What is Behavioral Health in Raleigh, NC
Most people tend to lump behavioral health and mental health together; however, these terms are a bit different. Behavioral health is an umbrella term that encompasses mental health. Simply, it’s defined by the connection between behaviors and a person’s health. For example, we work to evaluate and understand how habits such as exercising or smoking can impact a person’s physical and mental health. Behavioral health doesn’t just focus on the impact these behaviors have on mental health but physical health, as well.
Understanding the Benefits of Behavioral Health
One of the duties of our psychiatrist, Dr. Maxlyn Ellison, is to evaluate patterns of behaviors or ways of thinking that are negatively impacting a person’s health and to help them change these behaviors and thoughts to help them better cope with mental health disorders. Whether a person is dealing with emotional or mental illness or addiction, Dr. Ellison and the team at Ellison and Associates of Raleigh offer compassionate, judgment-free behavioral health services that are designed to help individuals and families improve their health and quality of life.
What Behavioral Health Can do for You
Often, bad habits and behaviors result in a poor mental state and even serious health problems. We work with our patients to help change these behaviors and moods through medications, counseling, and support. Some of the most common habits and behaviors that we help patients treat include:
- Drug and alcohol abuse and addiction
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Poor sleep
- Eating disorders
- Gambling
- Sexual addiction
What behavioral health does is recognize that many people with mental health disorders are also more likely to live with chronic health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease than those who aren’t dealing with mental health problems. We also know that many chronic health problems can take a major toll on a person’s mental health. For example, people with chronic conditions may be more likely to withdrawal socially or misuse drugs. With help from the behavioral health specialists at Ellison and Associates of Raleigh, we can provide an effective treatment model that aims to improve behaviors and patterns of thinking while also managing symptoms of mental illness.