NY Mental Health Center

Products And Services

• Adolescent Counseling

  Mental health is an important part of an adolescent's overall health and has a profound impact on an adolescent's physical health and his or her ability to succeed in school and in society. The mental health of an adolescent is as important as the child's physical health in affecting how the child thinks, feels, and acts, both on the inside and outside. Mental health issues can have a long term impact on an adolescent's ability to fulfill his or her potential as an adolescent and as an adult. The American Psychological Association (APA) estimates that 15 million children in the United States are currently experiencing some form of mental disorder, and many more are at risk of developing a mental disorder due to a wide variety of risk factors, including biology and genetics; family, school, and community influences; and peer pressure. It is also estimated that only about 7 percent of these youths receive appropriate mental health services from professional mental health service providers. Research in child and adolescent psychology has helped bring about great advancements in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders in children and adolescents. Our professional staff is trained to consider the complete spectrum of a child's or adolescent's mental development in the areas of identity, emotions, social relations, cognition, and biology and genetics. Counseling and therapy can help children and adolescents meet the challenges of growing up, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and a variety of emotional and behavioral issues. Therapy administered by a professional can also help children and adolescents overcome the effects of significant life events, such as a death in the family, trauma, abuse, or parental separation, which can lead to problems with stress, mood, appetite, sleep, and problems at school or at home. Other factors that may indicate that a child or adolescent may benefit from professional psychological counseling include developmental delays, learning disabilities, behavioral issues, a significant downturn in academic performance, withdrawal from friends or family, mood swings, insomnia, bullying, signs of alcoholism or drug abuse, and sudden changes in appetite or eating habits, especially in adolescents.

  Link: Adolescent Counseling

• Anger Management

  Anger management is the process of learning to recognize the signs of one's own encroaching anger and mastering techniques to deal with it safely and effectively. While anger is a normal, healthy emotion, in many people it becomes excessive and out of control, resulting in damaged relationships, employment difficulties, and even physical violence. Uncontrolled anger not only causes disharmony and pain, it is a frequent cause of criminal behavior. In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of how widespread issues with anger are and how greatly they affect the world around us. This has resulted in the development of various anger management techniques designed to channel anger in constructive ways. The Need for Anger Management Some individuals are well aware that they have problems with anger. More frequently, others around them recognize the severity of the problem. People with anger issues may have trouble holding anger in when they are in situations where expressing it is inappropriate, and may experience emotional symptoms like depression or physical symptoms like headaches as a result of their unresolved anger. Outward manifestations of unmanaged anger include: Feeling angry too much of the time Having frequent arguments at home, at work or elsewhere Having disagreements that frequently escalate into arguments Reacting with excessive anger while driving or doing daily chores Having unstable relationships because of recurring episodes of anger Threatening friends, intimates or colleagues with physical violence Damaging or breaking things, destroying property Becoming physical violent Having trouble with the law The Process of Anger Management There are several steps involved in anger management training. Such treatment may take place in a variety of individual or group settings. Sometimes the individual seeks help independently. Often such treatment is recommended as part of marital or parenting counseling or is mandated by an employer. Enrollment in anger management classes may also be mandated by the courts, particularly in cases of physical abuse or assault and battery. The process of anger management involves: Addressing underlying issues, such as depression or addiction Learning to recognize the early signs of one's own anger Cognitive behavioral therapy Meditation or progressive relaxation Learning problem-solving strategies Learning communication skills to explain anger rather than act it out Learning techniques of conflict resolution Benefits of Anger Management Anger management can provide a number of long-term benefits: Better communication with others Improved relationships Better physical and mental health Curbing of addictive behaviors involving alcohol, drugs or food Typically, anger management sessions are scheduled weekly and are ongoing, at least for several months to a year. The length of treatment depends on the severity of the problem. Anger management may involve both individual and group therapy and may include prescription medication such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers.

  Link: Anger Management

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy used to treat psychological and psychiatric disorders. It is based on the idea that the patient's unhealthy behavior is the result of distorted thinking, rather than external situations or other people. Cognitive behavioral therapy trains patients to become aware of their own damaging thoughts and to consciously alter them in productive ways. This treatment is based on the concept that as patients think more clearly, they will react more rationally, with enlightened self-interest. Cognitive behavioral therapy requires honesty and commitment, but can provide great benefits in terms of mental health. Cognitive behavioral therapy differs from more conventional psychotherapy in the following ways: It focuses on a particular problem It is directed towards achieving a specific goal It involves homework and practice for the patient Patients undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy are encouraged to notate their "automatic thoughts," self-destructive thoughts they may fall back on as default mechanisms, such as "I am useless" or "I am in terrible danger." By making a record of such troubling thoughts, discussing them openly with the therapist, and perhaps even uncovering their origin in the psyche, patients learn to find patterns of habitual thinking that they then may be able to break. Once they stop reinforcing their own illness by negative thoughts, they may become able to change longstanding self-destructive behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been used successfully, often in combination with medication or other forms of psychotherapy, to treat many varieties of psychiatric illness, including: Mood disorders Anxiety disorders Personality disorders Eating disorders Substance abuse Sleep disorders Body dysmorphic disorder Phobias Post-traumatic stress disorder Paranoia and other psychotic disorders Studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy actually changes brain activity in people who receive this treatment, suggesting that the brain function may actually be reprogramming itself during the course of treatment. Because there is a great deal of scientific data supporting the clinical benefits of this type of therapy, a wide range of mental health care professionals are now being trained in its usage, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, substance abuse counselors and psychiatric nurses.

  Link: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Family Therapy

  Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that treats two or more members of the same family. Family therapists study and help to improve the dynamics in a family in which one or more members is experiencing mental distress. Family therapy is based on the premise that, because interaction among family members is so close and intense, the beliefs, personality and experiences of each member affect the well-being of the family as a whole. The designated "patient" in a given family not only has an impact on the other members, but may be the subconsciously designated representative of the entire family's inner turmoil. Modern-day family therapy is not limited to treating individuals related by blood or marriage. Anyone living as part of a couple or intimate group may benefit. Family therapy is particularly helpful for those who come from dysfunctional nuclear families. Under the guidance of a skilled therapist, how to interact with family members in a healthy way is taught, and the patient learns new coping skills. Reasons for Family Therapy There are a many reasons people seek family therapy. Among the most common are the following, and each may be an issue for one or more family members: Substance abuse or alcoholism Depression or mood disorder Behavioral problems at school or work Marital or couple instability, sexual dysfunction or discord Conflict and communication problems Eating disorders Suicidal ideation or behavior Post-traumatic stress Sexual abuse suffered within or outside the family Illness or bereavement Family therapy is also a successful proactive tool, and is helpful for families in which problems, such as those created by a marriage that changes a family's composition, are expected to develop. Benefits of Family Therapy A major benefit of family therapy is that family members become aware that the family dynamic can change. As family members begins to understand their own complicity in family dysfunction, they are able to begin to establish more constructive behavior patterns. As each person in the family makes small positive changes, the family as a whole becomes less divisive and more supportive of all of its members. Family therapy offers specific benefits, which may include helping family members to: Focus on the dynamics of family behavior as a whole Improve communication See the value of working together Avoid scapegoating the designated "sick" family member Let go of dysfunctional roles such as victim, bully, fixer or enabler Identify problems as they arise and develop strategies to cope with them Feel included and respected Listen nonjudgmentally and express themselves noncombatively Family Therapy Sessions During therapy sessions, family members are taught to become aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of other family members. All members are shown how to take responsibility for their own behavior patterns. Family therapy is a proactive type of psychotherapy, with the therapist often giving family members assignments to improve their interactions with one another. One member may be asked to not offer any criticism or suggestions to other family members for a week. Another may be asked to delegate tasks rather than to complain about being overburdened. As the family works together and begins to see positive changes, the family unit becomes more cohesive. Depending on the severity of the problems and the dedication of the participants, family therapy can involve a short- or long-term commitment. Not all family members are asked to attend all therapy sessions. Progress can often be made even without the full cooperation of all family members, because changes in the behavior of some will precipitate changes in the family's behavior as a whole.

  Link: Family Therapy

• Marriage Counseling

  Marriage counseling, also known as couples therapy, is a type of therapy that helps couples, married or unmarried, work out their conflicts and improve their relationship. These counseling sessions allow for better communication and a way to talk through problems in a controlled setting. Marriage counseling is often provided by a licensed therapist or psychologist, who works as a mediator between both partners, to help them strengthen their bond and gain a better understanding of each other and the problems they may be facing. Some couples may seek marriage counseling in times of crisis, while others may consult with a therapist for guidance with daily marital issues. There are several reasons why couples may seek help from a professionally trained marriage counselor. Some couples may come to a marriage counselor to better understand each other and strengthen their relationship. Other couples who are considering marriage, may come to a marriage counselor for pre-marriage counseling to get a better idea of their compatibility before marriage. Many couples seek marriage counseling to improve a relationship that is troubled by a number of specific issues, such as poor communication, sexual difficulties, drug and alcohol abuse, or excessive anger. In addition, marriage counseling can help couples deal with troubled relationships that may include difficult issues such as: Infidelity Divorce Abuse Unemployment Financial problems Marriage counseling can also be beneficial in helping couples deal with day to day issues like communication, negative feelings, child rearing, blended families or cultural differences. While marriage counseling may also be helpful in resolving issues that lead to domestic abuse, counseling itself is not adequate in cases that escalate or may escalate to violence, in which case contacting the police or seeking a crisis shelter is recommended. In a joint therapy session with a marriage counselor, the couple will learn skills that can help them strengthen their relationship, such as how to communicate more openly, how to solve problems together, and how to discuss differences in a rational and productive manner. The therapist will help the couple analyze the positive and negative factors that may be the sources of satisfaction and conflict in the relationship. While marriage counseling often involves joint therapy attended by both partners, in some cases an individual may also work with the therapist alone to discuss and focus on individual behaviors. It is important for couples to choose a counselor together and commit to working on their relationship. Some couples may see an improvement in their relationship after just a few sessions, and others may take several months to sort out emotions and see any progress. Through dedication, honesty and compromise, many couples benefit tremendously from marriage counseling.

  Link: Marriage Counseling

• Stress Management

  Now that the deep connection between physical health and emotional well-being has been established, stress management is recognized as an important component of daily life. Reducing stress has been found to improve relationships and personal satisfaction, and make students and employees more efficient. In order for successful stress management to take place, a stress assessment must be completed, designed to evaluate a patient's stress level and to highlight any areas of concern. These results are used to devise a customized treatment plan that provides patients with a variety of techniques to alleviate stress and increase comfort, energy level and productivity. Negative Effects of Stress We know that stress can produce physical, cognitive and psychological symptoms as well as exacerbate existing ones. Research has demonstrated that there are physiological reasons for this since the human body reacts to stress by producing cortisol, which alters metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological and immunological responses. While, almost any symptom can be precipitated, people who are stressed most typically experience: Anxiety Depression Headaches Forgetfulness Inability to concentrate Fatigue Appetite and sleep disturbances Gastrointestinal symptoms In addition, research has shown that stress worsens many medical conditions including: Asthma Chronic pain Fibromyalgia Multiple sclerosis High blood pressure Cardiovascular disease Stress also decreases the immune response, slowing healing and making individuals more susceptible to infection. Because of all the scientific data demonstrating the negative effects of stress, stress management is now available through health care providers, educational institutions and places of employment. Stress Management Techniques There are many ways to combat stress. A method that helps one person cope may not be as effective for another. It is often necessary for individuals to experiment in order to find which combination of techniques works best for them. Stress management can provide relief from stress-related symptoms and a pathway to a healthier lifestyle. For many people, eating a healthy diet and engaging in physical exercise are a good beginning for reducing stress levels. Various types of psychotherapy, in which the patient expresses and explores the causes of personal stress and is trained in new coping strategies, are often helpful. In extreme cases, medication may also be prescribed to get the individual through a particularly trying situation. For ongoing stress, a variety of other techniques from the world of alternative, or complementary, medicine are also available. These include: Meditation Deep breathing exercises Progressive muscle relaxation Visualization Acupuncture Aromatherapy Biofeedback Chiropractic care Herbalism Homeopathy Hypnotherapy Massage therapy Osteopathy Yoga Qi gong Reflexology Reiki Tai Chi While stress is an unavoidable part of modern living, stress management can make life more manageable, providing the ability to relax in the midst of turmoil and a sense of personal control. Typically, a combination of stress-reducing strategies works best.

  Link: Stress Management

• Addiction

  An addiction is an uncontrollable dependence on a certain substance or activity. People become addicted to different things for different reasons, but can be affected both physically and psychologically. With addiction, the activity or substance often becomes the major focus of a person's life, leading to the exclusion of other activities, impairing work, social, and family responsibilities, and affecting the individual's health, mood, and self-respect. Addicted individuals may suffer from anxiety, low self-esteem or depression and often feel as if they have no control over their lives or behavior. Types of Addictions Addictions can be considered physical or psychological. Both types of addictions affect the part of the brain that produces endorphins, or pleasure inducing substances. These chemicals make the person feel "high" or euphoric when indulging in their addiction. Physical Addictions Physical addictions are usually a result of the use of a particular substance. After excessive use, people build up a tolerance o that they need a larger and larger dose to feel the same effects of the substance. If they do not use the substance they may suffer from symptoms of withdrawal. Common types of physical addictions may include: Alcohol Drugs Caffeine Nicotine/Smoking Behavioral or Psychological Addictions Psychological or behavioral addictions occur when there is an uncontrollable urge to perform an activity. Behavioral addictions are not substance-related, and include a strong and recurring compulsion to engage in a certain activity despite the harmful consequences to either the individual or others. Behavioral addictions may include: Sex Internet Exercise Dieting Overeating Gambling Shopping Cell phone use Causes of Addiction There is no specific cause for a person to develop an addiction, however, an addiction may be influenced by a person's genetic makeup and social or environmental factors. Many people believe that genetics may cause a risk of addiction and environmental factors such as family life, upbringing and peer influences may also play a role in causing an addiction. Children who grow up in homes where a parent abuses drugs or alcohol or participates in other addictive behaviors may be at a greater risk for developing an addiction, for both genetic and environmental reasons. Treatment for Addiction Addiction is a treatable condition. The first step in the successful treatment of an addiction often begins when the individual admits that they have a problem and need help. Physical addictions to substances such as drugs or alcohol may be treated with medication. Behavioral therapy and counseling are also an important part of treatment. Behavioral therapy is often used to help patients identify, avoid, and cope with situations in which they are most likely to partake in addictive activities. Family or group therapy may also help the patient maintain a supportive environment and improve family relationships.

  Link: Addiction

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder

  Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, is a psychiatric problem in which anxiety is not a temporary state but a chronic condition. While it is normal for all individuals to worry about an upcoming event such as an examination or job interview, patients with GAD are in a perpetual state of anxiety, unable to relax. The disorder may become so severe that it interferes with school, work or relationships. GAD is a very common disorder, affecting millions of individuals in the United States alone. More than twice as many women as men suffer from the disorder. Causes of GAD While precise causes for GAD have not been determined, the disorder is believed to be the result of abnormalities in the brain that may be, at least partially, hereditary. Hormonal changes, like those that occur prior to or during menstruation or during menopause, may be a factor in the development of the disorder, accounting for the fact that females are noticeably more prone to the disorder than men. GAD is thought to be exacerbated by environmental factors like trauma or extreme stress. Symptoms of GAD Symptoms of GAD, which most commonly begin during childhood or adolescence, may begin in adulthood as well. These symptoms may be both psychological and physiological. Often diffuse, these symptoms may be accompanied by a fear of dying. Psychological Symptoms Excessive worry about small things Perpetual worry Anxiety without a perceived cause Fear or dread Inability to relax Restlessness, irritability, tension Difficulty concentrating Extreme or frequent startle response Physiological Symptoms Insomnia or other sleep disturbances Headaches, fatigue, nausea, lightheadedness Muscle aches, muscle twitching Palpitations, chest pain Gastrointestinal distress Other aches and pains Frequent urge to urinate Breathlessness Hot flashes or sweating Trembling Difficulty swallowing Dry mouth Diagnosing GAD Generalized anxiety disorder is typically diagnosed through a full medical history and a psychological evaluation. In order to be diagnosed with GAD, a patient has to meet the following criteria: Experience extreme anxiety for at least 6 months Be unable to overcome or control anxiety Have difficulty with everyday activities because of anxiety Have anxiety unrelated to another medical or psychiatric disorder In addition, in order to be diagnosed with GAD, adult patient must experience three of the following and children must experience at least one: Fatigue Sleep disturbances Irritability Restlessness Muscle tension Difficulty concentrating Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder Generalized anxiety disorder is typically treated through a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The types of medications typically prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder include antidepressants, tranquilizers, buspirone, beta blockers, and benzodiazepines. These medications may differ in the length of time they require to provide symptomatic relief. Sometimes patients are given benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Valium, to use temporarily until other medications, such as antidepressants, take effect. Several varieties of psychotherapy may be used in treating GAD. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to be particularly helpful. Alternative therapies, including various relaxation techniques and meditation are reported to assist some patients in maintaining a sense of calm. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol, caffeine and other stimulants can also help relieve the symptoms of GAD. A strong support system of family and friends is also beneficial.

  Link: Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Grief Counseling

  In recent decades, various types of grief counseling have been developed to help individuals cope with the intense and complicated pain involved in losing a loved one. It has been accepted that loss involves many emotions which must be dealt with before the bereaved individual can successfully move on and adapt to the changes wrought by the death. For many people, assistance in the form of grief counseling is a necessary part of the process. Grief counselors, trained in the discipline, may be clergy, psychiatric nurses, physician assistants (PAs), psychologists, nurse practitioners, social workers, or psychiatrists. Stages of Grief In the late 1960s, Kübler-Ross, who worked with the terminally ill, postulated five stages of grief. These stages are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Individuals suffering a great loss often pass through these stages, although not in any specified order. Understanding that grieving is a complex process, involving a wide range of emotions, is important for individuals seeking to get their lives back in order. Realizing that, in addition to sadness and longing, it is normal to experience resentment, guilt, anger and relief after a loved one dies, can be reassuring and helpful. Behavior of Grief As people heal after the death of a loved one, they may find solace in differing behaviors. While outbursts of tears may be the expected reaction, attacks of laughter also may occur. Grieving individuals may also: Obsessively clean or organize Withdraw socially Become absent-minded or forgetful Engage in ritualized behavior Eat more or less than usual Seek comfort in alcohol or drugs Experience sleep disturbances Become highly emotional or emotionally flat Types of Grief Counseling Several types of grief counseling are available, including one-on-one psychotherapy and bereavement groups. The dynamics of such therapies vary but may include discussion and sharing, meditative or relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral training, or art therapy. If the loss suffered has taken place under particularly traumatic circumstances, hypnosis may also be used. When the grieving individual is found to be suffering from clinical depression, antidepressant medication is usually prescribed. Bereavement groups may be organized around the special circumstances of death. There are, for example, bereavement groups especially designed for parents who have lost children, children who have lost parents, or for people grieving for loved ones who have committed suicide or have been murdered.

  Link: Grief Counseling