One treatment approach that can help these individuals manage their symptoms and better function is psychosocial rehabilitation.
Here we explore this approach in greater detail, from its history to its effectiveness.
The treatment approach for mental health issues has changed considerably since then and led to de-institutionalization.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
While astigma surrounding mental illnessstill exists,psychosocial rehabilitation strives to help reduce prejudice and foster social inclusion.
This approach uses what is known as therecovery model of mental illness.
Full recovery is frequently the goal, but it is seen as a process rather than an outcome.
Psychosocial rehabilitation is centered on the person’s recovery potential.
It is focused on providing them with empowerment, social inclusion, support, and coping skills.
Everyone’s journey with mental illness is individual and unique.
Patients may lose some functionality, but new approaches can allow them to manage their condition better.
Some overarching psychosocial rehabilitation principles include:
A Multidisciplinary, Whole-Person Approach
Psychosocial rehabilitation treatments are multidisciplinary.
Not only are each of these systems affected by mental health, but they are also inextricably interlinked.
When something affects one area, it is bound to influence other areas as well.
In light of this, psychosocial rehabilitation takes a whole-person approach.
It recognizes that other mental health professionals and physicians may be needed to make contributions to the treatment process.
But they might also need treatment involving medication and psychotherapy.
The treatment plan targets the persons specific symptoms, while rehabilitation focuses on the recovery and reintegration process.
A team approach ensures that the person has access to the tools and resources needed to achieve their goals.
Who Can Benefit From Psychosocial Rehabilitation?
Many people can benefit from psychosocial rehabilitation, but not all people with mental illness require it.
For some, medication, therapy, or a combination of the two may be sufficient to restore functioning.
Rehabilitation can be useful when people need additional recovery assistance to help them restore functioning.
It can help them learn basic skills that allow them to function and cope with their condition.
People with intellectual and cognitive disabilities can also benefit from gaining life, social, and self-care skills.
Here are some of the approaches used.
Professionals who work in this field provide a range of individual and community-based psychological services.
This frequently involves locating those services in the community and coordinating their delivery.
The process is highly individualized, person-centered, and collaborative.
Person-Oriented
The client plays a role insetting goalsfor what they hope to accomplish in psychosocial rehabilitation.
Each clients goals are individualized based upon their specific needs or concerns.
The rehabilitation process is not about the therapist deciding what the client’s goals should be.
Instead, the client determines what they want to achieve.
The focus is then on providing the support and resources they need to make these goals a reality.
Psychosocial rehabilitation workers can assist clients with finding and maintaining employment.
Housing
Psychosocial rehabilitation may involve connecting clients with safe, affordable, and appropriate housing.
Clients may live independently in their own homes or in family homes.
Other housing situations may includegroup homes, residential services, and apartments.
Depending on the client’s needs, housing support exists on a continuum.
It ranges from fully staffed, round-the-clock supportive care to minimally staffed or fully independent living.
Relationships
Social skills and interpersonal functioning are important parts of psychosocial rehabilitation.
This is accomplished by teaching clients skills related to emotional understanding.
They’re also exposed to skills that enhance theirinterpersonal problem-solving, verbal and conversational abilities, andnonverbal communication.
Rehabilitation professionals often work with clients in community prefs and locations.
Greater Overall Wellness
Research has also shown that psychosocial rehabilitation can help improve a client’s well-being.
Effective rehabilitation involves a comprehensive plan that addresses the clients life and functioning.
A psychosocial rehabilitation professional is usually only one part of the process.
Psychosocial rehabilitation is not always necessary, but it can be a helpful part of a comprehensive treatment program.
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