Understanding Behavioral Health: How It Differs from Mental Health

Behavioral health and mental health are often mistakenly used as interchangeable terms. However, they address different aspects of an individual’s overall well-being. Knowing the distinction between these two areas is essential for ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate care.

Behavioral Health vs. Mental Health: Key Differences

Behavioral health refers to the impact that behaviors—such as eating habits, substance use, and physical activity—have on overall physical and mental health. It focuses on actions and behaviors that may affect an individual’s health, either positively or negatively.

In contrast, mental health specifically pertains to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It includes conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, which affect mood, thinking, and behavior.

While behavioral health focuses on changing harmful behaviors, mental health care concentrates on treating disorders that affect mood, cognition, and emotions.

How Behavioral Health and Mental Health Intersect

The two are closely related. Mental health conditions often lead to unhealthy behaviors. For example, individuals with anxiety or depression may develop coping mechanisms like substance use or overeating, which are classified under behavioral health. Conversely, behavioral patterns, such as chronic substance use, can exacerbate mental health conditions. Therefore, addressing both behavioral health and mental health concurrently is crucial for comprehensive care.

Available Treatments for Behavioral and Mental Health

At Brainerd Lakes Area Psychiatry, we offer a range of services that address both behavioral and mental health needs:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is particularly effective in treating conditions like anxiety and depression.
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART): This innovative therapy helps patients resolve trauma, anxiety, and depression by using visual imagery techniques. ART is a valuable tool for addressing trauma-related behavioral issues and mental health conditions.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): TMS is a cutting-edge treatment for depression that is resistant to traditional therapies. By stimulating nerve cells in the brain, it can provide relief for patients who have not responded well to medication or therapy.

Why This Matters

Understanding the difference between behavioral health and mental health ensures that patients receive the care they need. Whether addressing emotional well-being through therapies like CBT or treating behavioral issues through trauma-informed care like ART, a comprehensive approach can lead to better outcomes for conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma.