Download Mental Health Professionals

Mental health professionals and related
agencies provide treatment and support
for people with mental health problems.
psychotherapy
behavior therapy
cognitive therapy
family therapy
group therapy
drug therapy
When Help Is Needed
The first step to getting help for a mental
health problem is being aware that help is
needed.
Many teens with mental health problems do not
recognize the seriousness of their condition, or
understand that help is available.
When Help Is Needed
Often, friends and family are the first to recognize
that a problem is affecting the teen’s life and
relationships.
Their concern may encourage the individual to
seek help.
When Help Is Needed
Teens should seek help if they experience any of
the following:
Feeling trapped or worrying all the time
Feelings that affect sleep, eating habits, schoolwork,
job performance, or relationships
Becoming involved with alcohol or other drugs
Becoming increasingly aggressive, violent, or reckless
Overcoming the Stumbling Blocks
The benefits of treatment encourage people
to overcome a reluctance to get help.
Mental health problems are not easily managed
without help.
Overcoming the Stumbling Blocks
Asking for help shows inner strength and
responsibility for one’s own wellness.
Mental health problems are complex and require
professional intervention.
Overcoming the Stumbling Blocks
Talking to an objective, helpful individual can be a
great relief.
Financial help to pay for care may be available.
Where to Go for Help
People in your community are available
to help.
It takes courage to confront a problem and try to
solve it.
Where to Go for Help
Parent
Talk to a trusted adult to
get help for a mental
health problem.
Guardian
Teacher
School Counselor
School Nurse
Clergy
Crisis Hotlines
Where to Go for Help
Crisis hotlines allow people to talk anonymously.
Mental health professionals are trained to help
people with mental and emotional problems
Mental Health Professionals
Counselor
A professional who handles personal and
educational matters
School
Psychologist
A professional who specializes in the
assessment of learning, emotional, and
behavioral problems of schoolchildren
Psychiatrist
A physician who diagnoses and treats mental
disorders and can prescribe medications
Mental Health Professionals
Neurologist
A physician who specializes in physical
disorders of the brain and nervous system
Clinical
Psychologist
A professional who diagnoses and treats
emotional and behavioral disorders with
counseling. Some can prescribe medications
Psychiatric
Social Worker
A professional who provides guidance and
treatment for emotional problems in a hospital,
mental health clinic, or family service agency
Mental Health Professionals
A mental health specialist respects a patient’s
concern for confidentiality.
Treatment Methods
Several methods can be helpful in treating a
mental problem.
Mental health professionals may use several
treatments depending on their expertise and the
needs of the patient.
Treatment Methods
Psychotherapy
Drug
Therapy
Behavior
Therapy
Common
Therapy
Methods
Group
Therapy
Cognitive
Therapy
Family
Therapy
Treatment Methods
In psychotherapy, a dialogue is designed to find
the cause of a problem and devise a solution.
Psychotherapy
An ongoing dialogue between a patient
and a mental health professional
Treatment Methods
Behavior therapy can be used to treat mental
health problems.
Behavior therapy
A treatment process that focuses on
changing unwanted behaviors through
rewards and reinforcements
Treatment Methods
Cognitive therapy can be used to treat mental
health problems.
Cognitive therapy
A treatment method designed to identify and
correct distorted thinking patterns that can lead to
feelings and behaviors that may be troublesome,
self-defeating, or self-destructive
Treatment Methods
Family therapy is most successful when every
member of the family attends the therapy sessions.
Family therapy
Treatment that focuses on helping the family
function in more positive and constructive ways
by exploring patterns in communication and
providing support and education
Treatment Methods
Group therapy members agree that whatever is
said in the group is private. They agree not to
discuss information heard during the group with
others.
Group therapy
Treating a group of people who have similar
problems and who meet regularly with a trained
counselor.
Treatment Methods
Drug therapy is sometimes used alone, but is
often combined with other treatment methods.
Drug therapy
The use of certain medications to treat or
reduce the symptoms of a mental disorder
After You Read
Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary
1. What is behavior therapy?
A treatment process that focuses on
changing unwanted behaviors through
rewards and reinforcements
After You Read
Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary
2. Which mental health professional treats
physical disorders of the brain?
Neurologists treat disorders of the brain.
After You Read
Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary
3. Who might a teen reach out to at school
about a mental health problem?
Answers may include: teacher, coach,
counselor, or principal.