In Crisis? Call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988
In Crisis? Call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988
We want to help you bridge the “Knowledge Gap”. Below you will find definitions for Mental Health Issues, Types of Help (like Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist), Levels of Care (Inpatient vs. Outpatient), Therapy Settings, and more.
A medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions. They can prescribe medications and offer therapy.
A professional trained in the assessment and treatment of mental health issues, often through talk therapy. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.
A general term for a mental health professional, typically offering counseling or psychotherapy to help individuals cope with emotional and psychological challenges.
A trained professional who provides mental health support, often linking clients with resources and offering counseling.
A professional who helps individuals manage mental health, career, or life challenges through talk therapy and guidance.
A nurse with advanced education and training who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions and prescribe medications.
A person with lived experience of mental health issues who helps others in similar situations by offering support, guidance, and encouragement.
A professional who helps coordinate services and resources for individuals dealing with mental health challenges, ensuring they receive appropriate care.
A therapist who uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help individuals change negative thought patterns that affect emotions and behavior.
A therapist who specializes in working with families to improve communication and resolve conflicts, particularly around mental health challenges.
A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, affecting daily functioning.
A mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and a lack of motivation, impacting everyday life.
A mental health condition marked by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness, often interfering with daily activities and relationships.
A mood disorder that involves extreme mood swings, from high periods of euphoria or irritability (mania) to low periods of depression.
A condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
A group of mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits, such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating disorder.
A condition in which individuals are unable to control their use of alcohol or drugs, often leading to dependency and significant life issues.
A condition marked by intense emotions, unstable relationships, and a distorted self-image, often leading to impulsive behaviors.
A type of care where individuals are admitted to a hospital or treatment facility to receive 24-hour care and supervision for mental health crises.
Mental health treatment provided while the individual lives at home, typically involving scheduled therapy sessions or counseling.
A structured, intensive treatment program where individuals attend therapy for several hours a day but return home in the evening.
A treatment program that offers more support than standard outpatient care, often including several sessions per week.
A live-in treatment program for individuals who need more support than outpatient care can provide, typically focused on mental health or addiction.
A facility designed to provide short-term care and stabilization for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, often before transitioning to longer-term care.
A form of housing designed to help individuals with mental health issues gradually transition back to independent living after inpatient or residential care.
Mental health care provided remotely, typically through video calls, for individuals who cannot attend in-person sessions.
A one-on-one therapy session between a therapist and a client to address personal mental health concerns.
A therapeutic setting where multiple individuals with similar concerns meet together with a therapist to work on emotional or mental health issues.
Therapy sessions that involve the whole family, aimed at improving communication, resolving conflicts, and addressing issues affecting family dynamics.
Therapy provided in a school setting to help students cope with mental health challenges, often involving school counselors or psychologists.
Therapy offered in non-clinical settings such as community centers, aimed at making mental health care more accessible.
Virtual therapy conducted through video calls or messaging, allowing clients to receive mental health support from the comfort of their own home.
Structured programs where individuals attend therapy sessions during the day but return home in the evenings.
Therapy provided within a hospital setting, typically for individuals who are admitted for mental health reasons.
A practice of focusing on the present moment and accepting it without judgment, often used to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.
Techniques used to control breathing in order to reduce stress and anxiety, such as deep breathing or box breathing.
Methods used to help individuals stay connected to the present moment, often used to manage overwhelming emotions or dissociation.
Activities and practices that individuals engage in to maintain or improve their mental and emotional well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, or relaxation.
Statements or phrases that individuals repeat to challenge negative thinking patterns and promote a positive mindset.
Writing down thoughts and feelings as a way to process emotions, gain insight, and manage stress.
Physical activity that has been shown to improve mental health by releasing endorphins and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Practices that promote better sleep, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and avoiding stimulants.
The process of taking prescribed medications to manage mental health conditions, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
A therapeutic treatment approach that involves talking with a trained therapist to address mental health concerns and improve emotional well-being.
A type of therapy designed to help individuals with intense emotions and self-destructive behaviors develop healthier coping skills.
A therapy used to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences by using guided eye movements.
A therapeutic technique that helps individuals gradually face and overcome their fears in a controlled and supportive environment.
An approach that integrates physical activities, like yoga or tai chi, with mental health treatment to improve overall well-being.
A treatment approach that combines therapy with medication to help individuals recover from addiction and substance use disorders.
Peer-led or therapist-led groups where individuals share experiences and provide support for each other on specific mental health challenges.
A form of therapy that uses creative expression through art to help individuals process emotions and trauma.
A therapeutic approach using music to promote emotional expression, stress relief, and healing.