Considering Treatment Options

A treatment plan is a starting point in the journey toward wellness. A treatment plan might involve a single approach (for example, talk therapy) or a combination of several approaches (for example, talk therapy, medications, and daily meditation). Typically, a number of adjustments are required before the best treatment or combination of treatments is found.

Even after a treatment plan has been in place for a while, adjustments may need to be made periodically.

When you* meet with a healthcare provider to develop or modify your treatment plan, bring a list of questions. It can be difficult to remember everything the healthcare provider says, so it's a good idea to bring a friend or relative with you to take notes.

Getting effective treatment for a mental health condition is very important:

• The right treatment can help people feel better and function better at home, work or school
• The right treatment can improve quality of life for both the individual receiving treatment and his or her family
• The wrong choice of treatment can have serious consequences

*On this page, "you" and "your" are used to refer to either you or someone you care about.

This page is adapted from David Mischoulon, MD, PhD and Edward Messner, MD, "The 8 Habits of Effective Mental Health Consumers," unpublished manuscript.