A MISSION FOR MICHAEL
We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.
If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.
Mental health treatment programs can be used to support those who are struggling with a range of mental health disorders, including mild and severe conditions. A Mission For Michael (AMFM) operates several leading residential treatment facilities within California, Washington, and Virginia. We provide comprehensive care, using evidence-based and holistic treatment options.
Residential treatment can be helpful for those struggling with mental health and dual diagnosis conditions. This includes behavioral disorders, emotional disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. At AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers, you’ll receive personalized care, tailored to your mental health symptoms. We would like to discuss how incorporating therapy dogs is an innovative approach to mental health treatment. Then we will discuss psychiatric disorders that can benefit therapy dog programs.
Therapy dogs have been trained to provide comfort, support, and affection in various settings. This can include schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and within mental health treatment centers. Therapy dogs are not trained for specific tasks, as a service dog may be, but they can help improve your emotional well-being.
You may have heard the terms service dog, and emotional support dog, in addition to therapy dog. While they may have similarities, there are distinct differences between these dogs. Therapy dogs have completed therapy dog training, and have received a therapy dog certification. Service dogs have been trained to assist individuals with physical, psychiatric, and sensory impairments. These dogs are allowed in all public spaces with their handler. This can improve independence and safety for the handler. Emotional support animals can provide you with companionship and emotional support. This can be helpful for those living with anxiety and depression. Emotional support dogs do not have access to public spaces like service dogs, but they are protected under the Fair Housing Act.
A psychiatric service dog is trained to help those who are struggling with a range of mental health conditions. These service dogs are trained in specific tasks, including interrupting panic attacks or reminding their handler to take their medications. Psychiatric service dogs can provide you with emotional support and encouragement while helping you improve you gain independence.
Psychiatric service dogs are certified under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ACT). These service dogs work closely with their handler to provide continual support.
Yes, psychiatric service dogs are known as an evidence-based approach for some conditions. The use of therapy dogs in mental health settings has been found to enhance treatment outcomes for individuals experiencing conditions like PTSD, anxiety, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, psychiatric service dogs can help improve your quality of life.
As an evidence-based approach, clinical trials and studies support these positive findings. If you would like to learn about available animal assisted treatments, we encourage you to contact an AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center today.
Canine-assisted interventions involve trained dogs in a therapeutic or educational setting. Therapy dogs can provide emotional support while encouraging physical and social engagement. Canine-assisted therapy can be used to support those experiencing a range of psychological disorders, including severe mental illnesses.
Animal-assisted therapy sessions are tailored to address particular symptoms or challenges that you experience. This can help you work towards your therapeutic goals. Many find that therapy dogs help them feel relaxed in sessions and increase their participation.
Spending as little as 12 minutes with a dog can have a significant impact on your physical health. As an example, dogs can help enhance lung and heart function. Therapy dogs offer a range of emotional and physiological benefits, making them invaluable in various therapeutic contexts. Their presence promotes relaxation, comfort, and improved overall well-being for those they interact with.
Research highlights the effectiveness of therapy dog programs. This includes effectiveness in enhancing mood, reducing depression, and fostering socialization. Spending time with therapy dogs can lead to your brain releasing positive neurotransmitters, which can decrease mood swings. Additionally, therapy dogs can decrease agitation in dementia patients, and ease tension during family therapy sessions. Lastly, therapy dogs can help build rapport between clients and clinicians, creating a supportive environment for healing.
A Mission For Michael is pleased to offer animal-assisted treatment in several locations. This may include dogs, or other animals, including horses. The admission process for an AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center has been fine-tuned to be efficient and effective. It begins with a comprehensive mental health assessment.
Your assessment will thoroughly explore your mental health symptoms, current level of functioning, and your mental health history. This allows us to determine which treatment interventions are ideal for your unique needs. We will also contact your insurance company to verify your coverage. We will ask about your copay, deductibles, limitations, exclusions, and required authorizations. Once we have the necessary steps completed, we will help you plan your admission. In some cases, we can help assist in your travel. Once you arrive at our mental health center, we will help you become familiar with your new surroundings. From there, you will be provided with your treatment schedule so you can begin treatment. Throughout your treatment, our clinical team will continuously monitor your progress, making necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. To begin your free and confidential assessment, contact AMFM today.
Canine-assisted therapy can provide a range of physical, emotional, and psychological benefits. This includes lowering stress levels, enhancing treatment participation, and improving social interactions. While this is not an exhaustive list, it touches upon some of the key benefits across different treatment settings:
Certified therapy dogs can be used in treatment programs to support physical and emotional healing. Therapy dogs can encourage exercise and physical activity. This can help you regain your confidence as you work to improve physical mobility. Physical therapy can be the result of injuries, surgeries, and accidents.
Therapy dogs in schools can help encourage cognitive engagement and promote concentration among students. Schools may have therapy dogs for autism and ADHD to support their students. Pet therapy can assist in task management, and reduce external distractions, which can improve focus.
Animal-assisted therapy can be helpful for those experiencing persistent psychological distress. Therapy dogs can provide consistent and non-judgmental support that can improve treatment outcomes. This includes improving your overall emotional well-being. Therapy dogs can be used for common mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
Dog assisted interventions can help reduce social anxiety symptoms, often within a group setting. This can help encourage social interactions and connections. Therapy dogs for anxiety can help improve social skills, especially with children who have difficulties in social settings.
Therapy dogs for PTSD are commonly used to support trauma survivors, including veterans who have developed post traumatic stress disorder. Emotional therapy dogs can help promote safety and trust within therapy sessions. Therapy dogs can also enhance the effects of coping strategies, promoting psychological well-being.
Emotional therapy dogs can provide compassion and emotional connection for those who have been struggling with isolation and loneliness. This is a common experience among those living with mood and affective disorders, and some anxiety disorders. You may also find that therapy dogs encourage socialization, and lift your morale.
Mental illness service dogs can help you find relief from psychological distress. You may find that working with an emotional therapy dog helps you find a new sense of purpose, and establish a daily routine. Small steps towards establishing a routine can help you improve your daily functioning and manage your responsibilities.
Therapy dogs for anxiety and depression can promote relaxation and reduce your overall stress. Therapy dogs can help reduce the levels of cortisol, which can help you improve your emotional well-being. You may find that therapy dogs help you feel calm during therapy sessions, which can promote engagement in sessions.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) offers residential care for those experiencing a range of mental health challenges and disorders. Our clinical staff will personalize your treatment program to ensure that you receive the support you need for long-term emotional well-being. Contact AMFM by calling (866)478-4383 to explore available animal assisted interventions.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides comprehensive care in Southern California for a range of mental health disorders including mood disorders, personality disorders, and behavioral disorders. Evidence-based approaches and holistic treatments can help you develop the skills needed to effectively manage your mental health symptoms. Contact us today to explore animal-assisted therapy options.
Our AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers in Virginia do offer animal assisted treatment, including pet therapy. Our programs are tailored to your unique mental health symptoms and goals. Contact us today to explore available treatment options and to inquire about available animal-assisted interventions.
With one treatment facility in Seattle, Washington. A Mission For Michael can support you in your path to long-term recovery. We understand that your needs may differ from others, which is why we offer an assortment of holistic and evidence-based treatments. Contact us today to explore available animal-assisted therapy options, which may include therapy dogs.
Canine-assisted therapy can be used to support a range of mental health challenges, in various ways. Treatment programs generally follow a structured treatment plan that is tailored to each individual, to ensure comprehensive care. Common types of animal assisted treatments used within mental health treatment programs include:
General Inquiry Form
Complete the form below to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% Confidential.
More Resources
Hear from clients and their family's experiences
Latest metrics on the effectiveness of our care
We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.
If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.
Health insurance providers may not provide insurance coverage for those who engage in treatment with therapy dogs. A component of this is that policies do not provide coverage for training therapy dogs, and identify this as a personal expense. Your insurance policy may provide coverage for mental health treatment programs that offer canine-assisted therapy though.
As an example, it is not uncommon for mental health treatment facilities to have a therapy dog who stays within the treatment facility. These dogs can participate in therapy sessions and provide emotional support during other therapeutic activities.
Some exceptions exist for veterans through organizations like the VA. Veterans who meet criteria may be able to receive funding for a psychiatric service dog. We encourage you to contact AMFM with specific questions about therapy dog programs.
In general, animal-assisted therapy sessions can range from $100 to $300 per session. This price can fluctuate based on the types of services you receive, the expertise of your provider, and the duration of your session. In some cases, it is possible to access lower fees by working with an intern or student.
For a personalized estimate of the cost of animal-assisted treatment near you, we encourage you to contact AMFM by dialing (866)478-4383. Our admission counselors can review your expected costs and various options of how to pay for treatment.
Psychiatric service dogs can be helpful for individuals who are experiencing a range of emotional and psychological challenges. Therapy dogs can be incorporated into therapy sessions to provide you with emotional support and encouragement, which can enhance your treatment outcomes. Examples of individuals who could benefit from psychiatric service dogs include:
Finding a psychiatric service dog treatment provider may enhance your emotional well-being. If you are interested in finding canine-assisted interventions, we encourage you to try using some, if not all, of the following steps. It is important to be thorough in your search, making sure you’re choosing an effective treatment provider.
Call us or start the process online today. All communication is confidential.
If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.
Our commitment to clinical excellence is reflected in our rigorous adherence to industry standards. We hold licenses and accreditations from respected regulatory bodies, ensuring that our services meet the highest levels of quality and compliance. Listed below are the certifications that endorse our dedication to providing safe, ethical, and effective care.
Copyright 2024 © A MISSION FOR MICHAEL
All rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
