ABOUT HEALTH AND BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS (return)

Clients seek health and behavior interventions for many different medical conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, dialysis, diabetes etc. . Health and behavior interventions are aimed at addressing issues directly related to these medical conditions as medical compliance, motivation, existential issues, relational difficulties have an immediate influence on the outcome of the medical treatment. It is not necessary for a client to have mental health problems in order to benefit from health and behavior interventions as long as a client is referred by their doctor who treats the medical condition and feels that the patient might benefit from these interventions. Medicare and most private insurances cover these interventions.

A psychologist is a highly trained professional with expertise in the areas of human behavior, treatment, assessment and diagnosis. A licensed psychologist holds a doctorate degree in psychology and has passed a national and state licensing exam. In order to stay licensed, psychologists must obtain regular continuing education to keep up to date with the latest development in the field. Psychologists are trained to use different assessment and intervention techniques depending on the nature of the problem and the preferences of the client and can select approaches designed to provide optimal results.

The therapeutic process involves a working partnership between client and therapist, and for optimum outcomes to occur, the active participation of the client is essen-tial. Clients identify problems and goals, and try out and report back on new behaviors. Although in therapy often progress is made towards the stated goals, no guarantee can be given that the outcome will be what the client seeks. In addition, changes are often accompanied by feelings of distress, and moments of frustration, anxiety, depression, confusion and self-doubt. Sometimes people feel worse before they will feel better.

The time required for health and behavioral interventions varies considerably, and good results are possible with only a few sessions, and many clients are treated with five to fifteen sessions. The severity and number of problems as well as other individual factors have an influence on the treatment length, but the therapist can usually determine what the treatment length will be for the client's particular needs and circumstances. Since the therapeutic process involves an investment of both the client and therapist, the decision to end therapy is preferably discussed before it takes place, so that a sense of closure can be obtained and recommendations for additional resources can be made.

Finally, although psychotherapy is often provided on an individual basis, certain problems are more effectively treated as a couple or a family, and some unique benefits are available through group therapy. Other professionals may also be included in the therapy process to provide additional services such as prescribing medication. With the client's consent, the treating professionals will consult with each other to avoid conflicts and maximize the results.