“Behavioral health” is a term used to encompass mental health, substance use, emotional well-being, and behaviors that impact a person’s overall health. Someone might receive behavioral health care because they are experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, substance misuse, or changes in day-to-day functioning.
Behavioral health concerns might first start with disrupted routines, impulsive choices, changes in sleep or eating, trouble keeping up with work, or managing relationships. Understanding what behavioral health includes may make it easier for someone to recognize when things change and decide which type of support may be helpful.
Behavioral health treatment can range from outpatient therapy and medication management to more structured levels of care when symptoms significantly interfere with daily life or safety. To help you better understand what behavioral health is and whether you might need support, this page covers:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes “behavioral health” as an umbrella term that includes:[1]
This definition is important because it acknowledges that thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical health often all influence each other.
For example, someone having a lot of anxiety may begin to avoid social situations. A person with depression may stop eating regularly. Or someone struggling with trauma symptoms might start drinking alcohol to cope. Behavior may be the first noticeable sign that something has changed in someone’s internal environment.
The terms “mental health” and “behavioral health” are often used interchangeably. However, according to the CDC, behavioral health is generally broader and connected to environments and social conditions in which people live and interact.[1]
Therefore, behavioral health services may take care of mental health as well as other factors.
Mental health typically refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health conditions can impact mood, thinking, and functioning. On the other hand, behavioral health can include mental health and also involve behaviors that impact wellness, such as:
However, it’s important to bring awareness to the fact that not every unhealthy behavior is a psychiatric condition. Behaviors can be impacted by other elements such as stress, illness, environment, or habits.
Behavioral health conditions encompass a wide range of both mental health and substance use disorders that impact numerous areas of a person’s life. Examples include:
Behavioral health symptoms may first become noticeable through changes in everyday behavior, such as:
Diagnosis for a behavioral health condition is based on the pattern, severity, duration, context, and impact on daily functioning, as one difficult week typically does not indicate a behavioral health problem.
The CDC reports that about 23% of adults living in the United States have a mental health condition, while about 6% live with a serious mental health condition that significantly impacts their daily life.[2]
In 2024, the CDC reported that about 21.2 million adults in the United States experienced both a mental health condition and substance use disorder.[1] This highlights the necessity of looking at the entire picture of wellness when observing symptoms or seeking treatment.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends integrated screening and treatment when conditions like mental health and substance use co-occur, rather than treating each concern in isolation.[3] This may include addressing both depression and alcohol use or anxiety and drug use simultaneously.
Behavioral health conditions are rarely caused by one factor alone. In fact, they are typically influenced by a combination of:
These factors affect people differently. This means that two people can experience the same trauma or stressor and respond very differently. While having risk factors may increase a person’s vulnerability, they do not guarantee that someone will develop a disorder.
Likewise, substance use alone does not usually indicate a substance use disorder; many people use substances without developing misuse.
Behavioral health is best understood by looking at the whole person. The aim is to consider which factors are impacting functioning and where treatment can help create meaningful change.
A behavioral health assessment helps a mental health professional understand what is happening before they recommend treatment. The evaluation may include questions about:
A detailed assessment can help a mental health professional gather information and tell the difference between concerns that may look similar. For example, sleep disruption might occur for someone with anxiety, but also happen for someone with substance misuse or another mental health or medical condition.
The appropriate treatment depends on the broader pattern. Some people benefit from outpatient therapy, while others may need medication or a higher level of care. The assessment helps determine an appropriate starting point.
AMFM is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.
Behavioral health treatment depends on information gathered in the behavioral health assessment. Treatment options may include:
Therapy can help people:
Approaches may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), or trauma-focused therapies. There is no single form of behavioral health therapy that works for everyone. Therefore, treatment should be considered based on a person’s unique circumstances, symptoms, and information gathered in the assessment.
Psychiatric medications are commonly used to treat conditions ranging from depression to psychosis. Medication should be prescribed and monitored by a medical professional. They also typically work best when combined with therapy.
Group therapy can offer connection to people with similar experiences, skill development, psychoeducation, and mutual accountability. A trained therapist facilitates these groups, targeting the specific concerns that the group shares.
When mental health and substance use disorder occur together, treatment that addresses both is often recommended.[3] This may include therapy, medications, peer support, group therapy, or other specialized programs.
Not everyone needs the same intensity of behavioral health treatment. Some people benefit from individual therapy and medication support, while others may need more structured programs.
Inpatient treatment is used when acute safety concerns or severe symptoms require 24-hour care. This could include thoughts of wanting to hurt themselves or others, or withdrawing from substances.
Movement between levels of care can occur throughout recovery. Someone might start with inpatient treatment and eventually step down to outpatient support once this is appropriate for their needs.
The goal of differing levels of care is to provide enough structure for the person’s current needs while supporting as much independence as is safely possible.
Professional treatment is important, but behavioral health support also extends beyond appointments. Recovery may be supported by:
These supports are not replacements for professional treatments; instead, they are often used alongside professional care. A strong care plan often takes into account what happens between clinical appointments as well as what happens during them. Therefore, it places emphasis on healthy habits.
Watching someone’s behavior change can feel confusing. You may begin to wonder why they are not acting like themselves and question how to approach the subject.
Start with observation, not diagnosis. For instance, instead of saying, “You’re obviously depressed,” you could consider saying, “I’ve noticed that you haven’t been leaving the house, and you have missed work several times. I am worried about you.”
Then be prepared to listen.
You can also offer to provide support in practical ways. For example, by:
A behavioral health crisis may occur when symptoms are severe enough that immediate safety or functioning is at risk. Warning signs include:
Someone does not need a formal diagnosis before a crisis becomes worthy of attention. If immediate danger is present, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Mental Health support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
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Behavioral health includes the ways that mental health, emotions, substances, coping patterns, and daily behaviors impact a person’s ability to function and feel well.
You do not have to figure out exactly what behavioral health condition might be present before asking for help, and you do not need to wait until you are in crisis to get support.
At AMFM Mental Health Treatment (A Mission for Michael), we provide individualized treatment for adults experiencing mental health and behavioral health concerns. Depending on each person’s unique needs, adult behavioral health care may include therapy, psychiatric support, structured programming, or other services designed to help people build sustainable recovery.
We offer an intimate, focused mental health treatment experience in home-like settings that are carefully maintained to be peaceful, comfortable spaces. In addition to residential treatment, AMFM Mental Health Treatment also offers multiple levels of outpatient treatment.
Our locations in California, Minnesota, Virginia, and Washington accept insurance and are in-network with many major providers. To check your insurance coverage for mental health care, simply complete our confidential online verification form.
Call us at 866-478-4383 to start the admissions process or learn more about how we can support your mental well-being. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide guidance with no obligation.
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At AMFM, we strive to provide the most up-to-date and accurate medical information based on current best practices, evolving information, and our team’s approach to care. Our aim is that our readers can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Our reviewers are credentialed medical providers specializing and practicing behavioral healthcare. We follow strict guidelines when fact-checking information and only use credible sources when citing statistics and medical information. Look for the medically reviewed badge on our articles for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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