Delusional Disorder Counseling Therapy and Treatment Program

A MISSION FOR MICHAEL

17 minutes read
Psychologist writing notes during a mental health therapy appointment.

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 A Mission For Michael (AMFM) is proud to be a leading mental health treatment provider for those experiencing mental health difficulties. Our one-of-a-kind treatment combines traditional counseling methods, holistic approaches, and wellness programs. You can find our residential mental health treatment facilities in California, Washington, and Virginia.

Our treatment centers provide individualized care for those who are experiencing a range of mental health conditions including mood disorders, psychosis, and delusional disorder. With the right treatment and support, we are confident that you can learn to effectively manage your mental health symptoms. We are going to spend time reviewing delusional disorder symptoms and common treatment options.

What is a Delusional Disorder?

Delusional disorder is a psychological disorder known for causing persistent, false beliefs that are not grounded in reality. Even though these beliefs are untrue, they may be plausible in some cases. Those living with delusional disorder may appear to be functioning well, except for conversations that are related to their delusions. 

This thought disorder is classified as a psychotic disorder. A notable difference between delusional disorder and others within this classification is that it does not cause the impairment in cognitive functions and behaviors. Delusional thinking can cause significant distress and have a negative impact on relationships, friendships, and your career if your delusions interfere. It can also lead to distress, relationship problems, and disruptions at work. Treatment is available for delusional disorder, and commonly includes psychotherapy, medications, or both.

Research has been unable to identify a specific cause for delusional disorder. Rather, we believe that this condition is the result of several factors including genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Those with a family history of psychotic disorders, imbalances in brain chemicals, and certain personality traits may have an increased risk.

Some of the triggers that can contribute to the onset of symptoms includes chronic stress, traumatic experiences, and social isolation. Those who struggle with substance abuse or medical conditions that affect brain function, such as dementia, may also have a higher risk of developing delusional disorder. And for some, delusional disorder develops without a clear trigger or underlying condition.

To receive a delusional disorder diagnosis, you need to experience at least one non-bizarre delusional thought. This needs to be present for at least one month, and not better explained by other circumstances. Non-bizarre symptoms are situations that could take occur, but are not happening at the present moment.

Some of the common symptoms associated with delusional disorders include:

  • Struggling with anger and violent behaviors
  • Developing depressive or anxiety symptoms due to delusions
  • Feeling exploited
  • Focusing on the trust and loyalty of friends and family
  • Holding grudges
  • Perceiving messages or remarks as threatening

Other symptoms associated with delusional disorder will be dependent on the type of false beliefs that are experienced.

Similar to other mental health disorders, there is no cure for delusional disorder. However, with proper treatment it is manageable. Psychiatric facilities can provide you with psychotherapy and medication management services. This comprehensive approach can help decrease the intensity of your symptoms, and help you learn to cope with the distress your symptoms cause.

Behavioral health services can focus on reducing the intensity and impact of delusions. Long-term care within an inpatient mental health treatment center is ideal for those experiencing severe and long-lasting symptoms. Treatment can include cognitive restructuring, coping strategies, and consistent medical support.

Delusional disorder and schizophrenia are two separate mental health conditions. They do; however, both belong to the category of psychotic disorders. Delusional disorder does not typically develop into schizophrenia. These two conditions do share characteristics, including delusions and hallucinations (in some cases).

Schizophrenia spectrum disorder is characterized by broad range of cognitive and behavioral disruptions. This includes disorganized thinking and significant functional impairment. Delusional disorder primarily involves isolated false beliefs with limited overall dysfunction, though misdiagnosis is possible without thorough assessment.

Delusional disorder is most commonly diagnosed during middle to late stages of life, with 40 as an average age of onset. This condition is rare and it affects approximately 0.1% of the general population. Among those admitted to inpatient mental health treatment programs, an estimated 1% to 2% are living with delusional disorder, reflecting its presence in specialized care settings.

Depression frequently co-occurs with delusional disorder, highlighting the importance of providing comprehensive care for overlapping mental health concerns during treatment. Although the DSM-5 notes no significant gender differences in the prevalence of delusional disorder, some studies suggest that women may experience higher rates of this condition at older ages. This finding underscores the need for age- and gender-specific research to better understand the disorder’s impact on different populations.

Are There Free and Confidential Delusional Disorder Assessment Near Me?

Yes, free and confidential delusional disorder assessments and evaluations are available at some treatment centers, such as A Mission For Michael. AMFM offers no-cost mental health assessments to help individuals, like yourself, determine treatment needs and connect with appropriate care.

Our mental health professionals take time to understand your symptoms, mental health history, and current level of functioning. Once we have completed our comprehensive assessment, we will review our findings with you so that you can understand the reasoning behind our treatment recommendation. Call us today to begin your complimentary assessment.

Common Types of Delusional Disorders

Delusional disorder can present differently for many, depending on the nature of your fixed false beliefs. There are similarities among some of the different types of delusional disorder, though they do have distinct differences. While this is not an exhaustive list, the following are common types of delusional disorder.

Erotomanic delusions occurs when someone believes that an individual who is important or famous is in love with them. This can lead to stalking behaviors and unwanted communications. This can cause strain in relationships, and even lead to legal difficulties in some cases.

Grandiose delusions revolve around an exaggerated sense of self-worth and importance. Individuals may believe that they are unique abilities, wealth, or influence. These tend to go unrecognized by others, which can lead to challenges within relationships and create challenges in your day-to-day life.

Persecutory delusions involve a pervasive belief that you are being targeted, harassed, or plotted against by others. Paranoia can lead to behavioral changes, and a lack of trust within relationships. This is the most common type of delusional disorder and can cause significant impairment in your daily life.

Jealous delusions can include obsessive and unfounded beliefs that your partner or spouse is being unfaithful to you. This can lead to controlling behaviors, monitoring their actions, and making accusations. These behaviors generally lead to relationship strain and are difficult to disprove.

Thought broadcasting is a belief that others can hear, or access, your thoughts. This can lead to avoidance and paranoid behaviors, commonly in social settings. Others may notice that you’re isolated or withdrawn. These behavioral changes can cause significant impairment in life and disrupt your ability to manage everyday tasks.

Thought insertion includes a fixed false belief that external forces, or people, are implanting thoughts into your mind. This may be linked to paranoia, or a deep-rooted fear of losing control. You may find yourself struggling within your relationships, at work, and in other areas of your life.

Bizarre delusions include false beliefs that are not plausible and are significantly detached from reality. Examples of bizarre delusions include believing in alien abductions, or impossibly physical transformations. Examples of non-bizarre delusions include being followed, poisoned, watched, or cheated on.

Somatic delusions focus on your bodily functions and overall health. This can include beliefs that you have a foul smell, are living with internal parasites, or have a deformed body part. These delusions can be distressing, and lead to isolation behaviors.

Mixed delusions can include delusions from more than one of the above categories. Those who experience mixed delusions often lack a dominant theme. The presence of more than one delusion type can lead to overlapping symptoms and require complex treatments to effectively manage symptoms.

What is a Delusional Disorder Treatment Program?

Delusional disorder treatment programs can provide you with structured behavioral health services focused on improving your quality of life. This can include psychotherapy serviced to address delusional symptoms, reduce distress, and improve your overall functioning. Treatment programs can include crisis stabilization care, group therapy, individual therapy, and medication management services.

A common approach used in mental health clinics is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This approach can help you challenge cognitive distortions, and may be combined with the use of antipsychotic medications. If you have been struggling with chronic paranoia or false beliefs, we encourage you to contact AMFM today to explore how mental health care can help you improve your overall functioning.

Delusional Disorder Counseling, Therapy Treatment Programs Near Me

A Mission For Michael (AMFM) has multiple inpatient mental health treatment facilities that offer comprehensive care for those who are experiencing delusional disorder. Our mental health treatment programming includes psychotherapy services, holistic approaches, wellness programs, and medication management services. Dial (866)478-4383 today to learn more.

What Are Common Treatment Programs for Delusional Disorders?

Treatment for delusional disorders comes in varying intensities, frequencies, and durations. This allows for personalized care tailored to your specific symptoms. Treatment can help reduce the severity of symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and improve overall quality of life. Common options for mental health programming includes:

Inpatient Residential Delusional Disorder Treatment

Inpatient mental health treatment programs can provide you with immersive treatment with access to professional support 24/7. These programs are ideal for those experiencing severe symptoms. Treatment can include counseling, group therapy, and skill-building activities. Medication management services and psychiatric care are often available.

Outpatient and IOP for Delusional Disorder

Outpatient therapy can provide you with flexible treatment options, including weekly individual or group therapy sessions. IOPs are an outpatient treatment program that offers multiple hours of treatment several days each week. Both treatment options allow you to work, attend school, or manage other responsibilities.

PHP and Evening Treatment for Delusional Disorder

Partial hospitalization programs can provide you with structured care during the day, while allowing you to return home for the evenings. This option is ideal for those who are not ready for other outpatient treatment, but do not require immersive treatment. Evening treatment may be available for those who have daytime commitments that prevent them from accessing treatment.

Medication-Assisted Delusional Disorder Treatment

Medication management services are commonly incorporated into delusional disorder treatments. This can include the use of antipsychotics to reduce delusional beliefs and related symptoms. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you engage in psychotherapy services for comprehensive care. Routine monitoring and check-ins are common for medication management services.

What Evidence-Based Therapies for Delusional Disorder Treatment Are Available Near Me?

Psychotherapy services can include various evidence-based therapies to help you manage delusions, improve insight, and learn effective coping strategies. Treatment is tailored to each individual, meaning that your treatment can include a combination of multiple approaches. Examples of some of the therapies commonly used to treat delusional disorder include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and challenge cognitive distortions and false beliefs associated with delusional disorder. CBT can help you develop healthier thought patterns and new coping strategies. Treatment can include cognitive restructuring, reality testing, and gradual exposure to situations that cause anxiety or worry.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) can be used to better understand the role that delusional disorder symptoms have had on your relationships and social functioning. IPT focuses on improving communication patters and rebuilding trust. You’ll begin to understand how your interpersonal challenges affect your delusional thinking and emotional responses.

Music therapy is a creative treatment method that can help you express emotions, develop more profound insights, and experience new relaxation methods. This approach can also be used to reduce stress and improve your mood. Music therapy is often used in addition to evidence-based approaches to provide comprehensive care.

Art therapy is another creative therapy that can be used to promote self-expression. Art therapy can include the use of various artistic methods like painting, drawing, and sculpting. This can help you gain insights into your fixed false beliefs and develop new coping skills. Creative therapies can be helpful for those who struggle to put their thoughts and emotions into words.

Yoga therapy can be used in addition to evidence-based therapies for comprehensive care. Yoga therapy combines the use of mindfulness, physical movements, and breathing exercises. This can improve emotion regulation, and reduce stress. Yoga therapy promotes overall well-being, and is available within AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help you learn to accept distressing thoughts and feelings as they arise, without judging them or yourself. This approach encourages mindfulness and values-based living. This can help reduce the impact of your fixed false beliefs, and improve your overall level of functioning.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an approach that combines the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness practices. This can help increase your awareness of your fixed false beliefs and decrease your emotional responses to them. You can change your relationship with your delusions and learn to focus more on the present moment.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an approach that focuses on enhancing your emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. This can be helpful for those who are struggling with dual diagnosis conditions or self-harming behaviors. DBT also introduces mindfulness skills, which can enhance the other skills learned.

Behavioral Activation (BA) can be used to reduce isolation and improve mood when you engage in positive activities. This approach targets the avoidance behaviors that are commonly present among those living with delusional disorder. BA can help you break the cycle of inactivity, and reinforce the use of adaptive coping skills.

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    Find out about our free assessments and admissions process

    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. 

    Does Insurance Cover Delusional Disorder Therapy and Counseling Near Me?

    Insurance providers typically provide insurance coverage for delusional disorder psychotherapy services. Coverage can vary among different carriers, but it often includes crisis stabilization services, residential mental health treatment, and outpatient therapy. Medication management services are often included in coverage options.

    We encourage you to complete our insurance verification form to learn about the scope of your insurance coverage. This form provides us with the information we need to contact your insurance carrier and inquire about the details of your plan. This includes your limitations, exclusions, and out-of-pocket expenses.

    How Much Does Delusional Disorder Therapy Cost With Health Insurance?

    The details of your insurance plan will dictate the personal expenses you’re responsible for. Insurance plans typically significantly reduce the costs of inpatient mental health treatment and outpatient therapy. Behavioral health coverage generally covers individual, group, and educational sessions. Prescription drug coverage can reduce the costs of delusional disorder medications.

    Coverage details vary, which is why we encourage you to contact AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center to review the details of your insurance coverage.

    Psychiatrist writing notes while having therapy session with a patient.

    How Much Does Delusional Disorder Treatment Cost Without Insurance Coverage?

    Without the use of insurance coverage, the cost of delusional disorder treatment is dependent on the care you receive. Inpatient mental health treatment costs more than outpatient therapy options. Residential treatment can range from $500 to $2,000 per day, depending on the services you receive. Those who receive medication management services may have higher expenses.

    Outpatient therapy costs can vary because of the different intensities and frequencies associated with outpatient programs. Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs often have higher expenses than traditional outpatient therapy. Individual therapy sessions can cost between $100 and $200 per session. For a personalized quote regarding the cost of delusional disorder treatment without the use of insurance, we encourage you to dial (866)478-4383. We can review options to pay including payment plans.

    The admission process with AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center is through and efficient. There may be slight differences among our different residential treatment programs, but they have shared components. Continue reading for a brief overview of the AMFM admission process:

    • Initial Contact: The first step is to contact AMFM and ask for help. Our admission counselors will ask for an overview of your symptoms and for your contact information.
    • Assessment and Evaluation: We will then complete a comprehensive assessment to understand your symptoms, mental health history, and treatment goals.
    • Insurance Verification and Coverage: We will verify your coverage so that you are knowledgeable about the out-of-pocket expenses that you would be responsible for.
    • Treatment Plan Development: We will develop your individualized treatment plan based on the information we learned during your assessment and evaluation.
    • Admissions Coordination: When the necessary paperwork is complete, we will plan your admission. This can include your admission date and helping you plan your travel.
    • Orientation and Program Introduction: When you arrive, we will help you become familiarized with your new surroundings. This can include a tour and brief introduction to the staff.
    • Active Participation in Treatment: We will provide you with a treatment schedule so that you can engage in treatment.
    • Progress Monitoring and Adjustments: Throughout the duration of your treatment, our clinical team will track your symptoms and progress. When necessary, they will adjust your treatment plan.

    If you have been struggling with a psychotic disorder, like delusional disorder, finding the right treatment program is important. We encourage you to be through in your search and investigate your options. To simplify your search, we have outlined steps that you can take to find your ideal delusional disorder treatment center:

    • Use Search Engines: Try using terms like “Delusional disorder treatment center near me” or “Delusional disorder rehab program near me.” Sites like Google and Yahoo can provide you with a generated list of local psychiatric facilities. 
    • Explore Online Reviews and Testimonials: Read through the reviews from previous clients on platforms like Google Reviews, Yelp, and specialized mental health websites. These reviews can help you understand the quality of care, the professionalism of staff, and the effectiveness of treatments used within mental health clinics.
    • Check If They Accept Insurance: If you’re planning to use insurance, verify that the counseling centers you’re considering accept health insurance coverage. Those that don’t may offer payment plan options.
    • Confirm Private Pay Options: If you do not have insurance, inquire about private pay options. This can include options like sliding-scale fees or payment plans.
    • Verify Accreditation: Ensure that the treatment centers you’re considering are accredited by respected organizations like The Joint Commission or CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). Accreditation requires that mental wellness centers offer high-quality care.
    • Check for Evidence-Based Treatments: Confirm that the center uses evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and medication management. This treatment methods have been scientifically proven to be effective for treating delusional disorders.
    • Visit the Location: In some cases, you may be able to schedule an in-person visit or virtual tour of the psychiatric hospital or mental health treatment center. This allows you to see the environment, meet the staff, and determine if it’s conducive to your comfort and recovery.

    Check if your health insurance will cover the cost of mental health treatment.