Why creating a mental health treatment team is important

Photo: Jason Goodman

In our complex medical landscape, assembling a personalized medical team is often a natural part of maintaining physical health. You likely have a primary care provider, OBGYN, dentist, optometrist, and others, each contributing to your overall well-being. However, when it comes to mental health, coordinating care among multiple providers can be challenging, leading to fragmented treatment and suboptimal outcomes.

At Cincinnati Renewed Wellness, we prioritize clinical collaboration as the cornerstone of effective mental health care. We believe that creating a mental health treatment team is essential for comprehensive and effective care.

First, a note:

Before delving further, it's crucial to acknowledge the privilege associated with accessing mental healthcare in our flawed medical system. If affordability is a concern, please visit our resources page for low-cost or free support options.

So, why should you have a mental health treatment team?

Imagine visiting your primary care doctor for an annual checkup. They order a blood test, which reveals low iron levels. Recognizing the potential link to your menstrual cycle, your doctor collaborates with your OBGYN to gain insight. This collaboration reveals that low iron during menstruation is typical for you, leading to a clearer understanding of your health.

Similarly, therapists benefit from collaboration with other mental health providers. For example, if you're seeing both a couples counselor and an individual therapist, their collaboration can lead to valuable insights into your struggles and facilitate tailored treatment plans.

Creating a treatment team and fostering collaboration among professionals ensures personalized care, a holistic approach, and enhanced outcomes. Moreover, it provides crucial support for caregivers and families.

Who should be on your treatment team?

While the composition of a mental health treatment team varies, consider including:

A. Psychiatrists and Psychologists

B. Therapists and Counselors (individual, couples, family, or group therapy)

C. Primary Care Physicians

D. Peer Support Specialists

E. Registered Dietitians

What's next?

If you don't have a therapist yet, finding one is an important first step. Your therapist can guide you in building your treatment team, leveraging their network of trusted professionals for referrals. This collaborative approach can alleviate the overwhelm often associated with navigating mental healthcare.

Written by: Alyza Moore MA, LPC