What is behavioral health?

There isn’t a single reason someone develops a behavioral health concern. Many factors can affect a person’s risk, including: 

• Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event 
• Being abused or neglected as a child 
• Using drugs or alcohol 
• Having a family history of behavioral health concerns 
• Going through major life changes or transitions 
• Living with chronic medical conditions, like cancer or traumatic brain injury 
• Inheriting certain genetic traits 
• Facing high levels of stress 
• Not having access to stable housing, education or healthcare 

It’s important to know that experiencing one or more of these factors does not mean a person will definitely develop a behavioral health concern. 

Behavioral health concerns can affect a person’s emotional, physical and mental well-being. They can also impact friends and family who may not know how to help. 

Some common effects of untreated behavioral health concerns include: 

• Decline in physical health 
• Financial struggles 
• Losing a job or being expelled from school 
• Strained or damaged relationships with family and friends 
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors 
• Feeling isolated 
• Persistent feelings of hopelessness 
• Substance use or abuse 
• Legal problems from risky behavior 
• Self-harm 
• Getting care at a behavioral health treatment center can help people manage these effects, improve their daily life and work toward lasting well-being. 

Behavioral health concerns are more common than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 

• About 20% of adolescents ages 12-17 have a diagnosed behavioral health condition 
• Roughly 1 in 5 adults in the United States live with a behavioral health condition 
• Nearly 1 in 18 adults have a serious behavioral health condition, such as major depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder 
• Around 1 in 5 children ages 3-17 have been diagnosed with a behavioral, emotional or mental health condition 
• About 20% of adolescents ages 12-17 say they have unmet behavioral health needs 

These statistics show how important it is to have accessible, high-quality behavioral health. Getting support early can improve daily life, help people manage challenges and set them on a path to lasting well-being. 

Living with a behavioral health concern can make everyday life feel challenging. Simple things like eating, sleeping, socializing or enjoying activities you once loved may feel difficult. Relationships with family and friends can also suffer because it’s hard for them to understand what you’re experiencing or how to help. 

Getting care at a trusted behavioral health treatment center like Tufts Medicine Behavioral Health Hospital in Malden, Massachusetts can help you feel supported and not alone. Our experienced team can help you understand your diagnosis, develop healthy coping skills and manage your symptoms. 

We can also work with your family so they can better understand what you’re going through and provide support in a helpful and productive way. 

Every patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on their unique needs. 

Before joining our inpatient programs for children, teens, adults or seniors, each person completes a thorough assessment. Our team gathers information about medical history, social background and behavioral health, which helps us create a treatment plan that addresses all areas of care. 

Patients may receive a range of services as part of their treatment, including: 

• Basic medical care 
• Medication management 
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders 
• Group therapy 
• Experiential therapies 

For patients who need to safely stop using substances, we also provide on-site detox services. 

On an as-needed basis, we offer electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for certain behavioral health conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Decisions about ECT are made together by the patient and their treatment team. 

To ensure comprehensive, effective care, we use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) 
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT) 
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) 
• Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) 
• Psychodynamic therapy 
• Expressive arts therapy 
• 12-Step recovery model 
• SMART Recovery 

This wide range of therapies helps us address each person’s unique needs, support long-term recovery and promote overall well-being. 

Deciding to get professional care for a behavioral health concern is a big step. It can lead to lasting positive changes, but it helps to know what to expect before you start treatment. 

Our team is ready to answer your questions and guide you. When you come to our behavioral health treatment center, you can benefit from: 

• Personalized treatment plans: Our assessment process helps us understand your medical history, behavioral health background, current challenges and future goals. This information guides us in creating a treatment plan that meets your unique needs. 
• High-quality, evidence-based care: Every service we provide is based on research and tailored to the individual. This ensures you participate in therapies that are proven to help people understand their challenges, manage symptoms and build lasting well-being. 
• Comprehensive aftercare planning: We start creating your discharge plan from day one and update it as you progress. Your aftercare plan may include follow-up services, community resources and support groups to help you maintain progress after leaving our hospital. 

If you have questions about the programs at our behavioral health hospital, reach out to our team. We’re happy to help you decide if our treatment center is the right fit for you or your loved one.