Behavioral Health Services is specialized areas in which psychologists, social workers, and other allied mental health professionals work to provide assistance and education to individuals and families that suffer from psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Psychologists focus on identifying the problem and working with people in the community to find a cure for their mental condition. The Psychology Department at the University of Maryland Baltimore is a prime example of a Behavioral Health Services program. It serves as an example of the type of service provided. It is an accredited school that offers a program for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Psychology with the goal of developing the skills necessary for effective treatment of psychiatric disorders, providing individual and family counseling and therapy, and developing skills for developing healthy interpersonal relationships.
Behavioral Health Services covers all areas of mental health. Mental health is often the most neglected aspect of psychology. It is defined as the extent of physical or mental health that has been attained or maintained at an optimal level. It is the condition of a person who is “working at a satisfactory degree of emotional and/or behavioral adjustment.” In some cases, a person suffering from a mental condition may need more intensive care and supervision than a person with no mental condition. The mental health of a patient can be compromised by physical illnesses or medical treatments that affect mood, sleep, or appetite. Psychologists who provide treatment for psychiatric disorders understand these complexities and know how to use behavioral methods to deal with them.
Many community mental health organizations, schools, and organizations include behavioral health services in their programs. Programs may also include a mental health nursing unit or clinical settings. In addition, there are many outpatient programs that provide counseling and therapy to patients who are not admitted to a hospital. There are also some clinics that offer psychotherapy. People suffering from psychiatric disorders need to see a psychologist, social worker, or licensed psychiatrist every now and then to keep their minds off of their problems and to regain control over their lives.
