Whether you have been struggling with anger, stress, depression, or severe anxiety, you may benefit from psychotherapy. Although the name sounds intimidating, the practice describes a range of different mental health treatments that can help you to overcome your symptoms, including talk therapy and prescription medication. Here are a few of the benefits of traditional psychotherapy.

The Power of Psychotherapy

1. Improve & Extend Mental Health Treatment Benefits

Whether you are struggling with your feelings or you have contemplated suicide, working with a psychotherapist to talk through your problems, sometimes in combination with medication, is far more effective than taking medication alone. For instance, one 2005 study showed that relapses in people who were living with anxiety and mild to moderate depression occurred in 76.2% of patients who received only medication, while patients who also talked with a therapist had a recurrence rate of 30.8%.

2. Prevent Stress-Induced Illnesses

Talking with a therapist can also significantly reduce your stress levels, which may prevent illnesses such as heart attacks, strokes, and arthritis. In fact, blood pressure levels in patients who underwent therapy were similar to those who took medication because of how powerful talk therapy can be.

3. Decrease Hospitalizations

Patients who undergo professional therapy are also less likely to be admitted to psychiatric hospitals due to their mental health challenges, which can save time, money, and familial stress. During therapy, patients have a chance to talk through their challenges, preventing issues like breakdowns.

If you are struggling and you want the advice of someone who innately understands mental health challenges, reach out to Teresa M. Anderson, MD. As a certified, private psychiatrist in Cincinnati, OH, Dr. Anderson can help you with everything from medication management to ketamine infusion therapy. To find out more about how she can help, visit her website or call (513) 321-1753.