Do you know the difference between mental health therapies and evidence-based modalities? There is a big difference because not all mental health treatment methods are evidence-based. To get the most health benefits, you need to stay in the know about how evidence-based modalities work while seeking treatment. If you do not know where to begin, Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention can educate you because we have a strong evidenced-based program for mental health.
What Are Evidence-Based Modalities?
More and more mental health treatment facilities nowadays claim to offer evidence-based treatment methods. But when you look into their programs, the definition can be very vague. What makes a treatment method or therapy evidence-based? First of all, an evidence-based modality of treatment is clinically tested. Secondly, it is a research-oriented approach. This means that there has been a lot of ongoing clinical research to scientifically validate a treatment method.
The benefits of evidence-based modalities are multifold. Primarily, their effects are more reliable because of the clinical testing processes. Secondly, these scientifically validated treatments tend to result in real, sustainable behavioral changes. Last but not least, evidence-based modalities can adopt cutting-edge research for innovation, so there is higher flexibility in terms of customization to meet the different needs of people.
What Are Some Evidence-Based Modalities for Mental Health?
The most common evidence-based modalities for mental health treatment include behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectic behavior therapy (DBT). Take CBT for example. The reason why CBT has been considered the current gold standard of psychotherapy is that CBT has long been an evidence-based approach. It is backed up by an extensive and progressive research network that constantly shares clinical results with health professionals.
Similar to CBT, dialectic behavior therapy (DBT) has also been a long-standing evidence-based modality in treating complex mental health illnesses, such as personality disorders, panic disorders, bipolar disorders, etc. DBT can be used in combination with crisis intervention to prevent self-harm and suicide.
Another important evidence-based treatment method is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It is listed among the most commonly used evidence-based approach for mental health illnesses by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
How to Find High-Quality, Evidence-Based Treatment Programs?
If you are looking for high-quality, evidence-based programs, make sure that you first check the website of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Its Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center offers the most authoritative publications on this topic. On this website, you can even search and filter by specific mental health conditions.
The fact that a treatment center uses the term “evidence-based approach” does not mean that they are practicing high-quality evidence-based modalities. Some offer diluted programs that may delay your recovery or the recovery of your loved one. There are a few things you need to watch out for. First, if they tend to justify the effectiveness by using anecdotes and personal stories, that is not considered evidence-based. You should ask more questions to see if they have relevant clinical knowledge.
Secondly, be aware that many treatment centers use a lot of scientific jargon to confuse people. A high-quality facility should be able to both demonstrate clinical expertise and help you understand. Lastly, evidence-based modalities are not quick fixes or cure-all methods. If they make claims in this fashion, that is a red flag.
Evidence-Based Crisis Stabilization
Many people may not know that evidence-based modalities can effectively promote recovery during crisis stabilization. In situations of mental health emergencies, health professionals need to maximize the use of proven techniques in order to save lives and restore wellness.
Some psychotropic meditations treating post-crisis recovery are also part of an evidence-based approach. This involves assessments, dosing, prescribing, and monitoring to ensure the most desirable outcomes. It is also important that crisis stabilization has a continuum of care to support subsequent recovery.
A Comprehensive Continuum of Care
Although we emphasize that evidence-based modalities are essential, this does not mean that other support services are less important. It takes a comprehensive continuum of care to help an individual recover from a mental health crisis. This continuum of care also needs to help rebuild mental resilience so that the next crisis can be prevented.
Common support services include family therapy and peer support groups. In fact, some researchers argue that these two treatment methods are also evidence-based because continuous research has proven their effectiveness. In addition, a person recovering from a crisis needs coaching and recovery planning that prioritizes safety. A good facility may also provide referrals for ongoing services. All of these compose a continuum of care when combined together. For a high-quality and comprehensive continuum of care, you do not need to look beyond Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention.
You may have heard of evidence-based treatment methods for mental health recovery. But can you distinguish a good program from a bad one? A high-quality mental health intervention facility that prioritizes using evidence-based modalities can increase the rate of full recovery. If you are in San Diego, you do not need to look beyond Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention. We are a crisis support center for people with severe psychiatric conditions that often lead to a mental health crisis. Located in the College Area of San Diego, California, we provide a variety of evidence-based treatment options to help you recover. We treat a wide range of mental health illnesses, including personality disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. Call (866) 986-1481.
