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NATURE OF MENTAL ILLNESS

Empathy Mental Health provides services for the treatment of mental illnesses. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):“Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, daily functioning and ability to relate to others. Mental illness doesn’t develop because of a person’s character or intelligence. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, a mental illness is a disorder of the brain that can make it difficult to cope with the ordinary demands of life.  No one is to blame—not the person and not the family.

“Currently, there are no blood tests or tissue samples that can definitively diagnose mental illnesses. Diagnoses are based on clinical observations of behavior in the person and reports from those close to the person. Symptoms vary from one person to another, and each person responds differently, which complicates getting an accurate diagnosis. The most common mental illness diagnoses include depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, but there are many others. Regardless of the diagnosis, symptoms can be similar and can overlap, especially in times of crisis.” (NAMI, “Navigating a Mental Health Crisis”, 2018, Page 3 – Accessed from Navigating-A-Mental-Health-Crisis (nami.org)).

SERVICES

Assessment

In recognition of mental illness being a disorder of the brain, Empathy Mental Health utilizes an integrated medical model to treat its clients. The model includes the following services:

  • A “medical status” examination, which is a physical health Evaluation and Management assessment of a new patient, typically denoted by CPT 99205.
  • A psychiatric diagnostic assessment typically denoted by CPT 90791 or CPT 90792. The criteria involve a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s mental health. Here are some key components:
    1. Clinical Interview: A detailed interview to gather information about the individual’s psychiatric history, current symptoms, and functioning.
    2. Mental Status Examination (MSE): An assessment of the individual’s appearance, behavior, mood, thought processes, cognition, and insight.
    3. Psychiatric History: A review of past psychiatric diagnoses, treatments, hospitalizations, and family history of mental illness.
    4. Medical History: Information about any medical conditions, medications, and substance use that could impact mental health.
    5. Psychosocial Assessment: Evaluation of the individual’s social, occupational, and educational functioning, as well as support systems and stressors.
    6. Diagnostic Criteria: Use of standardized diagnostic criteria, such as those found in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), to identify specific mental health disorders.
    7. Risk Assessment: Evaluation of the risk of harm to self or others, including suicidal or homicidal ideation.
    8. Collateral Information: Gathering information from family members, friends, or other healthcare providers to get a comprehensive view of the individual’s condition.

Treatment – Basic Therapies

These components help clinicians develop an accurate diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs. The treatment plan will focus on and use specific psychotherapy techniques including:

  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
  2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines CBT with mindfulness techniques to help individuals manage emotions and improve relationships.
  3. Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious processes and past experiences to understand current behavior and emotions.
  4. Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, often using techniques like client-centered therapy.
  5. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication patterns.
  6. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy to prevent relapse in depression.
  7. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages acceptance of thoughts and feelings while committing to behavior changes aligned with personal values.
  8. Family Therapy: Involves family members in therapy sessions to address relational dynamics and improve communication.
  9. Group Therapy: Provides a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences and learn from others in a group setting.

Treatment – Adjunct Therapies

The above techniques are tailored to meet the specific needs of the client and are often used in combination to achieve the best outcomes. They are supplemented by adjunct therapies, which can complement traditional counseling by providing additional avenues for expression and healing. Some popular adjunct therapies include:

  1. Art Therapy: Uses creative processes like drawing, painting, and sculpting to help individuals express emotions and explore their inner experiences
  2. Music Therapy: Involves using music to address emotional, cognitive, and social needs. This can include listening to music, playing instruments, or songwriting.
  3. Dance/Movement Therapy: Utilizes movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration.
  4. Drama Therapy: Incorporates role-playing, storytelling, and improvisation to help individuals explore and resolve personal issues.
  5. Poetry Therapy: Uses reading, writing, and discussing poetry to promote healing and personal growth.
  6. Play Therapy: Primarily used with children, this therapy uses play to help them express feelings and resolve conflicts.
  7. Sandplay Therapy: Involves creating scenes in a sandbox using miniature figures, allowing individuals to express and process complex emotions.

Treatment – Recreation Therapies

Recreation therapies can indeed include outings such as trips to the movies, the zoo, or events like 4th of July celebrations. However, it also encompasses a wide range of other activities, such as:

  1. Arts and crafts: Encouraging creativity and self-expression.
  2. Sports and physical activities: Promoting physical health and teamwork.
  3. Nature-based activities: Providing sensory stimulation and relaxation through activities like hiking or gardening.
  4. Music and dance: Enhancing mood and emotional expression.
  5. Games and puzzles: Improving cognitive functions and problem-solving skills.

The key is to tailor these activities to the individual needs and preferences of each client, ensuring that the therapy is both effective and enjoyable. This personalized approach helps clients engage more fully in their treatment and apply the skills they learn to their daily lives.

Treatment – Medication-Assisted Therapy

Medication Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) is an evidence-based treatment approach that combines the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. This integrated method helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for individuals to focus on their recovery and achieve long-term success. By addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of mental health, MAT enhances the overall effectiveness of the Empathy Mental Health treatment programs and supports sustained recovery. We utilize a range of psychotropic medications, which are designed to affect mood, thoughts, and behavior. Examples of these medications include:

  1. Antidepressants: Such as sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac), which help manage symptoms of depression.
  2. Antipsychotics: Such as aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel), used to treat conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
  3. Mood Stabilizers: Such as lithium and valproate (Depakote), which help control mood swings in bipolar disorder.
  4. Anti-Anxiety Medications: Such as lorazepam (Ativan) and alprazolam (Xanax), which are used to treat anxiety disorders.

LOCATION

Empathy Mental Health provides these services in the following locations:

  1. Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs) licensed under DHS 83 and Adult Family Homes licensed under DHS 88. These facilities provide a range of services, including:
    1. Housing and Related
      • Homelike facility with individual rooms if available (with furniture, linen and bedding, and toiletries); media room; activities room; living room; dining room; and outdoor recreation area if available at a particular facility.
      • Nutritious meals; three meals daily, and snacks as reasonably requested. Special meals may be provided on holidays such as the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
      • Housekeeping and laundry.
    2. Health and Medical Care Services
      • 24-hour case management, supervision, care and support.
      • Psychiatric assessment and monitoring.
      • Counseling and psychotherapy.
      • Assistance with taking prescribed medication. (We will normally not directly administer any medications to you, but we will assist you in taking your prescribed medications.)
      • Transportation to and from medical appointments, including diagnostic services, and services of specialist physicians and other healthcare professionals.
    3. Assistance with Activities of Daily Living
      • Ambulation assistance.
      • Bathing Assistance.
      • Dressing assistance.
      • Eating assistance.
      • Grooming assistance and barber services.
      • Toileting assistance.
    4. Activities Programming and Related
      • Occupational therapy and activity programming; opportunities to participate in exercise; and recreation and leisure activities.
      • Life skills development.
      • Use of facility phone (for local calls) and internet.
      • Transportation services for social, recreational and cultural activities and outings.
      • Coordination of family visits.
      • Access to peer support specialists (former clients who have recovered or have made great strides in recovery) whom the client can relate to; and who can help instill hope and provide advocacy.
  2. Outpatient Mental Health Clinics: These are licensed under DHS 35. They offer nonresidential services for individuals with mental health issues, including evaluation, diagnosis, medical services, and psychotherapy.
  3. Crisis Stabilization Centers: These facilities are licensed under DHS 34. They provide emergency mental health services in residential settings for individuals who cannot safely stay at home but do not require hospitalization.
  4. In the Community – in client homes.
  5. In the Cloud – via telehealth.