BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
At LA City Care HCS, we offer a wide range of behavioral health services for children, adults, and their families. Our services are provided in our office, schools, and community settings, utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities. We are dedicated to supporting clients facing diverse behavioral health and substance abuse challenges. Our mission is to strengthen families and empower individuals to lead productive, meaningful lives.
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Individual therapy typically refers to the traditional practice of psychotherapy conducted in a one-on-one setting. However, any therapeutic approach delivered directly between a therapist and a single client can also be categorized as individual therapy.
What Does Individual Therapy Accomplish?
When you begin individual therapy, your therapist will collaborate with you to understand your goals and establish a clear plan for what you hope to achieve during your sessions. The benefits of individual therapy include:
Improved Communication Skills: Develop clearer and more effective ways to express your thoughts and feelings.
Enhanced Social Skills: Build stronger relationships through improved interpersonal interactions.
Better Mood Regulation: Learn strategies to maintain emotional balance and manage mood swings.
Effective Emotion Management: Gain tools to handle anger, stress, and other challenging emotions in a healthy way.
Individual therapy can be helpful in recovery from addiction, emotional trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder, codependency, grief or loss, depression and anxiety. In fact, virtually any behavioral health concern can be addressed in individual therapy.
In a one-on-one setting, your therapist can really get to know you and your life experiences. Your therapist will be able to devote all of his or her attention to you during your session, and will collaborate with you to develop a roadmap for recovery or improved mental health.
How Frequently Should I Attend Individual Therapy?
Individual therapy is customized to meet your specific needs. The frequency of your sessions is a decision you and your therapist will make together. While weekly sessions are common, there may be times when more frequent check-ins are helpful to address challenges or review "homework."
The frequency of your visits can also be adjusted based on what's happening in your life. For example, during a crisis, attending therapy two or more times a week might be necessary until the situation stabilizes and you feel secure.
Individual Therapy Focuses Solely on You
Individual therapy offers a great deal of flexibility. If you wish to focus on a new goal, simply share your intentions with your therapist, who will provide guidance and support to help you make informed decisions. Each session is centered around your concerns, ensuring they remain the driving force of your progress. Many people also find it beneficial to complement individual therapy with participation in group therapy sessions.
GROUP THERAPY
Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy where multiple individuals come together regularly to share their challenges and experiences under the guidance of a therapist. While the idea of discussing personal issues with a group of strangers may feel daunting at first, research shows that this collaborative environment can be incredibly effective and rewarding.
Group therapy may be used on its own or as part of a broader treatment plan that includes individual therapy and, in some cases, medication. It can address a wide range of issues, including:
- Depression
- Anger
- Chronic Pain
- Grief
- Addiction
Benefits of Group Therapy
In group therapy, participants benefit not only from the therapist's feedback but also from the insights and support of other group members. By sharing experiences and information, group members help one another recognize that they are not alone in their struggles.
Engaging with others in this way can also foster a sense of contribution and purpose. Realizing that you can support and help others often leads to a boost in self-confidence. Additionally, group therapy is typically more cost-effective than individual therapy, making it an accessible option for many.
What to Expect from Group Therapy
Group therapy sessions may consist of only three or four participants, or as many as 12 to 15. Sessions are usually an hour or so, and meet once or twice a week. As each person progresses, he or she becomes a role model for other members of the group.
Group therapy offers an opportunity to obtain several different perspectives. People who come from different backgrounds may be able to offer widely different viewpoints, and this varied feedback can be shared in a safe, supportive environment. You may be pleasantly surprised at how rewarding participation in group therapy can be.