Types of Psychological Services
Psychological
evaluations are done to assess patients in terms of diagnosis and treatment
needs, using a wide variety of tools for this process. Likewise, we have a number of different
treatment services in practice.
Testing, Evaluation, and Diagnosis
Within
the first few days of your (or your loved one’s) arrival at Caron, a
psychologist will do a psychological evaluation, which may include:
- Psychological testing, such as assessment of
memory function or reasoning function in the event that a patient is struggling
with these cognitive difficulties. The
reason for such an assessment is to determine a patient’s capacity to engage in
treatment.
- A personality assessment, if necessary, can be
used to assist with clarification of personality and mood function in order to
enhance the treatment team’s understanding of a patient’s psychological
issues. Such assessments also contribute
to a patient’s self-understanding to enhance their own participation in
treatment.
A
recommendation for a psychiatric evaluation will be made in the event that the
treatment team believes that a patient has significant medication issues and/or
psychiatric difficulties. Through a
collaborative process, our staff will use the results of these and/or other
evaluations to develop a diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Therapies and Treatments
No
one’s addiction, mental, or behavioral health issues are the same and no two treatment
plans are alike. Each member of the treatment team does an assessment of the patient
in order to develop an individualized treatment plan. Some elements of treatment can include:
- Treating psychopharmacological
needs
. Although we are cautious with medication, our onsite
psychiatric staff can prescribe it if necessary.
- Group psychological
therapy
. Sometimes a community environment is the most supportive and
helpful for an individual. We also offer specialty treatment groups that
focus on specific issues, such as anger, trauma, body image, anxiety and
depression.
- Biofeedback measures
the relationship between physiological activity, such as heart rate, emotions,
thoughts, and behavior. Using a computer, a patient can see the effects of
changes in their behavior (such as breathing and heart rate) and can learn
to control those responses on their own.
- Dialectical Behavioral
Therapy (DBT)
lays a foundation for people to develop coping skills
and work on emotional regulation. DBT is an evidence-based treatment that
uses meditation and other treatment modalities within four modules:
mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal
effectiveness.
Caron
uses an integrated approach to treating the whole person. Psychological services are integrated within
a patient’s spirituality and overall behavioral health.