How Do Individual Psychotherapy and Group Therapy Aid in the Recovery of
Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders?
Introduction
Behavioral health disorders, which include substance use and mental health disorders, affect millions of adolescents and adults in the United States and contribute heavily to the burden of disease (World Health Organization, 2013). The coexistence of both a mental health issue and a substance use disorder (SUD) is referred to as a co-occurring disorder (i.e., a mental disorder and an SUD). (Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 2015, p. 32). As reported by SAMSHA, 2017, about 3.3 percent of all adults in 2014 had both any mental illness (AMI) and an SUD in the past year, and 1.0
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In order to support the mental health treatment the clients must engage in two individual psychotherapy sessions, during which the therapist would complete an assessment and treatment plan; which will guide the development of goals and objectives that will conduct the treatment for the next six months. At the six month point another assessment and treatment plan are completed during with client progress is evaluated.
Additionally, at Rincon Family Services mental health clients receive group therapy in which the participants are offered information and educational literature. The group sessions, are designed to target a specific problem, such as depression, panic disorder, social anxiety, chronic pain or substance abuse. In addition, topics on improving social skills, helping people deal with a range of issues such as anger, shyness, loneliness and low self-esteem, also are offered. Considering Rincon’s approach to treating individuals with dual diagnosis, a question was developed to better understand this service delivery modality. The research question, “how do individual psychotherapy and group therapy aid in the recovery of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders?” will address the analysis of the journals.
Drake & Brunette, (1998) reported that “Substance abuse is associated with a wide range of negative
The first time I personally experienced attending a group therapy was part of my course. Through this experience i can say that group therapy can be very powerful in healing a person emotionally and since the members were from the same class, where we all have similar goals. Group therapy helped all of us to establish meaningful and intimate relationship and we also recognised commanality of members needs and problems and to develop a sense of bonding and we became very close and we could also be there for each other during emotionally trying times.It also helped me to increase self-growth, self acceptance and self –confidence among oneself and group members. Group therapy is a powerful venue for growth and change. It also helped me in expressing my emotions in a healthy way.
The Effects of Psychoeducational Group Therapy on Symptoms of PTSD, Anxiety and Depression Among Incarcerated Women
Constructing a treatment and service plan for a client involves various components. Prior to starting a treatment plan the professional should carry out a client evaluation. The evaluation should determine the basis of the difficulty or issues and assess the back ground of the client. After the completion of the evaluation, a professional can start constructing an agreement to fulfill the needs of the client. The treatment plan should include goals that relate to the difficulties and issues the client is experiencing, this assessment will discuss the components of Mr. McCunes personalized treatment program.
Co-occurring disorders can be difficult to treat due to the complexity of symptoms. Both the mental health and substance abuse disorders have biological, psychological, and social components assessed throughout the treatment process. Co-occurring disorder individuals battle to maintain their sobriety as they need to find services for both mental health and support groups catering to their unique needs.
Regarding the treatment of mental illness, there are two effective forms that have caused considerable debates in the field of psychology: the medical and the recovery models. While there are significant differences between these two models, they are both effective when used concurrently. The efficacy of the medical model alone is diminishing as it focuses too narrowly on treatment goals, and may ignore the needs of the client. On the other hand, the recovery model focuses on the client and allows them to take control of their treatment and rehabilitation, which helps promote positive change. Recovery is often seen as a lifelong journey that requires the client to be wholly involved in the recovery process. This is why the recovery model values
A clinical assessment is then conducted for treatment needs. Different treatment plans are made for each client. Individualized treatment plans are used to make referrals and they are updated periodically.”
The treatment planning process helps the client select the level and intensity of treatment that works best for them. When planning treatment the counsellor can consider preferences and the services available. The treatment plan may change over time but it provides a focus for ongoing support. The treatment plan comprises of two main functions, it allows for a negotiation between the client and assessor for specific interventions to address the identified problems as well as allows them to develop a
A statistical piece of information that was interesting is that how the number of mental disorders increases as the number of substance abuse disorders increases as well. Services, U.D. (2005) states the likelihood of mental disorders rises alongside with substance abuse dependencies. With the rise of both abuses at the same time, it complicates treatment for the mental disorder patients that have drug use however, multiple drugs is normal for those who are substance abusers (Services, U.D., 2005). The reason this information is found to be interesting is because with the two disorders rising at the same level, it appears that the challenges will be harder and more co-occurring disorder patients are going to need help with their issues. As a counselor, one must be dually competent to treat these clients or have staff available to treat the clients who have co-occurring disorders to ensure an effective outcome.
Looking for new and more effective ways to treat the issues of their clients, counselors and therapists may often begin to consider leading a group therapy session. Group therapy is a form of therapy in which a therapist either treats or provides psychoeducational skills to a small, carefully planned target group of individuals in an effort to ameliorate the issues and dysfunctions of each individual in that particular group of patients together (Scheidlinger, 2004). In this group, therapists often utilize some of the psychotherapy theories such as Gestalt, transactional analysis, psychotherapy or psychodrama which they often use to treat clients individually.
Group therapy is an important method that is commonly used by psychiatric professionals in the treatment of many types of mental illnesses. They consist of three or more people and are targeted at promoting psychological development and change. There are three different types of groups. The task group works by using tasks, such as activities and techniques, designed to help clients work toward desired goals. In addition, midrange groups work by allowing clients to share their thoughts and feelings with others who have learned to cope with similar problems over a longer period of time. Lastly, process groups work by allowing clients to work on their communicating patterns, skills and methods (Fortinash & Holoday Worrett, 2008).
Evaluate the claim that Person-Centred Therapy offers the therapist all that he/she will need to treat clients.
At one point in a person life, they will participated in a group whether it is part of a specific committee, therapy, or social group. In recent years, there has been a rise in counseling within a group forum veering from the tradition individual counseling. Therapists, physiologist, and counselors believe that form of counseling is beneficial to both counselor and client. This allows the counselor to help several clients at once rather than one at a time decreasing their strenuous workload and demanding work hours. This form of counseling integrate individual that share similar issues, struggles, and experiences into one forum. This not only allows the clients to learn from the therapist but from their fellow group members. The group experience
The human and economic toll of co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders in this country demands immediate attention. Though the problems associated with co-occurring disorders have long been acknowledged and discussed, there has been little consensus about how to accomplish needed system change. In this time period, there are many different disorders and illnesses that go unnoticed, and unknown.
Constant assessment of the clients’ problems and cognitions is very important in evaluating if techniques are being effective. Often in the beginning there is an extensive interview process that can last several hours. This interview gives the therapist insight into the client’s past, what the current problems are, and client goals. The interview will allow the therapist to set up a structured plan for how the therapy will proceed.
Depression in late life is very common, particularly in older adults who are moving in to a different phase of their lives. They may experience a loss of a job, death of a spouse, empty nest, or a move that has taken them away from their social network. Geriatric depression is expensive for everyone involved, from the seniors who suffer not only mentally but physically from its effects to the increased use of health services such as emergency room visits. Suicide is also a consequence of depression in seniors. Sometimes depression is not diagnosed properly because its physical symptoms can mimic other illnesses. Many women, ages 55 and up, experience feelings of loneliness, isolation and do not know what to do now that they are in this new stage in their life; not working etc. Is the women’s group effective in helping members overcome feelings of depression and isolation?