Mental health and behavioral health services are often viewed as interchangeable, but there are some clear distinctions between these terms—as well as between the methods of providing treatment.
The key difference between behavioral health and mental health is in their scope. While mental health refers solely to mental disorders, behavioral health encompasses a broader range of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors that, when taken together, speak to an individual’s overall sense of wellness. This can include behaviors related to mental health, as well as those related to relationships, substance use and abuse, and general health.
The most common therapeutic service for the care of behavioral health issues is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. This type of therapy works to challenge the negative thought patterns that lead to unhealthy behaviors. CBT is also used to treat the mental disorders that may be linked in some way to these behaviors, including depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Other types of therapy that can help with the treatment of behavioral health include psychotherapy (or “talk therapy), group therapy, and family therapy. Medication therapy may be warranted as well for some individuals.