Behavioral Health

What is Behavioral Health?

Behavioral health is a blanket term that includes mental health. Around 4.8 million people visit an emergency room for behavioral disorders, mental and neurodevelopmental disorders every year. Behavioral and mental health services are highly connected to each other and have a common goal of upholding well-being, however, they each have their own scope.

Comparing Behavioral Health and Mental Health

Behavioral health focuses on the connection of behaviors and the overall well-being of the body, mind and spirit. This service looks at how habits such as diet, drinking or exercising impact a person’s physical and mental health. On the other hand, mental health is a discipline that focuses on thoughts and feelings; it looks closely at biological factors that influence a person’s mental state. 

From this definition, we can see that those suffering from mental health problems can also benefit from behavioral health principles. This is because the origins of most mental health concerns are almost always bound to impact behavior in some way. Additionally, behavioral health services are so broad and holistic that it can be tailor-fit for various types of cases.  

The Broad Reach of Behavioral Health

Behavioral health services vary from patient to patient and are provided by professionals like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, physicians, counsellors and social workers. These are the types of services you can expect when seeking behavioral health treatment:

• Psychiatric Medical Treatment
• Individual Therapy
• Marriage Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Substance Use Therapy

Why Are Behavioral Health Services Important?

Behavioral health has the potential to inflict numerous negative effects on a person’s life. Aside from compromising a person’s sense of well-being, behavioral problems can affect finances, careers, and relationships. It can therefore create a vicious cycle and possibly bring forth further behavioral problems regarding other aspects of one’s health. 

For example, a behavioral problem like excessive drinking can, in fact, lead to depression – or vice versa. The same behavioral problem, when left unchecked, can create a stressful life situation that can potentially perpetuate the cycle or enable other addictions; ultimately causing the individual’s physical health to suffer. 

This is why behavioral health problems need to be addressed as soon as possible. In the hands of capable experts, these problems are treatable and patients can be directed to the most effective approach for their unique needs. 

There is no reason to feel stigmatized if you or a loved one is suffering from behavioral health problems. In the United States alone, one in every five families is affected by mental health issues. Additionally, up to 20% of health problems requiring a doctor’s care are related to anxiety disorders and other forms of mental illness.  

Types of Behavioral Health Services at SCMH

Intake and Assessment

During the first step, intake interviews and assessments are completed over the phone or face-to-face. These interviews can last around 30 minutes or more. The behavioral health professional will assess the patient’s situation and goals then proceed to recommending the next steps.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Mental Health Disorders

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital has two Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioners that specialize in psychiatry.  The psychiatric nurse practitioner focuses on diagnosing and prescribing medication for acute and chronic mental illness.  Appointments are held at the Rural Health Clinic on the Hospital’s main campus. 

Individual, Couples, and Family Counselling

Individuals, couples, and families will have the option of pursuing professional counselling in a confidential, safe, and supportive environment where their concerns will be clearly identified and addressed. These sessions can be helpful in addressing problems like chronic stress, relationship issues, anger management, parenting issues, financial issues, grief, and so on.  

Limited Crisis or Urgent Care Appointments

We are not an emergency service. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room for evaluation. If you or your loved one has a severe mental illness, we support the efforts of our community mental health agency to provide such services. When you or your loved one are ready for less intensive services, we can help provide that, as appropriate.

Case Management Services 

Case management services are provided through community mental health agencies. These services help people with severe and/or chronic behavioral/mental health problems by giving them the support they need to live and flourish in their community. Case managers are professionals who help such individuals to stabilize themselves, foster independence, and improve their quality of life through time.

Prevention, Education, and Consultation

Prevention, education, and consultation services aim to spread awareness about behavioral health. Through these services, we inform individuals and groups about the seriousness of this concern, thus preventing behavioral problems and/or assisting in the early mitigation of such problems.

Client Advocacy

Through client advocacy, we are able to personally help our clients voice their concerns, express their viewpoints, and assert their rights to whoever needs to hear it (e.g. to health professionals, social care workers, etc.) Advocates can also give valuable counsel, provide options, and give support during any meetings needed to settle the matter. These services are often provided by community mental health agencies. 

Continuing Care Counselling

Individuals with problematic substance abuse, addiction, and mental health issues can benefit tremendously from this behavioral health service. This long-term program involves intensive counselling and is designed to help patients get much-needed emotional support to help them develop a healthy viewpoint on life. 

Brief Interventions

Brief interventions are sessions that aim to safely and effectively investigate the needs of a person with behavioral/mental health problems while also providing guidance for the next steps. In some cases, brief interventions are intended to help the patient realize the extent of the problem and why acting on treatment would be beneficial for them and their loved ones.

Trauma Screenings

Trauma screening is a confidential service wherein focused inquiry is used to determine if an individual has experienced one or more traumatic events. Trauma screening also explores potential mental and behavioral health problems that could be linked to extenuating traumatic experiences. 

Who Can Access Our Behavioral Health Clinic?

Patients can either be referred by their medical provider or self-refer to our services. We have a wide range of professionals who are skilled in different aspects of behavioral health. As such, we are able to help individuals of all ages with various kinds of behavioral health concerns. 

How Our Behavioral Health Services Work

If you or a loved one are suffering from behavioral health issues we’re here to help. Our services address your specific needs or the needs of your loved one. This is why all our behavioral health clinic services start with a thorough assessment and from there, we’ll help you figure out your next steps. 

A Behavioral Health Clinic That’s Here for You

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital is a multi-specialty hospital that is determined in providing quality health and wellness care. If you’ve been reading about the services available in our behavioral health clinic and you know it’s time for a positive change – it’s time to move forward. To get started, please contact us by calling 906-341-3286.  

101 Walnut Street 

Manistique, MI 49854 

USA