As the holidays approach, filled with extra family responsibilities and gatherings, religious traditions, extra cooking & cleaning, and more, the end of year scramble can be felt by all of us. As behavioral health professionals, we too can feel this all too well as the holidays can be a triggering time for clients managing substance use disorders and mental health concerns.
While the need for a residential level of care may appear more evident during this time, the holidays may also present some hesitancy for individuals to seek the level of care that can best treat their condition.
As a leader in the behavioral health offering free informed treatment guidance & placement services, we wanted to take a moment to help equip individuals with ways to overcome these hesitations that prevent clients from receiving the care they need.
Below are common, valid concerns, as well as sensitive ways to approach them:
- Finances: Many deductibles have mostly been met so December can be a great time to act and lighten the load of financial concerns.
- Missing the Holidays: Compassionately remind the family how difficult Thanksgiving was with their loved one sick due to addiction or mental health concerns. Provide the hope that acting now will make future holidays better for the whole family.
- Missing School: Many students have a few weeks break and treatment would not interfere with their education. School also seemed to be an unhealthy environment for them and treatment would be a safe haven from triggers.
- Rehab Center Availability: Many rehab facilities have a slower census over the holidays which would allow staff to give a client even more dedicated attention.
It is our privilege to be on mission with behavioral healthcare providers and other concerned parties such as human resources, professional assistance programs and first responders in removing the barriers that can stop families & individuals from finding lasting recovery and healing. If you are in need of treatment guidance and placement, please reach out to your local Treatment Placement Specialist® for a confident assessment, utilizing our free service.
Treatment Placement Specialists®
An initiative of Acadia Healthcare
