Is there such a thing as a quick fix for mental health issues? Unfortunately, no. Mental and emotional well-being are shaped by many factors — genetic, environmental and social. If your loved one is struggling with these complexities, it may be time to consider a residential treatment facility.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, residential treatment may be “the best option possible to provide necessary social, emotional and academic support when all other options have proven to be insufficient.” Residential treatment facilities are an ideal setting for a holistic approach to healing, which can be so needed when a patient is experiencing a complex array of symptoms.

It’s a big step, so if you have a loved one for whom you are contemplating residential treatment, you need to make sure they are going to get the holistic treatment they need. Keep reading to learn what to look for in a behavioral health residential facility: therapeutic and behavioral interventions, lifestyle and expressive therapies and interdisciplinary care teams.

Therapeutic and behavioral interventions

Skilled nursing facilities with behavioral health programs typically offer interventions like these:

• Individual and group therapy.
• Substance abuse recovery meetings.
• Training on behavioral modification strategies.
• Regular psychotropic medication reviews for safe and effective use.

“When administered carefully and with individual needs in mind, therapy and medications are a solid foundation on which to build a holistic treatment approach,” said Scott Dagenais, director of TheraGen rehabilitation at Generations Healthcare, which operates facilities throughout California. “However, true healing comes from addressing the whole person — mind, body and environment. By integrating therapy and medication with social support, meaningful activities and wellness-focused care, we can help residents achieve lasting well-being.”

Lifestyle and expressive therapies

While therapy and medications form the foundation of treatment, other lifestyle factors — such as diet, physical activity and creative expression — also play a crucial role in improving mental health. Behavioral and mental health are affected by every aspect of life, including what we eat, our physical activity and even our opportunities to be creative. Skilled nursing facilities can help with each of those.

Diet impacts mood and cognition more than we may realize. A study published in the Techinum Social Sciences Journal noted that “specific foods help the hormones of happiness to increase in our body. This has the effect of reducing stress and increasing happiness.” For instance, a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish, antioxidants from berries and whole grains can help improve mood regulation and cognitive function. Some skilled nursing facilities offer nutritionist-designed meal plans focused on mental well-being.

Physical and recreational activities can play a significant role in emotional well-being. A literature review published via the DMIHER School of Epidemiology and Public Health concluded that consistent physical activity can help improve symptoms among patients with schizophrenia, alcohol dependence syndrome, depression and anxiety.

Creative therapies have been shown to reduce suffering from mental symptoms, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. For example, at some facilities, art therapy sessions might involve creating visual art pieces that help patients express complex emotions, providing insights that guide further treatment. One literature review published in Frontiers in Psychology found that not only does art therapy help patients express their feelings, but it also can serve “as an auxiliary treatment for diagnosing diseases to help medical specialists obtain complementary information different from conventional tests.”

Interdisciplinary care teams

Interdisciplinary care teams work together to provide a comprehensive, team-based approach to care. A study published in The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that “the interdisciplinary model improves the quality of medical care provided, increases patient safety, and improves communication between members of the therapeutic team.”

As physicians, nurses, therapists, dietitians and social workers share their insights on each patient, they together provide a more seamless and personalized treatment experience for the patient. Receiving care for significant behavioral health issues can be overwhelming. But having a care team looking out for your loved one’s mental, emotional and physical well-being can help make the therapeutic process much more positive.

Though serious behavioral health conditions don’t have a quick fix, a thoughtful, holistic approach — one that looks at the whole person — can lead to real healing. At a residential treatment facility, therapy and medication, lifestyle therapies and interdisciplinary care teams can make a huge difference. So when choosing a facility for your loved one, seek out a place that emphasizes integrated care so they can thrive emotionally, mentally and physically.

Isabella Markert is a content writer for Stage Marketing, a full-service content marketing agency based in Lehi.