Our PTSD treatment center provides the perfect environment for people to begin to heal from trauma. If you or someone you care about might benefit from treatment for PTSD, reach out to True Life Center online or at 858.202.1822 for more information.

What Does PTSD Mean?

PTSD is a mental health disorder that may occur in those who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a sexual assault, a terrorist act, and war or combat. Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a related mental health disorder that is a combination of some symptoms of PTSD along with other symptoms, such as:

• Avoidance of friendships and relationships, or finding them difficult to maintain
• Difficulty controlling emotions
• Dissociative episodes that include depersonalization or derealization
• Feelings of anger, distrust, worthlessness, or hopelessness
• Chest pains, dizziness, headaches, and stomachaches
• Suicidal feelings

People struggling with PTSD have disturbing, intense thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. These people may avoid situations or people that remind them of the traumatic event, and they may have strong negative reactions to something as ordinary as an accidental touch or a loud noise.

A PTSD diagnosis often leads to exploring ways to manage its symptoms. Typically, treatment for PTSD includes different types of therapy and can even include medications. PSTD can affect the way someone views and interacts with the world. In particular, it may affect how they communicate with people who are close to them and possibly damage those relationships.

What Are the Signs of PTSD?

Although they may vary from person to person, common signs of PTSD include:

• Alterations in arousal and reactivity
• Avoidance
• Intrusion

Many people exposed to a traumatic event experience symptoms following the event. However, for a person to be diagnosed with PTSD, symptoms must last for more than a month and cause significant distress or problems with daily functioning. Most people develop symptoms within three months of the trauma, but symptoms may appear later and often persist for months or years.

PTSD often occurs with other related conditions, such as depression, memory problems, substance use disorders, and other physical and mental health problems.

What Should Patients Expect from a PSTD Treatment Plan?

Those with a PTSD diagnosis may feel like they’ll never get the life they knew before the traumatic event. While a time machine doesn’t exist and memory wipes are similarly an idea from science fiction, there’s professional treatment for PTSD.

An effective PTSD treatment plan has three main goals, which are:

• Decrease the frequency and severity of PTSD symptoms
• Teach the client skills to deal with PTSD symptoms
• Restore the client’s self-esteem

In particular, short- and long-term psychotherapy and PTSD medications can work very well. Often, these two forms of care are more effective when combined into a comprehensive PTSD treatment program.

Most forms of therapeutic care used in PTSD treatment plans fall under the umbrella of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The idea behind this is to change the thought patterns that disturb the client’s life. This might happen by talking about the client’s trauma or concentrating on where the client’s fears come from. Depending on the client’s situation, group or family therapy could be an ideal choice instead of individual sessions.

Explore True Life Center’s PTSD Treatment Options Today

At True Life Center, our comprehensive programs include treatment for trauma. If you’re located in San Diego, CA, contact True Life Center today by calling 858.202.1822 or filling out our online form to learn more about PTSD treatment centers.

The post How PTSD Treatment Can Better Your Life appeared first on True Life Center.

At True Life Center, our intensive outpatient program gives people the opportunity to heal from substance use and mental health disorders.

Whatever You’re Suffering From, Help Is Out There

When a mental health issue is interfering with your daily life, making it difficult to form or maintain relationships, distracting you from your work or studies, and depleting your energy reserves, it may be time to explore the benefits of mental health treatment. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety and phobias, trauma-related anxiety and insomnia, depression and hopelessness, or even substance use, our team of caring practitioners is here to help.

At True Life Center, we are experts at guiding people towards health and wellness in their struggles. We have the capability to treat such mental health disorders such as:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Acute stress disorder
• Trauma
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Major depression

You may feel like your problems have no solution or that they’re too big and rooted to tackle. But you’re not alone.

Neurobiological Integration

At True Life Center, our dedicated staff is drawn to working with people on finding and freeing their true selves to live their best lives because we understand the benefits of mental health treatment and how it can aid in that quest. Moreover, we use an integrated approach to healing. That means you have access to experts in traditional psychotherapeutic modalities as well as holistic modalities, all under the same roof who collaborate extensively and coordinate your care. At True Life Center’s mental health IOP and PHP, we treat mental health conditions with our unique Neurobiological Integration. This integrated and collaborative approach aims to identify the root cause of illness and gets results by using the synergistic combination of:

• Individual psychotherapy with DBT, CBT, and psychodynamic approach
• Specialized psychiatric treatment
• Acupuncture
• Mindfulness and Self-compassion practices
• Yoga Therapy
• Body Healing with Qi Gong

The benefits of mental health treatment that incorporates not just the mind but the body and spirit as well, cannot be overstated. TLC’s team is geared towards total restoration of the whole self. We don’t just help you now; we provide you with the tools and skills you need to walk a lifelong path of sustainable recovery. When caregivers coordinate to tailor a plan that targets your unique struggle and dreams, true thriving can begin.

Benefits of Mental Health Treatment at True Life Center

People enrolled in treatment with us begin to experience the benefits of inpatient mental health treatment almost immediately. In addition to improved mental health, the benefits of an IOP for mental health include:

• Enhanced problem-solving skills
• Stronger self-confidence
• A better expression of emotions
• Changes in self-defeating behaviors
• Improved self-esteem
• More communication skills
• Eased anxiety and depression

Once you have made the brave decision to enter into mental health treatment at True Life Center, our team will work closely with you to determine which of our many programs and services would be best for your recovery. For some, an IOP for mental health would be the best option. For others, an inpatient program is what they need. If you’re unsure of which program you require, don’t worry. Our True Life Center team has years of experience helping people choose the right program for their recovery, and we can do the same for you or a loved one.

Reaping the Benefits of Mental Health Treatment Programs at True Life Center

True Life Center is committed to helping individuals find and express their authentic selves. When suffering is deep and enduring, understanding the path forward brings comfort and hope. We aim to provide a comprehensive map for long-term recovery and optimal health. We listen carefully to you and your loved ones to understand and co-collaborate in the creation of your True Life Recovery Plan. Give us a call at 858.202.1822 or contact us online to start your journey to healing today.

The post Benefits of Mental Health Treatment appeared first on True Life Center.

At True Life Center, our mental health treatment staff is ready to help give you the tools and tips you need to cope with anxiety and free yourself from the symptoms that are getting in the way of your life. We believe that our anxiety disorder treatment program provides people with the support they need to begin their road to recovery. Learn more about signs of anxiety and how we can help by calling 858.202.1822 or filling out our online form.

Symptoms and Signs of Anxiety

There are many different signs and symptoms of anxiety, and it can affect anyone at any time in their life. Traumatic events and stressful situations act as frequent triggers. It is crucial to identify and understand these triggers to better understand how to treat them.

One of the major signs of high-functioning anxiety includes excessive worrying that can become intrusive enough to make it difficult to concentrate on work or daily tasks. A person experiencing anxiety may also be agitated or feel a sense of imminent danger or threat. This jolts the body into fight-or-flight mode to prepare for a dangerous situation and can have you feeling on edge. Anxiety also prevents your brain from being able to concentrate and can interrupt your memory as well, negatively impacting your work life or productivity.

Anxiety manifests in other parts of the body besides the brain. Hidden signs of anxiety such as fatigue and muscle tension may begin to arise more and more regularly. Additionally, you may have trouble sleeping. Many people who suffer from these subtle signs of anxiety report that they have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to racing thoughts or worries.

Another significant and debilitating symptom of anxiety includes panic attacks, which create an overwhelming sense of fear that can result in:

• Shaking
• Shortness of breath
• Hyperventilating
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Elevated heart rate
• Weakness or dizziness
• Chest pain

How You Can Reduce Your Anxiety

There are many ways that you can reduce your anxiety or learn to cope with your symptoms. Maintaining mental and physical health is a key component of recovery and ongoing wellbeing. Make sure you eat a healthy diet and get plenty of daily exercise. Limit caffeine and stay away from substances like alcohol or drugs, which contain substances that can increase your anxiety. Additionally, many professionals use mindfulness, yoga therapy, and meditation to decrease symptoms of anxiety.

We also encourage you to seek professional help from a caring staff of trained experts to give yourself the best chance to manage and overcome your anxiety. Professional mental health treatment centers like True Life Center can give you the tools and resources you need not only to survive but to thrive in spite of your struggles.

Mental Health Treatment at True Life Center

Our True Life Center team believes that proper mental health treatment includes a range of options so that each person can receive the exact level of care they require in recovery. We will work with you to determine which of our mental health treatment options would be best for you.

Some of these mental health treatment options include:

• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Neurobiological integration approach
• Trauma therapy
• Mood disorder treatment

Also, we provide choices for specialized anxiety treatment, including:

• Acute stress disorder treatment
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment
• Panic disorder treatment
• Social anxiety disorder treatment

Our treatment programs ensure that people have the tools they need to heal from mental health disorders. If you are interested in learning more about how our team can help you or someone you care about find the strength to deal with mental health disorders, reach out to True Life Center today.

Choose True Life Center to Help You Treat Anxiety

At True Life Center, our staff and professionals are here to help you overcome signs of anxiety so you can focus on improving all areas of your life. We will help you manage your anxiety through therapy programs custom-tailored to you, your symptoms, and your goals. Our mission as dedicated caregivers is to help you find ways to stop anxiety from interfering with your daily life. Do not suffer on your own any longer. Contact True Life Center by completing our convenient online form or calling 858.202.1822 for more information about our treatment facility and the programs we offer to get you to a place of calm and true fulfillment.

The post Signs of Anxiety appeared first on True Life Center.

Myth: “I enjoy a few glasses of wine each night to unwind from work. My wife seems to have a problem with my drinking habits, and lately, she’s been throwing around the word ‘alcoholic.’ I’m a very successful businessman and a good father, there is no way I’m an alcoholic.”

A problematic drinking habit often begins innocently: as a way to relax or transition from work to home, as the most common drug people use to fall asleep, to have sex, to reduce social anxiety, and to enjoy themselves. So before we ask loved ones to stop drinking altogether, we must first understand what role alcohol is playing in their lives. Drinking problems are defined not only by how much and how often someone drinks, but also by the effect drinking has on a person’s health, home, social, legal, or work life. It’s helpful to avoid shame-inducing terms like “alcoholic,” but if your drinking is having a real and negative impact on one or more of your primary relationships, a wise next step would be to talk with your doctor or therapist in a supportive environment about the role alcohol is playing in your life and if an alcohol addiction treatment program could be right for you.

Myth: “My college-aged daughter confided to me that she has, on occasion, blacked out after drinking too much at a party. But that’s just part of the college experience these days, not an indication of a larger problem.”  

I want to first commend your courage for even exploring the idea that your child could have a problem with alcohol. For many parents, underlying fear keeps them in denial. Binge-drinking (defined as 4 or more alcoholic drinks within a few hours for women, 5 or more for men) is a part of the college experience for more than 40% of students, according to some estimates. My concern for those students, and for your daughter, is safety. The dangers of binge drinking include alcohol poisoning, unsafe sex, sexual assault, drunk driving, legal or academic consequences, and serious or fatal injury. Binge-drinking could certainly be an indication of an alcohol use disorder. It could also be a symptom of an underlying mental health issue like anxiety or depression. It would be in your family’s best interest to continue this conversation with a professional who can help you make informed decisions about wisely and compassionately supporting your daughter.

Myth: “Alcoholics just lack willpower. With discipline, someone could easily get their drinking under control on their own.”

This is the kind of myth that breaks my heart because it might prevent someone from seeking or receiving much-needed help. Alcohol use disorder is a biological, brain-based disease. It is my job as a physician, and our society’s job as a whole, to treat addiction with the compassion and medical attention it deserves. Consider a disease like cancer or diabetes; you would never suggest that someone battling those illnesses should simply will him or herself to overcome the illness overnight. Additionally, sudden and severe withdrawal could cause painful physical symptoms leading to hospitalization or death. In my experience, so many people suffering from addiction want to change, but they don’t know how. Safe, supportive, and effective treatment is the bridge between the desire to change and the ability to change.

Benefits of Addiction Treatment at True Life Center

Hopefully, Dr. Roybal’s words have given you hope. True Life Center provides outstanding comprehensive addiction treatment. Some of the benefits of our treatment programs include:

• Enhanced sense of self-esteem
• A support system of peers also in recovery
• Strategies to avoid your triggers
• Aftercare support options
• Personalized treatment plans

Our team of experts, including Dr. Roybal, will give you the tools that you need for genuine, long-lasting recovery.

Choose True Life Center to Begin Your Recovery

True Life Center for Wellbeing is an integrative mental health and addiction treatment center located in La Jolla’s UTC area. We offer an Intensive Outpatient Program as well as outpatient psychiatry and therapy appointments. If you or a loved one feels ready to prioritize wellness and end your drinking problem, please contact us today at 858.202.1822.

The post Ask the Psychiatrist: Do I Have A Drinking Problem? Alcohol Use Fact vs. Fiction appeared first on True Life Center.

What Is Mindfulness?

The practice of being mindful simply means better controlling your focus. That is, you learn how to focus your attention on what is happening in the current moment. The second component of mindfulness is accepting what is happening without judgment. When we practice mindfulness, we push aside worries, stress, and anxiety. It’s one of the key ways to reduce stress and to improve your happiness.

Benefits of Mindfulness

As a component of mental health treatment, the benefits of mindfulness are certainly worth working towards. Some of these benefits include the following.

Improving Your Overall Well-Being

Mindfulness promotes living a satisfying life. When you focus on what is happening right now, you don’t place worries in front of you that you can’t control. There’s no way to know what the future holds, and worrying does not improve the outcome. Recognizing that can help you to live a successful life.

Improve Physical Health

Mindfulness encourages good physical health, especially because it helps you to reduce stress levels. This may contribute in numerous ways, such as:

• Reducing blood pressure
• Improving your ability to sleep
• Helping to minimize heart disease risks
• Reducing chronic pain symptoms
• Boosting energy levels

Works as a Mental Health Treatment

Using mindfulness and meditation can help you better manage mental health disorders in your life. This can contribute to reducing depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. In some situations, it can help to reduce tensions in relationships or aid in controlling eating disorders.

How Does Mindfulness Work in Mental Health Treatment?

The benefits of mindfulness only come when you learn the strategies to use it. Several techniques can be used. For example, in our outpatient treatment program, you’ll learn about sensory and emotions and how to recognize your body’s natural instincts to stressors around you. You will also learn how to engage in mindfulness. That includes sitting quietly and focusing your attention on your breathing. The goal is to learn how to allow your thoughts to come and go without any judgment. It may seem difficult, but it can be a relaxing, vitiating experience once you master it.

Why Choose True Life Center for Mindfulness Therapy?

True Life Center is committed to helping individuals find and express their authentic selves. When suffering is deep and enduring, understanding the path forward brings comfort and hope. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive map for long-term recovery and optimal health. We listen carefully to you and your loved ones to understand and co-collaborate in the creation of your True Life Recovery Plan. Finding treatment for mental illness may seem challenging right now, but it’s only a phone call away. Five minutes can give you the key to years of stability and contentment. Give us a ring to start your journey to healing today.

Explore Our Outpatient Treatment in San Diego, California

Exploring the benefits of mindfulness and the techniques for mastering it is something you can do at True Life Center. Our outpatient treatment center is designed to offer a range of therapies like this that can give you the support you need to heal from the challenges you face each day. Your first step is to learn more by calling us and learning about our programs and therapies, including:

• Intensive outpatient program
• Partial hospitalization program
• Neurobiological integration approach
• Anxiety disorder treatment
• Trauma therapy services

Choose to Get the Support You Need – Call True Life Center Now

The benefits of mindfulness can change your outlook and your future. As a component of mental health treatment, we encourage you to learn more and change the way you think. Our team at True Life Center is here to help you within our comprehensive outpatient treatment center located in San Diego, California. Call 858.202.1822 to speak to one of our compassionate counselors today or visit us online.

The post What Are the Benefits of Mindfulness? appeared first on True Life Center.

The answer isn’t straightforward because the selection of inpatient treatment or an intensive outpatient program (IOP) depends upon your particular needs. Every individual entering into a treatment environment has different needs, for instance, as well as different relationships and different mental health problems that may compound addictive behaviors. Personality can also play a large part in the type of treatment environment that will be the most effective. Let’s take a deeper look at the differences between some of the most well-known treatment settings like True Life Center, and look at some alternatives.

Do I Need Outpatient or Inpatient Treatment?

Residential Treatment

Inpatient treatment — also commonly referred to as “residential treatment” — is the type of drug and alcohol recovery program most people think of first. It involves living where you receive care for the duration of your detox and treatment.

Inpatient treatment is typically the most expensive treatment option because the cost of treatment is combined with the cost of room and board and amenities. This treatment option may be beneficial for patients who need a very high level of supervision and accountability or those who need to escape a negative home environment. Individuals with particularly severe substance use disorders may need this level of care during the early stages of recovery. Particularly if medical needs are intense or family/outside support is sparse.

Inpatient treatment is also a way for individuals to remove themselves from an environment that is not conducive to recovery. This allows patients to concentrate solely on getting better.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment programs involve patients receiving treatment at a drug and alcohol recovery center for a set number of hours per week or per day while living elsewhere.

At True Life Center, we offer two levels of outpatient treatment — intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization.

• Intensive outpatient program — In an intensive outpatient program, patients are often able to continue attending work or school and fulfilling their social and familial obligations while receiving individualized care. The IOP is ideal for patients who continue to need a high level of care but who also benefit from putting their recovery into practice in the real world.
• Partial hospitalization program — A partial hospitalization program like the one at True Life Center offers treatment that is as intensive as that found in a residential treatment program but without the expenses or restrictions of on-site living. Individuals in the PHP receive up to 20 hours of treatment, and because they also spend a great deal of time outside of our care, they also begin to put the lessons they have learned in treatment into practice in real-life scenarios.

The Outpatient Advantage

No treatment program is ideal for every patient, and many have found recovery through traditional rehabs. There are, however, many advantages associated with an outpatient model:

• Outpatient treatment is more flexible. Individuals in an IOP or PHP can continue to work or go to school as they receive treatment.
• Outpatient care can be personalized to meet individual patient needs more easily.
• Patients in an outpatient treatment program spend a significant portion of time outside of the drug and alcohol recovery center and so can put what they are learning into practice.
• Patients in outpatient treatment can build stronger support networks where it counts: out in the real world. This type of support is an important ingredient in avoiding relapse.
• Outpatient treatment is generally less expensive than inpatient treatment because it lacks a residential component.

TLC’s Neurobiological Integration Approach

True Life understands levels of care and how difficult it can be to figure out what level of treatment you need. We can help you or your loved one explore a healing path that’s custom-designed for you. At True Life Center, our dedicated staff is drawn to working with people on finding and freeing their true selves to live their best lives. Our unique Neurobiological Integration Approach aims to identify the root cause of illness and gets results by using the synergistic combination of:

• Individual psychotherapy with DBT, CBT, EMDR and/or psychodynamic approach
• Expert psychiatric treatment
• Acupuncture
• Mindfulness and self-compassion practices
• Yoga therapy
• Body healing with Qi Gong

Reaping the Benefits of Finding Mental Health Treatment in San Diego, California

True Life Center is committed to helping individuals find and express their authentic selves. When suffering is deep and enduring, understanding the path forward brings comfort and hope. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive map for long-term recovery and optimal health. We listen carefully to you and your loved ones to understand and co-collaborate in the creation of your True Life Recovery Plan. Finding treatment for mental illness may seem challenging right now, but it’s only a phone call away. Five minutes can give you the key to years of stability and contentment. Give us a ring to start your journey to healing today.

Contact True Life Center Today

You don’t have to navigate the path to recovery and mental wellness alone. Reach out to True Life Center online or call us at 858.202.1822 today to learn more about our outpatient treatment programs and our unique neurobiological integration approach to alcohol and drug recovery.

The post Would You Benefit from Outpatient or Inpatient Treatment? appeared first on True Life Center.

Q.) When I bring up my struggles with depression to loved ones they either encourage me to “snap out of it” and “cheer up,” or remind me of the many things I have to be grateful for – which only makes me feel guilty for not feeling better. Are they right? Am I “too blessed to be depressed”? 

A.) I’m so sorry that you are struggling, and that your loved ones aren’t responding with the sympathy you expected. Unfortunately, depression is largely misunderstood, and though your friends and family may have the best intentions, they are likely unaware of the complexity and severity of the disease. Similar to chronic illnesses like cancer or autoimmune disease, depression does not discriminate. It can affect anyone at any time, even those who are otherwise “blessed.” Depression is a biological, brain-based disease, and it requires proper care. If you haven’t already, please seek professional help. A great practitioner or center will not only provide you with that compassionate support you are seeking, but also help you in educating those around you.

Q.) Ever since my dad’s death last year, I’ve felt hopeless, restless, and can’t sleep through the night. My primary physician recommended antidepressants, but I declined. I’m just grieving, I’m not depressed…right?

A.) My condolences on the passing of your father. Losing a parent is never easy, and there is no right way, or right length of time, to grieve. It is certainly true that grief can turn into depression, just as pre-existing depression can complicate grief, and the symptoms are nearly identical: despair, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, inability to concentrate, and loss of interest. Personally, I’m much less concerned with whether grief or depression is causing your suffering, than I am with the fact that you are suffering. One year of struggling with sleep, energy, and motivation has probably been incredibly disruptive to your sense of wellbeing. You might find that talking with a mental health professional about your loss, and exploring options for healing that may or may not include medication, helps you adjust to this new reality and find the strength to return to a full life.

Q.) A close friend recently confessed that she has depression. This came as a shock to me as she consistently optimistic and cheerful. Is there anything I can or should do to support her through this?

A.) You’re a good friend to ask this question. Depression can be an extremely isolating illness, more so when loved ones shy away in fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. Often the most powerful thing you can do is to simply be there. That might mean holding your friend’s hand while she cries, offering to drop by with dinner, or leaving her a sweet voicemail. Don’t be afraid to ask her if there’s anything you can do to make her feel better. I would also recommend that you learn as much about depression as you can. Popular myths about depression, including the idea that those who present as optimistic and cheerful can’t be inwardly depressed, can be harmful and minimizing.

If you have questions about depression or want to learn more about treatment of depression or other mental health issues, please contact us. We would be happy to provide information, resources, and support.

The post Ask the Psychiatrist: Depression appeared first on True Life Center.

Q.) I worry a lot…about my job, my kids, my weight, the growing piles of laundry on top of the washer…. do I have anxiety?

A.) We all experience stress and anxiety from time to time, and in certain situations, like moving to a new city, taking a test, or attending a job interview, that anxiety is not only normal but beneficial. Generally, the difference between healthy anxiety and an Anxiety Disorder is the amount of time you spend in that anxious state, and the severity of the feeling. If your anxiety is preventing you from living a full and satisfying life in any way, I would encourage you to seek help. The laundry can wait.

Q.) A friend suggested that my unexplained stomach problems and migraines might be anxiety-related, but I don’t feel particularly anxious. Is it possible for anxiety to be physical?

A.) Not only is it possible, it’s very common! I often see patients who have been suffering from the physical symptoms of anxiety – which include insomnia, upset stomach or nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, muscle tension and more – long before they receive an anxiety diagnosis. Often, individuals will visit their primary care doctor for help in addressing the symptoms, while the root cause remains unaddressed. That’s why generalized anxiety disorder treatment at True Life Center includes holistic services like acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. Mental health affects more than just the mind, and true healing requires attending to someone’s whole health – mind, body, and spirit.

Q.) What should I do if I suspect that I have an anxiety problem, but I’m too anxious to talk to a professional about it?

A.) You aren’t alone in being hesitant to seek help. Unfortunately, only one-third of those suffering from Anxiety Disorders receive treatment. Others delay treatment for years while numbing themselves with alcohol or prescription medication, spending excessive time on social media, or distracting themselves with work or with food. Many times I see patients who put off getting help because they fear that consciously facing the source of their anxiety will make things worse. And it might get a little worse before it gets better. But sharing and processing, thoughtful medication when necessary, and learning the tools and resources for self-care can provide immense relief. I encourage you to ask a trusted friend or loved one to support you in getting the help you need. This can mean assisting with research, helping you make phone calls, or holding you accountable for attending that first appointment.

If you have questions about anxiety disorders or want to learn more about treatment for anxiety or other mental health issues, please contact us today at 858.202.1822. We would be happy to provide information, resources, and support.

The post Ask the Psychiatrist: Anxiety Disorders appeared first on True Life Center.

Q.) I’m finally ready to get help for my depression, but I’m confused as to whether I need a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, or counselor. Don’t they all do the same thing?

A.) First of all, I want to commend you for having the courage and awareness to seek help. Reaching out to any of the professionals you listed would be a good place to start. All have the training and insight to refer you elsewhere if need be, depending on the severity of your depression and the kind of support you are looking for. Generally speaking, you will need to see a psychiatrist (all of whom hold M.D.’s) if you are interested in exploring medication as part of your treatment. Psychologists, therapists, and counselors are differentiated mainly by their education, training, and licensure. As you begin making phone calls, inquire about the credentials, specializations, and treatment approach of each. It’s most important that you find someone you trust and feel comfortable with. If, after a conversation or initial session you find yourself thinking, “this person gets me,” that’s usually an indication of a good fit. If you’re still unsure, I recommend contacting a comprehensive treatment center like True Life, where all of the professionals you mentioned are under the same roof, and a team member can listen to your unique story before providing recommendations.

Q.) A friend suggested I attend rehab for my bipolar disorder. Isn’t rehab just for addiction?

A.) I’m guessing your friend is using the term “rehab” to refer to inpatient treatment programs (also known as residential treatment), which require that patients live-in the facility for the duration of treatment. Though a majority of inpatient facilities deal primarily in addiction, residential mental health treatment programs do exist. Whether or not inpatient is the right solution for you depends on a number of things including the severity of your illness, the stressors in your environment, your financial situation, and your treatment goals. If you’re looking to focus solely on recovery, without worrying about the distractions of daily life, inpatient programs offer a controlled environment, close supervision and highly scheduled days. Alternatively, outpatient mental health treatment centers like True Life typically offer programming that allows patients to spend several hours a day, several days a week at the facility. These type of programs, commonly called Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are often more affordable than their residential counterparts, provide increased schedule flexibility, allow patients to maintain work and family commitments while receiving treatment, and give patients the opportunity to immediately incorporate what they learn at treatment into their real lives.

Q.) Therapy is expensive! Can’t I just talk to a friend about my problems for free?

A.) You’re right – good mental health care is not cheap, nor should it be. You are paying for the time and expertise of a professional who will remain objective and confidential while listening for understanding, encouraging independent thinking and self-reflection, and delivering feedback designed to promote long-term, sustainable growth. Your friends, wonderful as they may be, are simply unable to provide the same type of guidance. I encourage you to consider the cost of not seeking professional help. Ignoring or delaying treatment often comes at great personal cost in terms of job performance, broken relationships, physical health and more. Your life and wellbeing are worth investing in!

If you have any questions about mental health care, please give our admissions team a call at 858.202.1822. We are happy to assist you in finding the care you need, even if True Life isn’t the right fit.

The post Ask The Psychiatrist: How To Find The Right Mental Health Care appeared first on True Life Center.