How to decide what level of mental health support you need to achieve your best quality of life

By: Lauren Cruz

What is the Right Level of Mental Health Support 

Living your best quality of life is feeling connected, capable and engaged in life. If you are grappling with symptoms that make everyday life difficult, finding the right level of mental health support can help you achieve your best you. 

In this article, we will explore three modes of support that can help you feel connected, capable and engaged in life: 

1. Professional Therapy and Counseling 

2. Medical and Clinical Care 

3. Peer Support and Guidance 

“Which mode is best for me?” 

First, consider: 

• What am I struggling with?

• How much is it affecting my daily life?

• How long have I been experiencing these challenges?

• Am I looking for someone to help me process and work through challenges?

• Do I need a medical evaluation or treatment?

• Would it help to talk with someone who has lived through a similar situation?

• Do I need occasional support, ongoing support, or more intensive care?

Once you've answered these questions, it is time to explore the different modes of support. 

Support Mode One: Professional Therapy and Counseling 

Professional therapy is a dedicated space to explore emotions, behaviors, life transitions and ongoing challenges. This mode may be helpful for those looking to better understand their thoughts, feelings or behaviors, navigating major life changes or stress, developing coping skills, or ongoing personal growth. 

If you are looking for a confidential space to talk about your personal goals and current strategies and are open to trying evidence-based strategies with a mental health professional, professional therapy could work for you. This could look like occasional or ongoing support. 

Different therapies available are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic therapy and many more. 

Support Mode Two: Medical and Clinical Care

If you are experiencing a crisis and need more intensive support, a higher level of clinical care or medical intervention can help build the most effective path towards a more stable and more established support. 

Medical or clinical care may include

evaluations done by a psychiatrist or other medical professional where you would discuss physical and mental health symptoms, diagnosis, possible medication management, and treatment options. 

Different treatment options depend on the needed level of support, which can range from outpatient intensive care programs, partial hospitalization programs, residential programs to inpatient psychiatric care. These options can offer more coordinated care among your healthcare team to address complex needs. These options are particularly helpful if acute safety is a concern.

Support Mode Three: Peer Support and Guidance

Peer support and guidance can be beneficial for those who are looking for something other than clinical treatment and would like to build connections with people who understand a particular experience or situation. 

Peer support can be helpful for someone feeling less alone while navigating a specific life experience. But, also can support those looking for practical guidance, encouragement or accountability, or meaningful support without judgement. 

Peer support groups can be found throughout your community for all ages and experiences. 

Examples of peer support in the San Diego area include: 

• For kids: 

  • YMCA of San Diego County 

  • Big Brother Big Sister San Diego (BBBS) 

  • Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) Social Skills Group 

  • National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) San Diego 

  • Autism Comprehensive Educational Services (ACES) San Diego 

• For adults: 

  • National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) San Diego 

  • Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) San Diego 

  • The San Diego LGBT Community Center 

  • SMART Recovery and 12-Step Groups 

How the Three Support Options Work Together 

The best thing about achieving your best quality of life is the unique journey to get there! The three modes of support each serve a different purpose and do not necessarily have to be mutually exclusive. As goals change, it is okay to adjust your level of support accordingly. 

For example, one might use therapy to work through emotional and behavioral challenges, receive psychiatric care to better address any underlying biological causes, and participate in peer support for situation-specific guidance. It is important to remember that the level of support can evolve and change depending on your current situation. 

How to Know When You May Need More Support 

Signs that your current support may no longer be enough: 

• Daily responsibilities become difficult to manage

• Challenges begin to affect relationships, work, school or independence 

• Coping strategies are not as effective as they once were

• Difficulties begin to feel more intense or overwhelming 

Finding the Right Level of Mental Health Support That Helps You Thrive

There is no single “right” way to live your best life or achieve it! Finding support from professional therapy, medical or clinical care and peer support is admirable. 

At Pacific Mindscape, we are proud of you for taking an active first step towards finding your best quality of life.