Make Your Mental Health a Priority
Improving Access to Mental Health Care through Behavioral Health Integration:
Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) is an approach to delivering mental health care that makes it easier for Patients to seek Counseling while visiting their primary care providers. It includes mental and behavioral health screening, treatment, and specialty care. Access to help always involves collaborations between primary care providers and specialized care providers for mental health.
You are not alone. Mental health is as important as physical health. How we feel, act, make choices, deal with stress and connect with others is all affected by our mental health. Anxiety, sadness and stress are normal feelings. But when continuing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function, a mental health concern may have become a mental illness. Five potential signs of mental illness:
- Personality change
- Anxiety, anger or moodiness
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Risky behavior or lack of self-care
- Hopelessness or feeling overwhelmed
What Is a Professional Counselor?
Professional counselors help people gain personal insights, develop strategies and come up with real-life solutions to the problems and challenges they face in every area of life. As trained and credentialed professionals, they accomplish this by getting to know clients, by building safe, positive relationships and suggesting tools and techniques they believe will benefit clients.
Life is rarely perfect. We all face ups and downs and sometimes need some extra help in our corner. If there is an area of your life that you are struggling with, or where you feel you could use additional insight, or even just a partner for the journey, then working with a counselor may be right for you. Working with a counselor helps you focus on your mental and emotional health, overcome challenges, meet your goals, and lay foundations for a brighter, healthier future.
All professional counselors have three things in common, so if you choose to work with a counselor, you can expect:
- A Client-Centered Approach That Focuses on You
Just as no two people are alike, counselors recognize that no two people who work with a counselor will have the same experience. So, a professional counselor’s first goal is to get to know their client.
Your counselor will be interested in hearing about you and all areas of your life. They will likely ask you questions about yourself, your hobbies, your relationships and your work to understand how different parts of your life may be affecting each other.
Through creating a safe, non-judgmental environment and actively listening, counselors help you to explore what’s troubling you. Professional counselors also regularly utilize evidence-based practices grounded in research to ensure top quality care. As counselors get to know you and listen to your concerns, wishes and goals, they help you develop insight so that you can identify and get to the root of your challenges.
- A Wellness-Based Philosophy
Counselors are committed to helping you achieve wellness in every area of your life. While professional counselors are trained to diagnose and treat mental disorders, they can also work with you to improve your overall wellbeing. Whether you are struggling with life’s adversities or just looking to live a better life, a counselor will approach your treatment with your mental, physical and spiritual wellness in mind. They work with you to understand what is holding you back from achieving wellness, and help you build the knowledge and skills you need to come up with real solutions and healthy coping strategies for the challenges you face.