Behavioral Health

This article provides an overview of behavioral health and its importance within mental health treatment. The following sections cover specific behavioral health therapies, their benefits for various conditions, and how to achieve optimal behavioral health in daily life.

Key Takeaways:

• Behavioral health is a key component of overall health. It involves emotional regulation, mental well-being, daily habits, and stress management, among other important factors.

• There are many behavioral health therapies to treat common issues, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, substance use, and phobias.

• Daily habits and lifestyle practices are also important for managing behavioral health, whether you have a mental health disorder or are simply looking to feel and function better.

Understanding Behavioral Health

In the broadest sense, behavioral health refers to the connection between behaviors, such as habits, actions, and lifestyle choices, and one’s mental, emotional, and social well-being. Both of these factors can influence each other, such that certain behaviors can influence states of well-being, and states of well-being can also influence behaviors and choices.^[1]

Behavioral health also highlights the importance of specific support systems and resources, such as social networks and professional services, which are important factors in managing distress and promoting mental wellness.^[1]

Due to the significant role behavioral health has in daily life and overall functioning, it is a large determinant of overall health, too. Therefore, poor behavioral health is a large factor behind mental health issues, substance use and addiction, poor relationships, and declined quality of life, whereas improved behavioral health is evidenced by strong relationships, healthy and adaptive behaviors, and better functioning in school, relationships, home, work, and life in general.

Many individuals today struggle with their behavioral health in one or more ways. Research shows that as many as 1 in 4 Americans meet the criteria for a mental health condition or substance use disorder. And nearly half will experience a mental disorder or addiction at some point in their life. In addition, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death.^[2]

Is Behavioral Health the Same as Mental Health?

Behavioral health is often used interchangeably with mental health. However, they are not the same.

Behavioral health encompasses several factors, including:^[2]

• Mental health, particularly related to mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression) and distress.

• Suicide-related aspects (e.g., suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior).

• Substance use disorders.

Therefore, behavioral health is broader than mental health. And it is particularly focused on disorders that arise and how to treat them professionally, such as through therapy.^[2][3]

Types of Behavioral Health Therapies

There are many types of behavioral health therapies and behavioral health specialists. This variety increases the likelihood that each individual will find a type of therapy that’s beneficial for their concerns. Common forms of behavioral health therapy include:^[4][5]

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy.

• Dialectical behavior therapy.

• Exposure therapy.

• Acceptance and commitment therapy.

• Applied behavior analysis.

• Interpersonal therapy.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on the way your thoughts, feelings, and emotions influence your behaviors and overall well-being. One of the key parts of CBT is identifying any unhelpful or disruptive thoughts or behaviors that are contributing to dysfunction and distress. Then, CBT helps individuals understand why these may be happening.^[5]

Once these are identified and understood, the goal is to modify them and replace them with healthier alternatives that improve function and well-being. CBT also focuses on developing key skills, such as stress management, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.^[4][5]

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is based in part on CBT, due to its emphasis on the way thoughts influence emotions and behaviors. It helps individuals accept their circumstances and current issues, while giving them the tools to improve their behaviors that ultimately improve their lives. DBT also implements four specific skill sets to help promote these benefits:^[4]

• Mindfulness.

• Distress tolerance.

• Interpersonal effectiveness.

• Emotional regulation.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy is a form of therapy that gradually and systematically exposes someone to their fears, so that they can tolerate these better and with less distress. This therapy helps patients identify their fears, as well as any thoughts, emotions, or beliefs related to the fear.^[4]

Through a gradual progression, individuals learn to become less activated by to their fears over time, and it helps them realize that their fears aren’t based in reality. Exposure therapy also focuses on building up key skills, such as self-esteem and confidence.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), as the name suggests, uses two key stages:

• Acceptance: in which individuals accept their situation as it is without judgment, and use mindfulness to become more aware of their situation and the role that their thoughts and behaviors have on their outcomes.

• Commitment: in which individuals commit to making the necessary behavior changes that will improve their lives.

Throughout this process, ACT helps individuals identify their specific values, so they can focus on implementing future behaviors that align with their values and life vision.

Interpersonal Therapy

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on the role interpersonal functioning has on mental health and well-being. First, this therapy helps individuals identify any dysfunctional relationships they may have and any contributing factors. From there, IPT focuses on strengthening relationships and developing important skills that promote better interpersonal functioning, such as communication and conflict resolution.^[4]

Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is not a type of psychotherapy, but rather a form of therapy that focuses on the importance of behaviors and their consequences. The main goal of ABA is to help individuals develop healthier and more adaptive behaviors, while also helping them understand the consequences of their actions. It is commonly used with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental delays, but it has also been used for various mental health and substance use disorders.

ABA uses several techniques, such as:

• Positive reinforcement.

• Visual modeling.

• Prompting and fading.

• Extinction.

• Contingency management.

Behavioral Health for Mental Health Conditions

Behavioral health therapies are used for many mental health conditions, including:

• Depression.

• Anxiety.

• Substance use disorders.

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

• Various phobias.

• Eating disorders.

• Sleep disorders.

One of the main overarching benefits of behavioral health therapies for mental health conditions is that it allows individuals to recognize that they can do something to improve their situation. This provides feelings of empowerment and a sense of autonomy and self-agency, which can be particularly powerful for individuals who feel lost or helpless.^[5]

In turn, a positive cycle can be created, whereby improved thoughts and emotions lead to healthier behaviors, which then promote better functioning and mental well-being.

Behavioral Health in Everyday Life

If you’re dealing with a mental health condition, or even if you simply want to feel better in general, your everyday habits and behaviors are a vital component in achieving these goals.

Your daily habits and behaviors have a significant influence on your mental well-being. Therefore, it’s important to become aware of any behaviors that may be causing dysfunction or changes in mental well-being, and how to implement alternative, healthier behaviors.

In general, several habits and behaviors are known to be beneficial for behavioral health and overall mental well-being, including:^[6]

• Regular exercise.

• Consistent adequate sleep.

• Nutritious, regular meals.

• Relaxing activities (listening to music, nature walks, reading, etc.).

• Gratitude and positivity.

• Regular journaling.

• Spending time with family and friends (and staying connected).

In addition, all of these can be implemented alongside any professional treatment you may be receiving. They’re free, simple to understand and implement, and can benefit anyone who incorporates them.

Benefits of Managing Behavioral Health

Behavioral health is a significant component of your overall health and wellness. Therefore, managing your behavioral health can lead to many benefits, especially when it comes from the combination of professional treatment and the incorporation of healthy daily habits.

Specific benefits of managing your behavioral health include:^[3][5][6]

• Improved self-esteem and confidence.

• Improved mood and overall mental well-being (less anxiety, depression, etc.).

• Strengthened relationships and social support.

• Better stress management.

• Effective coping skills.

• More balanced, positive (or at least more realistic) thought patterns.

• Improved emotional regulation.

• Healthier daily habits.

• Greater self-awareness.

In addition, managing your behavioral health reduces your risk of experiencing returning or worsening symptoms. Many people wait years before seeking treatment or otherwise doing anything about their mental and behavioral struggles, which often leads to greater dysfunction and distress over time. Thus, taking early action is one of the best things you can do to help prevent greater issues from arising and to reduce the likelihood of symptoms occurring in the future.

Integrating Behavioral Health Practices into Your Daily Routine

Even with enhanced awareness and knowledge, it can sometimes be difficult or daunting to implement new behaviors into your routine, especially if you’re dealing with a significant mental health condition. Therefore, it’s important to take it one step at a time, meet yourself with compassion, and simply do what you can at each given moment.

There’s no need to try to implement many things at once. Many people find it easier to just add in one healthy behavior at a time, and work up gradually from there. This builds feelings of motivation, confidence, and positivity, without causing unnecessary overwhelm or stress.

When you start to integrate healthier habits and behaviors, take note of how they affect you. This greater awareness can lead to a more individualized plan where you implement the most beneficial practices for your specific situation and needs.

Where to Find Behavioral Health Services

There are many places where you can find behavioral health services, including at in-person locations and online.

This includes:

• Local government websites or local health services websites.

• Primary care providers.

• Community mental health centers.

• Employee assistance programs.

• University or college counseling centers.

• Hospitals.

Online options for finding behavioral health services include:

• FindTreatment.Gov: This is for individuals in the United States looking for mental health or substance use treatment

• PsychologyToday.Com: This link at Psychology Today helps individuals find a counselor, therapist, or psychologist. You choose your country and then refine your search from there based on your specific location, as well as the type of provider and specialty.

• NIMH: This page from NIMH lists a number of organizations that have directories or locators on their websites for finding behavioral health specialists.