Navigating Mental Health Services in Florida: Tips for Success

Overview of Mental Health Services Available in Florida

Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders are still underdiagnosed throughout the nation, leaving hundreds of thousands of individuals feeling lost, alone, and unsupported. If you’re experiencing symptoms of mental illness, it can be difficult to know what to do, or who to talk to about it. 

The stigma that surrounds mental health is still very real and can prevent people from speaking out when they’re feeling out of control. The good news is that there are a variety of mental health services in Florida you can take advantage of if you know where to look. At WhiteSands, we offer various mental health services, along with addiction treatment services, in customized treatment plans designed to heal the underlying issues, while treating the symptoms simultaneously. You deserve strong support and tailored care, and when you choose our team for treatment, you’ll be able to take control back over your health and improve your quality of life through a customized treatment plan that works for you. 

Finding the Right Mental Health Professional for Your Needs

Most mental health disorders require a combination of therapy, social support, stress reduction, and medication. Depending on your unique circumstances, you may benefit from spending time inside a residential facility or doing better in a more casual, part-time outpatient program. So how do you know what type of care is right for you? 

An assessment is the best way to know what types of treatment will best help you with your unique needs. At WhiteSands, one of the first things we do is meet you in person and offer a full psychiatric assessment. We’ll learn about your concerns and why you believe you need help and get to know a little about you. Then our team will work alongside you to create a customized program that incorporates a mix of evidence-based therapy and holistic healing, which will help you meet your treatment goals, reduce your symptoms, and give you a recovery plan for the future. 

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Mental Health Services

Paying for mental health services in Florida doesn’t need to break the bank. You may be able to use your health insurance to pay for some or all of your treatment. Depending on the type of insurance you have, and what the policy covers, you may find that your evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychotherapy, and group therapies are paid for. Some policies may even pay for a stay in inpatient treatment, and many will also cover prescription psychiatric medications. If you’re not sure what your insurance covers, you can always contact WhiteSands for help. With your approval, we can speak to the insurance company on your behalf, and find out what kind of coverage you have, and what you can expect to pay out-of-pocket. 

The Importance of Early Intervention in Mental Health

Finding help for mental health challenges can prevent other issues from developing. Without access to therapy, counseling, and medications, many people with mental health disorders find that their social lives suffer, they begin to have issues at work or school, and many turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate and escape their mental health symptoms. 

Without treatment, you might miss out on life’s opportunities. For example, if you’re too anxious to speak to your boss about a promotion say hello to the girl you’re interested in, or too depressed to spend time with friends. People may become frustrated with you, further isolating you with your mental health disorder. 

Recognizing the warning signs of a mental illness can make recovery easier as well, helping you build resiliency, giving you stress reduction tools, helping you reduce your medical costs, and strengthening your relationships with friends and loved ones. Early intervention can lower your risk of suicide and can lower your risk of relapse after treatment as well. 

Integrating Holistic Approaches with Traditional Mental Health Treatment

Holistic approaches in mental health care are more than massages by the pool and spa treatments, although there’s nothing wrong with relaxation every once in a while. What a holistic treatment plan is, in reality, is a program that takes a person’s entire life and well-being into account, rather than focusing solely on their mental health issues. Your social life, stress, workday, emotional state, physical health, and spiritual well-being are all tied to your mental health, just as your brain chemistry and life experiences are. 

A holistic treatment plan at WhiteSands incorporates evidence-based therapy, group sessions, support groups, and clinical psychiatric care, along with healthy living programs, stress-reduction plans, and alternative therapies like art therapy. You may be given an exercise plan, learn helpful breathing techniques, and go to family therapy with your loved ones to strengthen your support system at home. There are many options to choose from, and we will collaborate with you to create the right plan for your unique needs. 

Resources for Families and Caregivers Supporting Loved Ones

The following are some important resources for families and caregivers:

• Mental Health America Caregiver’s Guide 
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 
• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Psychiatric Advance Directives 
• Respite Care 

Here are a few resources that may help if you’re uninsured, underemployed, disabled, or otherwise unable to pay for mental health treatment:

• Social Security Disability (SSD) 
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
• Prescription Assistance Programs
• Medicaid 
• Medicare 

Navigating the Mental Health System: What to Expect

Trying to figure out where to get healthcare can be daunting even when you’re feeling your best, but when you’re dealing with mental health issues, it can feel almost impossible. This is especially true when you’re not sure what type of mental illness you have, or if you don’t have a primary care doctor you can talk to. On top of that, care can be expensive, especially if you don’t have insurance. 

Don’t let the complexity of the system get to you. If you feel like you need mental health care or help with substance abuse issues, you can call us at WhiteSands and we’ll help you. We understand that you’re having a difficult time, and will do all we can to assist you. We can tell you what types of services we offer, we can verify your insurance, and we’re more than happy to answer all your questions. 

Call WhiteSands Treatment for Mental Health Services in Florida

If you or a loved one needs mental health services in Florida, please call WhiteSands today. We are a luxury treatment center with high-end amenities and top-tier care from compassionate, skilled, and licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors. Our holistic treatment plans may include individual psychotherapy, group therapy, family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. You can also count on some healthy living and stress-reduction programming, with nutritious meals, exercise and yoga classes, life skills programs, and so much more to be available to you. 

We aim to set you up for long-term success, in a way that makes sense for you. Please call us today to learn more. We’re here to help. 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.