Considering Mental Health Rehab? Red Flags

You know your mental health is suffering and you could benefit from professional help. Congratulations on taking this first critical step toward improvement. Know that you’re not alone — more than 1 in 5 Americans suffer from mental health conditions. Luckily, these conditions are typically very manageable when you seek professional intervention. So now you might be wondering what the steps are for finding good mental health care.

Keep reading to learn how to find the best rehabilitation center, why it matters and how to know which facilities to avoid.

Why Finding Good Mental Health Care Matters

If you’re entrusting a center with your mental wellness, you need to ensure it’s a top-tier institution you can trust. Some of the reasons you must prioritize finding good mental health care are:

Higher chance of a successful treatment. A professional mental health rehabilitation program can help you experience a reduction in symptoms more quickly. Quick wins can be important, as they help you feel motivated to continue with treatment.
Proper emergency response. Some individuals could be dealing with mental health conditions that are life-threatening, such as severe depression and suicidal ideation. You need to be working with an experienced, trained provider who can identify these symptoms and intervene appropriately.
Increased chance of long-term improvement. A high-quality program is invested in your long-term success. Staff can give you tools and coping skills so you can continue to manage symptoms even after you leave the program, rather than leaving you reliant on the continued support.
Reduced barrier to entry. Many people still feel stigmatized about mental health treatment. Personalized program options can make treatment feel accessible and ensure it’s tailored to your needs and comfort level. This may include online classes, outpatient treatment or other alternative programs.

Common Rehab Red Flags to Watch Out for in Facilities

Now that you know the difference a great facility can make for your treatment, let’s take a look at the rehab red flags to watch out for.

A Money-First Attitude

Mental health treatment facilities may be for-profit, but they should, above all else, prioritize the patient’s recovery and needs. This can be a tricky balance. You need transparent, up-front pricing communicated early on so you’re not surprised by a huge bill at the end. However, pricing should be only one element of the discussion around your enrollment. If you feel the center prioritizes profits above all else, trust your gut and find another facility.

Unclear Treatment Plans

Most rehabilitation centers offer treatment plan options, as there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health treatment. So while the center can have offer many options, it should have detailed explanations of what each plan offers. If staff can’t elaborate on treatment plans, it means the facility doesn’t have a structured approach, which could make progress more difficult.

Unhappy Staff

If you’re enrolling in inpatient care, you’ll be surrounded by and reliant on the facility staff all day long. If the staff seems unhappy, it can cause a toxic, unsupportive environment for patients. When you tour the facility, ensure you feel the staff are happy to be there.

Unqualified, Inexperienced or Untrained Staff

Mental health facilities should only hire experienced, qualified staff. Ask the center to clearly explain its hiring requirements.

A Treatment Approach That Isn’t Evidence-Based

There’s a time and place for holistic care. But when you’re seeking treatment for a serious mental health condition, experimental and holistic approaches aren’t recommended. It’s best to stick with what’s been scientifically proven to work.

For example, cognitive behavioral therapy has been repeatedly shown to treat mental health concerns effectively. A 2020 meta-analysis of over 115 studies showed that CBT noticeably helps those with depression and was even more effective than antidepressants alone.

Therefore, it’s essential to collaborate with a facility that provides evidence-based treatment, such as FHE Health.

A Schedule Focused on Entertainment, Not Treatment

Always ask to see the weekly or monthly schedule so you can understand what your day-to-day in the program might look like. Many mental health treatment centers offer inpatient guests activities to break up the day. But these entertainment breaks should be an added bonus, not the majority of the day. Ultimately, you’re there to seek help, so your day should revolve around counseling sessions, including group and individual therapy.

No Accreditations or Reviews

Mental health programs need to be licensed to operate in Florida. Ensure your facility is licensed by, at a minimum, the Department of Children and Families. For example, FHE Health is licensed by both the DCF and the Agency for Health Care Administration.

It’s also helpful to check the rehabilitation facility’s reviews to ensure it has a track record of satisfied customers who feel they received proper treatment.

Questions to Ask Before You Commit to a Center

If you have a tour or call coming up with a potential mental health rehab, here are some important questions you should ask:

What professional requirements do you have for your counselors?
What professional requirements do you have for employees?
Are you licensed?
Can you explain your treatment approaches?
Do you practice evidence-based treatment?
Do you treat dual-diagnosis patients?
Will there be aftercare support?
Can families and loved ones participate in treatment?
How much will the program cost?
What are the payment options?
Do you take insurance?
What’s the staff-to-patient ratio?
What’s the patient-to-therapist ratio?
How long do most programs typically take?
Can I see an agenda for a typical week or month?
How do you measure success?
Do you have past patient testimonials or references?

Consider FHE Health for Your Mental Health Treatment

The good news is you can avoid all the effort of searching and come straight to FHE Health for top-quality mental health treatment. Our facility is accredited, our staff is licensed and compassionate and our reviews reflect a satisfied patient base.