Mental Health Facilities in Washington

Mental Health Treatment in Washington

Unfortunately, Washington ranks poorly when it comes to mental health. According to the Mental Health America's report, approximately 22% of adults in Washington have a mental illness, compared to 19% national average. Only five other states have a higher prevalence of mental illness than Washington. More so, Washington is one of the ten states with the highest prevalence of severe depressive episodes and substance use disorders among children.

This article aims to provide the needed resources and information for everyone who needs help dealing with mental health problems in Washington.

Symptoms of Mental Illness in Washington

Mental illnesses do not appear suddenly. Like in most other diseases, the changes happen gradually before the onset of a full-blown illness. These changes differ from one patient to the next and can impact their thinking, feelings, or behavior.

If you or a loved one in Washington is experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should seek treatment at a mental health facility:

• Hallucinations and delusions
• Concentration problems at work or school
• A drop in personal care
• Feeling of depression
• Memory loss
• Speech problems
• A significant drop in appetite and sleep
• Extreme mood swings
• A strong feeling of fear and anxiety
• Social withdrawal
• Unusual or abnormal behavior

How long does mental illness treatment last in Washington?

Treatment for mental health disorders varies according to the individual, the diagnosis, and the severity of symptoms. As a result, treatment duration varies from person to person. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications, whereas therapy works in others. For the patient's complete recovery, the care team may recommend a combination of therapy and medication. Usually, all these treatment methods take time.

Treating Both Mental Illness and Addiction in Washington

Patients suffering from mental illnesses are prone to drug or alcohol addiction. Sometimes, these patients indulge in dangerous substances to help control their symptoms. They may also resort to self-medication with prescription pills.

For instance, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are common in people who need addiction treatment. To suppress appetite and boost confidence, patients frequently use stimulants, diet pills, and sometimes alcohol. These issues frequently coexist with body dysmorphic disorder, a condition in which a person is overly critical of their appearance and obsesses over imagined flaws in their own body.

If you are struggling with both addiction and mental illness, you should seek out a dual diagnosis treatment center in Washington as soon as possible. Luckily, Washington State has some of the best centers for dual diagnosis treatment. Asides from treatment, these facilities will also help you understand the condition better so you don’t have a relapse in the future.

Resident vs. Outpatient Treatment

Mental health treatment in Washington usually falls under two broad categories; residential and outpatient treatment. The primary distinction between the two treatment programs is the setting in which recovery and care are provided.

Residential or inpatient programs offer patients a structured schedule with 24 hours medically monitoring. In a residential setting, daily activities may include group support and individual counseling. An individual can expect round-the-clock care support and a strong sense of community during a stay at an inpatient residential facility.

One of the significant advantages of an inpatient program over outpatient treatment is that it is free from the distractions of daily life. Patients have all the time to focus on their recovery goals in a serene environment.

However, outpatient programs allow more flexibility and allow patients to attend treatment from their homes while still carrying out their daily responsibilities. However, inpatient programs have the advantage of restricting access to substance abuse-related behavior.