console the crying child and provide options to fix the problem, such as providing comfort, talking to the child that stole, or finding a new toy.

In this example, a child learns that there are options to manage their emotions in challenging situations. Children need to see many interactions like this example. By having an adult help provide alternative options and ways to comfort themselves, they can learn ways to cope.

However, when someone experiences adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which are lasting traumatic events and situations, they may not have gotten the attention and help to learn coping skills.

Unhealthy Coping Skills

Living through ACEs, a person learns to survive and cope in different ways. ACEs are a wide variety of negative experiences, but examples include:

  • Experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect
  • Substance use in the home or community
  • Growing up in a home with low education

A child in an unstable household learns to survive in whatever ways are available to them. Those survival methods can work at the moment but, in the long run, be unhealthy.

One of the risk factors for developing substance use disorder (SUD) is ACEs. A person may turn to substances to cope with their memories or feelings. Mostly unknown to them, it is unhealthy since early and prolonged use of substances can develop into SUD.

Another example of unhealthy coping is when someone engages in random sex. There is no shame in a person having a healthy sex life, but when a person does so in unsafe ways, like having unprotected sex to escape their feelings, it can become dangerous. They can get hurt or contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Learning to cope with difficult situations is a strength, especially in a child. However, when a person continues to use unhealthy coping skills, especially if the coping skill is substance use, it can be hard to unlearn that.

Healthy Coping Skills

Every person has their own way of coping with stressful or painful situations and emotions. Coping has to be learned and practiced. You can be practicing coping skills and not even realize it. Coping with stress in a healthy way can be done by:

  • Take breaks from the news or social media
  • Taking deep breathes
  • Connecting with culture, community organizations, or church
  • Talking with a trusted friend

Coping skills can be almost anything as long as it comforts, soothes, and makes you feel safe.

Learning How to Cope Through Treatment

When you begin treatment at Alter Behavioral Health, you will participate in individual and group therapy. Your therapist and group facilitator will use aspects of different therapy modalities, such as CBT. Alter Behavioral Health also offers support services. These can help provide healing, education, or support in other aspects of life, not just the immediate symptoms of addiction. The support services include:

  • Psycho-education groups
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Medication management
  • Treatment and discharge planning
  • Family and community services

With the support of these other services, you will immediately start learning new coping skills and life skills. Within groups, you hear how other people cope in situations to help inform you of options. Your therapist helps you work through problems and past situations to understand how you could have reacted, which helps inform your future actions. Just by being in and participating in therapy, you start to learn coping skills you may not have had before.

Has it seemed like the ways you deal with your life are not working anymore? Repressed and unprocessed emotions and memories can unconsciously affect you in your day-to-day life. Through Alter Behavioral Health’s treatment programs, you can discover how to feel your emotions appropriately and process them without engaging in unhealthy coping skills. We believe every person can heal with the right support; we aim to be that support for you. With three specialized facilities located in California, you can find the right treatment program to meet your individual healing needs. Contact us today at (866) 691-4386 to learn more about our locations and programs. Making the call is the first step in your healing journey.