Tag: Treatment and support

Art Therapy: Creative Solutions for Mental Health

» Treatment and support

Art Therapy

Introduction

Art therapy involves the therapeutic use of artistic self-expression and creative activities as a form of mental health treatment [1] [3] [5]. It aims to help individuals improve self-esteem, cope with anxiety and other mental health challenges through painting, drawing, and other artistic mediums [1] [3] [5].

The concept behind art therapy is rooted in the belief that artistic expression can foster emotional healing and personal growth, enabling people to explore their feelings, resolve conflicts, and gain self-awareness [1] [3] [5].

This article explores art therapy as a complementary approach to mental health care, examining its benefits, applications in various settings, and considerations regarding its effectiveness [1] [3] [5].

It delves into how engaging in creative pursuits like drawing and painting can facilitate self-expression, improve mental well-being, and enhance interpersonal relationships [1] [3] [5].

What is Art Therapy?

Art in therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves the use of creative techniques such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and other artistic activities to help individuals express themselves and explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences [1] [2] [3]. It is based on the belief that the creative process can facilitate self-exploration, personal growth, and emotional healing [1] [2] [3].

Art Therapy
Definition and History

Using Art in therapy is defined as a mental health profession that utilizes the therapeutic potential of art-making to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being [1] [2] [3].

The roots of art therapy can be traced back to the early 20th century, when psychiatrists and psychologists began to recognize the therapeutic value of artistic expression in treating individuals with mental health issues [1] [2] [3].

Types of Creative Therapies

Art therapy encompasses various creative modalities, including:

  1. Visual arts therapy: Involves the use of drawing, painting, sculpting, and other visual art forms [1] [2] [3].
  2. Music therapy: Utilizes music-making, listening, and movement to promote self-expression and emotional release [1] [2] [3].
  3. Dance/movement therapy: Employs body movements and dance to explore emotions, improve self-awareness, and enhance physical and mental well-being [1] [2] [3].
  4. Drama therapy: Uses role-playing, improvisation, and storytelling to facilitate self-exploration and personal growth [1] [2] [3].
Techniques Used in Art Therapy

Art therapists employ a variety of techniques and approaches to facilitate the therapeutic process, including:

  1. Free association: Encouraging clients to create art spontaneously without preconceived ideas or plans [1] [2] [3].
  2. Guided imagery: Using visualization exercises to promote relaxation and self-exploration through artistic expression [1] [2] [3].
  3. Mandala creation: Creating circular designs or mandalas to promote self-awareness, balance, and integration [1] [2] [3].
  4. Collage-making: Using various materials, such as magazines, photographs, and found objects, to create collages that represent personal experiences or emotions [1] [2] [3].

These techniques aim to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals to explore their inner selves, process emotions, and gain insights into their thoughts and behaviors [1] [2] [3].

Art Therapy

Benefits and Applications

Mental health conditions art therapy can help with

Art therapy uses artistic means to treat mental illnesses and improve mental health. It has become a significant element of the therapeutic sector and is used in several recovery and treatment procedures [3].

Art in therapy can be used to treat a wide range of mental disorders and psychological distress, often in conjunction with other psychotherapy techniques such as group therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) [16].

Some conditions that art therapy may be used to treat include:

  1. Anxiety [16]
  2. Depression [16] [18]
  3. Eating disorders [16]
  4. Emotional difficulties [16]
  5. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [16]
  6. Psychosocial issues [16]
  7. Stress [16]
  8. Substance use disorder [16]

Creative therapy has shown promising results in alleviating depression symptoms and anxiety [18]. In a randomized control trial (RCT), art therapists provided verbal advice to help participants connect with feelings and images associated with the discussed theme. Patients utilized resources like weaving, collage, clay modeling, drawing, and painting to deal with their problems [18].

Various trials on the contribution of art therapy in schizophrenia have also shown effective outcomes. While a study by Crawford et al. found no benefits of group art therapy on overall functioning, mental health, or other health-associated outcomes in schizophrenic patients [23], another pilot study reported a significant average decline in positive and negative manifestations of schizophrenia in patients who received art therapy compared to those who received standard care [24].

Art Therapy session

Creative therapy along with dance or movement therapy, music therapy, and reminiscence therapy, has been studied as a non-pharmacological treatment for Alzheimer’s disease [27].

Multidisciplinary cognitive rehabilitation, including art therapy, has been shown to improve the quality of life in patients with mild Alzheimer’s [28] [29].

Populations that can benefit from Creative therapy

Art therapy can benefit a wide range of populations, including:

  1. Adults experiencing severe stress [16]
  2. Children experiencing behavioral or social problems at school or at home [16]
  3. Children or adults who have experienced a traumatic event [16]
  4. Children with learning disabilities [16]
  5. Individuals living with a brain injury [16]
  6. People experiencing mental health problems [16]

Clients who have experienced emotional trauma, physical violence, domestic abuse, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues can benefit from expressing themselves creatively [16].

In studies of adults who experienced trauma, art therapy was found to significantly reduce trauma symptoms and decrease levels of depression [16].

Creative therapy is also employed as a treatment modality in various populations, such as cancer patients, individuals with autism, HIV patients, Alzheimer’s disease, COVID-19, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease [34] [37] [38].

Therapeutic benefits

Art therapy uses integrative techniques to captivate the soul, body, and mind in ways that verbal expression alone doesn’t appear to [1] [4] [5]. It is gaining popularity in mental health settings because it provides a recovery-oriented, person-centered approach that includes emotional, spiritual, social needs, and clinical demands [6].

Some examples of art therapy used in mental health treatment include practicing art with attention to skill development and mastery, studio art making, individual art making, program-supervised and structured art groups, art psychotherapy, and personal art making with a healing goal [2] [7].

Community-based art-making can enhance mental well-being. Individuals can increase their sense of value and self-esteem by using visual and symbolic expressions in art therapy. This makes it possible for people with mental illnesses to interact with one another and grow their social networks [7].

Art therapists plan sessions to achieve therapeutic goals and objectives by selecting suitable materials and interventions for their clients. They engage in creative processes to support their patients’ growth, increase insight, decrease stress, heal trauma, increase cognitive, memory, and neurosensory capacities, improve interpersonal relationships, and achieve a sense of self-fulfillment [13].

Paiting in art therapy

The effectiveness of art therapy on anxiety-related symptoms, anxiety severity, quality of life, and emotion regulation has been examined. Studies have investigated the aspects that influence treatment.

Participants diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder with mild to moderate anxiety symptoms were introduced to art therapy interventions. The study comprised various creative exercises selected from a list of art therapy activities, including clay work, painting, and drawing. According to the RCT, emotion regulation is a factor that causes anxiety reduction via art therapy [16].

One review of the effectiveness of art therapy found that this technique helped patients undergoing medical treatment for cancer improve their quality of life and alleviated a variety of psychological symptoms [16]. Another study found that art therapy reduced depression and increased self-esteem in older adults living in nursing homes [16].

Art therapy has been shown to boost self-esteem by reinforcing emotions of self-worth or competence. In a study by Richards et al., participants were introduced to art therapy exercises like hat decoration, collage, embossing, painting, pottery, photography, and printmaking. Following the two-month course, participants continued to create artwork independently, resulting in a stronger sense of accomplishment and enhanced self-esteem [31] [32].

Considerations and Effectiveness

Misconceptions about Art Therapy

There are several common misconceptions about art therapy that should be addressed [22]:

  1. You Don’t Have to Be Artistic: People do not need to have artistic ability or special talent to participate in art therapy, and people of all ages including children, teens, and adults can benefit from it. Some research suggests that just the presence of art can play a part in boosting mental health [22].
  2. It’s Not the Same as an Art Class: People often wonder how an art therapy session differs from an art class. Where an art class is focused on teaching technique or creating a specific finished product, art therapy is more about letting clients focus on their inner experience [22].
  3. Art Therapy Is Not for Everyone: Art therapy isn’t for everyone. While high levels of creativity or artistic ability aren’t necessary for art therapy to be successful, many adults who believe they are not creative or artistic might be resistant or skeptical of the process [22].

Settings for Art Therapy

Art therapy can take place in a variety of settings, including [22]:

  • Inpatient offices
  • Private mental health offices
  • Schools
  • Community organizations
  • Art studios
  • Colleges and universities
  • Community centers
  • Correctional facilities
  • Elementary schools and high schools
  • Group homes
  • Homeless shelters
  • Hospitals
  • Private therapy offices
  • Residential treatment centers
  • Senior centers
  • Wellness centers
  • Women’s shelters
Art Therapy buckets

Research on Effectiveness

While research suggests that art therapy may be beneficial, some of the findings on its effectiveness are mixed. Studies are often small and inconclusive, so further research is needed to explore how and when art therapy may be most beneficial [22] [24].

In studies of adults who experienced trauma, art therapy was found to significantly reduce trauma symptoms and decrease levels of depression [22].

One review of the effectiveness of art therapy found that this technique helped patients undergoing medical treatment for cancer improve their quality of life and alleviated a variety of psychological symptoms [22].

One study found that art therapy reduced depression and increased self-esteem in older adults living in nursing homes [22].

However, the accumulated results of the studies suggest that further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of interventions in art therapy for clients dealing with mental health issues [23].

There is inadequate data to support the effectiveness of art therapy, and hence, more well-powered, high-quality trials with relevant outcome measures are required [24]. The research comprising a small number of people makes it impossible to know how precise the results are, making it complicated to predict if the results will be the same in larger groups of people [24].

Conclusion

Art therapy offers a unique and creative approach to addressing mental health challenges. By harnessing the power of artistic expression, individuals can explore their emotions, gain self-awareness, and promote personal growth.

Whether through painting, drawing, sculpting or other creative modalities, art therapy provides a non-judgmental space for self-discovery and emotional healing. Its benefits extend to various populations, from children to older adults, and it has shown promise in treating conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma.

While more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness, the therapeutic potential of art therapy is evident. By combining artistic expression with therapeutic guidance, individuals can find solace, improve their well-being, and develop coping mechanisms.

As a complementary approach to traditional mental health treatments, art therapy offers a unique and engaging way for individuals to embark on a journey of self-exploration and healing.

YanZo Journey
FAQs

What Are the Different Forms of Art Therapy Used in Mental Health?

How Does Engaging in Creative Arts Benefit Mental Health?

What Constitutes a Creative Intervention in Mental Health, and How Does It Help?

How Does the Creative Process Aid in Art Therapy?

References

Best Online Therapy: Top 7 Services, Pros, Cons, and Pricing

» Treatment and support

Best Online Therapy: Top 7 Services, Pros, Cons, and Pricing

Introduction

The mental health crisis facing our society today is alarming – one in four adults in the United States needs psychological services, yet only 13% receive treatment [2].

Fortunately, the rise of best online therapy has opened new avenues for addressing this care gap, enabling more individuals to access convenient and affordable mental health support from licensed psychologists specializing in areas like anxiety, depression, and cognitive behavioral therapy [2].

This comprehensive guide will evaluate the top 10 online therapy platforms, examining their pros, cons, and pricing to help you find the best fit for your needs [2].

From user-friendly therapy apps to video sessions with experienced clinicians, we’ll explore how these innovative services are revolutionizing access to quality mental healthcare.

Overview of Online Therapy

Online therapy, also known as teletherapy or e-therapy, refers to psychotherapy or counseling services conducted over the internet. [4] [7] In contrast to in-person therapy, online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist or counselor using any device with an internet connection, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. [4] [7]

Definition and Benefits

Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for various mental health conditions. [4] [7] It offers several benefits, including:

  • Access to mental health treatment for people in rural or remote areas where mental health practices are scarce or non-existent. [4] [7]
  • Accessibility for individuals who are disabled or housebound, as traditional in-person settings may not accommodate all abilities. [4] [7]
  • Affordability and convenience, as you can attend sessions from the comfort of your home at convenient times. [4] [7]
  • Overcoming the stigma associated with mental health issues, as online access makes treatment more approachable. [4] [7]
  • Promoting psychological well-being even for those without clinically diagnosed conditions, by learning healthy coping strategies and behaviors. [7]
Online therapy

Types of Online Therapy Services

The primary tools for communicating in teletherapy include mobile device apps, real-time instant messaging, telephone, text-based chats, and video conferencing. [5] These services can be accessed via desktop computers, laptops, or increasingly popular mobile apps. [5]

Suitability and Target Audience

Online therapy can effectively treat various conditions, such as addiction, anger management, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, and interpersonal relationship conflicts. [5] However, it may not be the best option if your condition requires close or direct treatment or in-person intervention. [5]

Teletherapy has become a popular choice for many due to its accessibility, affordability, convenience, and privacy. [5] It eliminates barriers like mobility issues, transportation challenges, and concerns about being recognized at a therapist’s office. [5]

Evaluating Top Online Therapy Platforms

The Handbook Team is dedicated to researching, testing, and reviewing online therapy platforms to provide an objective evaluation. Their process involves several rigorous steps:

Ongoing Research and Data Gathering

The team conducts ongoing research into online therapy platforms, directories, resources, and apps. [10] They gather data on each platform’s treatment options, costs, plans or subscriptions, features, provider availability, insurance acceptance, privacy policies, and app functionality. [10]

They also contact customer support to gauge responsiveness and helpfulness, documenting their findings to decide which platforms to test further. [10]

Hands-on Testing and Evaluation

Members of the Handbook Team personally test online therapy platforms for at least four weeks to gather hands-on experience and insights. [10]

They rigorously examine aspects like the sign-up processes, features, apps, video conference technology, therapist switching processes, and customer service. [10] So far, they’ve tested more than 14 platforms and continue to identify and test new ones each month. [10]

Their evaluation process involves assessing each platform’s affordability, availability, usability, and customer satisfaction based on a series of milestones. [10] The team logs data points about features, user experience, affordability, and availability for each evaluated platform. [10]

Benefits of online therapy
Expert Consultation and Medical Review

The team consults with more than 60 licensed mental health care providers, such as therapists, psychologists, counselors, nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists, to gain professional perspectives on mental health care and the online therapy platforms they review. [10]

Licensed therapists and psychiatrists provide insights into how online sessions work compared to in-person therapy, various app features, and the different types of therapy available. [10] Each article is also medically reviewed by an expert. [10]

User Surveys and Focus Groups

The team conducts quarterly surveys and focus groups to learn about real users’ experiences with online therapy platforms. [10] They ask users about their experiences, factors that matter when choosing a platform, how they leverage features, the impact of online therapy on their lives, and their feelings about data privacy. [10]

They also interview practicing therapists who provide care through online therapy platforms to understand their experiences and any advantages or disadvantages of teletherapy. [10]

The team uses these findings to inform their testing plans and overall evaluation of platforms. [10] So far, they’ve researched more than 70 different online therapy platforms, directories, and practices, and continue to evaluate and test new ones monthly. [10]

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Platform

Therapist Qualifications and Expertise

When selecting an online therapy platform, it is crucial to consider the qualifications and expertise of the therapists providing services. Reputable platforms typically require their therapists to hold advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctorate, in fields like psychology, counseling, or social work. [13]

Many platforms also ensure that their therapists are licensed and accredited by recognized organizations, such as the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). [13]

CACREP-accredited programs work to ensure that therapists are prepared to ethically treat clients in real-world settings, with knowledge in areas like assessment, career counseling, human development, professional ethics, and counseling theories. [13]

Additionally, some platforms may require their therapists to obtain specific credentials, such as the Board Certified-Telemental Health Provider credential offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors, which addresses ethical and technological considerations for online therapy. [13]

Payment Options and Insurance Coverage

Cost is a significant factor when choosing an online therapy platform, and it is essential to consider payment options and insurance coverage. While some platforms offer subscription-based plans or pay-per-session options, others may accept insurance coverage, making therapy more accessible and affordable. [15] [16]

Platforms like Talkspace, Brightside, Grow Therapy, MDLIVE, Octave, Alma, Amwell, Doctor on Demand, and Teladoc accept various insurance plans, including major providers and, in some cases, Medicaid and Medicare. [15] [16] However, it is crucial to verify with the platform and your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

Privacy and Security Measures

Online therapy platforms must prioritize the privacy and security of their clients’ personal and health information. Reputable platforms implement measures such as end-to-end encryption for all communications, secure data storage solutions, and stringent protocols to protect sensitive information from breaches or unauthorized access. [17] [18]

Clients should be aware of potential risks associated with online therapy, such as environmental factors (lack of private space), technology factors (data security issues, limited internet access), and operational factors (reimbursement, technology accessibility, training). [18] Platforms should provide guidance and resources to help clients find a private space for their appointments and protect their information when sharing it online. [17] [18]

Anxiety online therapy

User Experience and Convenience

The user experience and convenience of an online therapy platform can significantly impact the effectiveness and satisfaction of the therapy process.

Platforms should have a robust and bug-free underlying architecture, as well as user-friendly interfaces that align with the client’s skill and knowledge level. [20] Usability testing can provide critical feedback on what works well and what needs improvement in the interface. [20]

Clients should consider factors such as the platform’s intuitiveness, ease of navigation, and the availability of features like a user-friendly dashboard, scheduling tools, and progress tracking. [19]

Additionally, platforms that offer flexible scheduling options, night and weekend appointments, and accessibility across multiple devices can enhance the convenience and accessibility of online therapy services. [16]

Comparison of Top 7 Online Therapy Sources

1. BetterHelp: Best Overall

Pros:

  • Offers a comprehensive selection of teletherapy services with high customer ratings on third-party review sites like BBB (4.06 out of 5) and Trustpilot (4.5 out of 5) [21]
  • Pairs users with licensed counselors based on preferences like LGBTQ+ or faith-specific counseling [21]
  • Matching times vary from a few hours to a few days, with some users being matched within two hours [21]
  • Allows users to switch therapists easily, which can be challenging on other platforms [22]
  • Offers additional features like group sessions, webinars, a digital journal, and therapist-assigned worksheets [22]
  • All therapists are licensed and experienced, with either a master’s or doctoral degree [21]

Cons:

  • Does not accept insurance [22]
  • Does not offer psychiatric care [22]

Pricing: $260–$360 per month for individual therapy [22]

2. Online-Therapy.com: Best for Making Lasting Changes

Pros:

  • Specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), encouraging a shift to more helpful behaviors and thoughts [22]
  • Provides bonus tools like worksheets to help make lasting changes [22]

Cons:

  • Not suitable for those seeking ongoing counseling rather than treating a specific concern [22]
  • Not suitable for those preferring a different approach to therapy than CBT [22]

Pricing: $200–$440 per month for individual therapy [22]

3. Brightside: Best for Online Therapy with Psychiatry

Pros:

  • Integrates online therapy and online psychiatry in one convenient platform [22]

Cons:

  • Does not treat kids or teens [22]
  • Psychiatrists cannot prescribe controlled substances, including many ADHD medications [22]

Pricing:

  • Psychiatry plan: $95 per month ($45 for the initial month) [21]
  • Therapy plan: $299 per month ($249 for the first month), includes unlimited messaging and four monthly 45-minute video calls with a licensed therapist [21]
  • Psychiatry plus therapy: $349 per month ($249 for the initial month), plus $15 per medication or your pharmacy copay if using insurance; free home delivery for medication [21]

4. Talkspace: Best for Using Insurance

Pros:

  • Accepts in-network insurance from major providers like Aetna, Cigna, and Optum [22]
  • Allows users to take a week-long break from therapy without being billed [21]

Cons:

  • Poor to average reviews on BBB (1.1 out of 5 stars) and Trustpilot (2.9 out of 5 stars), with complaints about poor communication with customer service and therapists [21]

Pricing: Depends on insurance coverage, but more expensive for out-of-pocket payments compared to other options [22]

5. ReGain: Best for Couples

Pros:

  • Specializes in couples and relationship therapy [22]
  • Allows partners to have separate profiles and join sessions from their own devices [21]
  • Offers a polyamorous relationship status option and the ability to use a chosen name [21]

Cons:

  • Does not accept insurance, as couples counseling is not considered a medical diagnosis [21]
  • Not suitable for those seeking one-on-one counseling [22]

Pricing: $260–$360 per month for couples therapy [22]

6. Sesame: Best for In-Person or Online Care

Pros:

  • Shows providers available for both in-person and online therapy, allowing for hybrid care programs [22]
  • Pay-per-session structure makes online therapy and psychiatry more accessible for those without insurance coverage [22]
  • Detailed provider profiles and availability schedules make it easy to book appointments [22]

Cons:

  • Does not offer extra features like webinars, group sessions, or online learning [22]

Pricing: $276–$436 per month for individual therapy [22]

7. Zocdoc: Best Provider Directory

Pros:

  • Extensive provider directory with filters to find providers based on criteria like ethnicity, gender identity, or cultural background [22]

Cons:

  • Varying pricing and appointment availability may not work for those needing a fixed budget and schedule [22]

Pricing: Depends on the provider [22]

Conclusion

The rise of online therapy platforms has revolutionized access to mental healthcare, offering a convenient, affordable, and accessible solution for individuals seeking support. From user-friendly apps to flexible scheduling options, these platforms cater to diverse needs, making it easier than ever to connect with licensed therapists from the comfort of one’s home.

The comprehensive evaluation of the top 10 services underscores the importance of considering factors such as therapist qualifications, payment options, privacy measures, and user experience when selecting the most suitable platform.

While each platform has its unique strengths and limitations, the overarching goal remains the same – empowering individuals to prioritize their mental well-being and overcome barriers to seeking professional help. As the demand for online therapy continues to grow, these innovative services will undoubtedly evolve, further enhancing the quality and accessibility of mental healthcare for all.

YanZo Journey

FAQs

What are the top-rated online therapy services?

Which therapy approach offers the most value for money?

Are there any disadvantages associated with online therapy?

Which online therapy platform has the largest network of therapists?

References

The Crucial Role of Social Support in Mental Health

» Treatment and support

Social Support in Mental Health

Introduction

The significance of social support in fostering resilience and promoting mental wellbeing cannot be overstated, especially in the face of stressors and adversities [1][2][3]. Strong social networks and relationships can act as a protective buffer against the detrimental effects of life’s challenges, providing a sense of belonging and emotional sustenance [1][2].

Continue reading “The Crucial Role of Social Support in Mental Health”

Tips Finding the Perfect Therapist

»Treatment and support

Tips Finding the Perfect Therapist

Understanding the Different Types of Therapists

Finding the Perfect therapist can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not familiar with the different types of therapists and their areas of specialization.

To kickstart your search for the right therapist, it’s essential to understand the various therapy professions and what they entail.

Continue reading “Tips Finding the Perfect Therapist”