Are you experiencing a mental health or behavioral health condition and what is the difference?

How many of you have heard your parents tell you, “Remember to behave”? I have. But now that I am working in ABA, I totally see how this does not make sense. Everything we do is behavior. All behavior is a form of communication. So, the more appropriate thing to tell a child would be to, “Behave nicely and respectfully”.

Now, I think mental health and behavioral health go hand in hand. Mental health features the cognitive processes, and behavioral health features the physical actions. Specifically for members of the neurodiverse community, I find it would be beneficial to seek help from both mental health providers and behavioral health providers.

So, who is responsible for what? Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors focus on the cognitive processes. They can help you re-train your thoughts to more positive outlooks and treat with medication for dysfunctional cognitive processes.

Behavior Analysists or Behavioral Therapists, Assistant Behavioral Analysists, and Registered Behavioral Technicians focus on the physical behavior and shape behavior to positive and acceptable actions.

Would you choose one type of provider over another, or would you choose to seek help from both? Send me an email and me know your thoughts!