Mental Healthcare
What is mental healthcare?
Mental healthcare is the term used to describe services devoted to treating and supporting patients with mental illnesses or impairments. A mental illness or impairment is a condition that affects cognition, mood, and/or behavior. Common mental illnesses include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders.
A team of professionals—including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers—provides mental healthcare by working together to develop and execute individualized treatment plans for patients. Treatment may involve medication, psychotherapy, counseling, and/or psychiatric hospitalization.
Why is mental healthcare important?
Mental healthcare services are important as they aid people suffering from potentially debilitating or life-threatening mental health problems. Mental healthcare helps individuals understand their illness and supports them in overcoming or controlling their symptoms. Mental health and physical health are both necessary for overall wellness and quality of life.