Fifty Mental and Behavioral Health Terms To Know 

Thrive • October 5, 2022

Thrive Wellness’ interdisciplinary specialists have compiled a list of mental and behavioral health terms to help deepen understanding, expand awareness, and encourage enlightened conversations about the space. Explore definitions for mental and behavioral health professionals, struggles, treatment approaches, and wellness practices below. 

DEFINING MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 

  • Behavioral health : The ways an individual’s actions affect their physical and mental well-being
  • Mental health : A person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being

TERMS TO DESCRIBE MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS 

  • Therapist : Licensed mental and behavioral health professionals who treat a myriad of mental and behavioral health conditions through psychotherapy
  • Psychiatrist : A medical doctor who specializes in prescribing medication for managing mental and behavioral health conditions
  • Psychologist : A mental and behavioral health professional that often has a Ph.D. in psychology and can test for mental and behavioral health conditions

TERMS TO DESCRIBE MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONCERNS AND CONDITIONS

  • Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) : Potentially traumatic events that occur during one’s youth linked to negative outcomes on physical, mental, and behavioral health
  • Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) : An eating disorder characterized by difficulty eating due to sensory aversions, general lack of interest in food, or fear of adverse consequences
  • Anorexia nervosa : An eating disorder involving significant weight loss, calorie restriction, and distorted body image
  • Anxiety : Feelings of dread, fear, and worry that occur without the presence of a trigger
  • Binge eating disorder (BED) : An eating disorder characterized by frequently eating large quantities of food and feeling a loss of control while eating
  • Bipolar disorder : A mood disorder characterized by dramatic and sudden emotional highs and lows that last anywhere between hours to months at a time
  • Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) : A mental health diagnosis characterized by a fixation on one’s own perceived body imperfections, which are generally imperceptible to others 
  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD) : A mental health condition that causes a person to experience their emotions much more intensely and for a longer period of time than the average person
  • Bulimia nervosa : An eating disorder expressed by frequently eating large quantities of food, feeling a loss of control while eating, and compensatory purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or abusing laxatives 
  • Comorbidity : The simultaneous presence of two or more mental, behavioral, or physical health conditions in a person, such as an eating disorder and an anxiety disorder 
  • Diabulimia : A condition that, although not an official medical diagnosis, is recognized by the eating disorder treatment community and describes when insulin-dependent diabetes co-occurs with an eating disorder
  • Depression : A mood disorder associated with feelings of deep lasting sadness
  • Disordered eating behaviors : Any approaches to feeding oneself that prevent a person from nourishing their body adequately, consistently, and with a wide variety of foods
  • Eating disorders : Behavioral health conditions characterized by habitual and harmful disordered eating behaviors, such as calorie restriction, binge eating, or purging, that interfere with one’s ability to carry out daily activities
  • Panic attacks : Brief and intense episodes of anxiety that those with panic disorder typically experience
  • Panic disorder : An anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent panic attacks often brought on by a heightened sensitivity to bodily sensations, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, quickened pulse, tingling, and numbness
  • Pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) : A condition that affects youth and limits their intake of food because of medical conditions or deficits in motor skills
  • Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) : An array of mental health conditions that may arise during the prenatal period such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychosis, among others
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) : A mental health condition that a person can develop after direct or indirect exposure to a traumatic event characterized by symptoms of intrusion, avoidance, negative changes in mood and cognition, and changes in arousal or reactivity
  • Psychosis: A mental health condition characterized by a disconnect from reality
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) : A type of depression commonly beginning in the fall or winter and ending in the spring that interferes with a person’s ability to engage in everyday life and find pleasure in activities that typically spark joy
  • Self-harm : Purposefully hurt oneself often as a means of finding relief from emotional pain 
  • Stress : The body’s natural response to pressure-inducing circumstances, such as deadlines, arguments, or illness
  • Sexual assault : Any sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim
  • Substance use disorder (SUD) : A behavioral health condition characterized by the recurrent use of drugs or alcohol despite harmful effects on one’s life
  • Trauma : An emotional response to a distressing event such as abuse, accidents, violence, or the death of a loved one

TERMS TO DESCRIBE MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TREATMENT

  • Art therapy : An evidence-based therapeutic intervention that allows clients to express themselves and process their experiences through creative mediums
  • Case manager : The main point of contact for clients in higher level of care treatment programs that maintains the flow of information between the client, their family, and their providers, advocates for the client, and helps integrate the client’s personalized treatment plan
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) : A therapeutic modality effective at treating disorders that are complex and co-occurring by helping individuals learn necessary skills for reducing suffering and fostering happiness in their lives
  • Intensive outpatient program (IOP) : A treatment structure for specific mental or behavioral health conditions that typically offers clinical care four hours daily, three to five days a week
  • Medication management : The use of prescription medication to treat mental and behavioral health conditions
  • Mental and behavioral health assessments : A series of questions for new clients seeking mental or behavioral heal th care intended for clinicians to gain an overview of clients’ mental and behavioral health so treatment can align with their needs
  • Partial hospitalization program (PHP) : A treatment structure for specific mental or behavioral health conditions that typically offers clinical care six to eight hours daily, five to seven days a week
  • Play therapy : A therapeutic modality that implements play as a way for clients to access and convey their inner experiences, rather than asking clients to articulate their thoughts and emotions
  • Residential treatment program: A treatment structure for specific mental or behavioral health conditions that typically requires a person to live at a facility and offers full-time care
  • Support group : A regular gathering of individuals facing similar challenging circumstances who come together intending to understand their experiences and find comfort
  • Treatment team : Interdisciplinary specialists that work together to provide targeted, connected client care 

TERMS TO DESCRIBE MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL WELLNESS 

  • Health at Every Size® (HAES®) movement : An approach that challenges existing public health narratives regarding the belief that weight determines one’s well-being and encourages society to focus on well-being as an attribute that people in all bodies possess
  • Intuitive eating : A holistic nutrition framework that focuses on using internal cues rather than external rules to help guide eating and movement choices
  • Mind-body wellness : The intertwining influence of one’s mental, emotional, and physical health on overall well-being
  • Mindful eating : A nutrition approach that applies the principles of mindfulness to eating experiences by encouraging individuals to focus on the experience of food without judgment or worrying about what’s in the food
  • Mindful movement : Physical activity that involves intentionally moving one’s body in an enjoyable way 
  • Mindfulness : A mental state that characterized by present moment awareness without judgment or interpretation
  • Self-care : The practice of intentionally engaging in activities or behaviors that promote one’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being based on personal tastes, interests, and needs
  • Sleep hygiene : The act of ensuring one’s surroundings, routines, and mindset are aligned with the requirements for optimal sleep

MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE AT THRIVE WELLNESS 

Skilled at implementing a variety of evidence-based therapeutic interventions for mental and behavioral health struggles, our interdisciplinary specialists help facilitate clients’ healing and create space for comprehensive wellness. To learn more about our integrated mental and behavioral health services , reach out

While all Thrive Wellness locations offer interdisciplinary clinical teams who collaborate to treat eating disorders, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), and additional mental and behavioral health conditions, programs and services may vary by location.

Download our free wellness guide.

Discover the power of small, sustainable changes with "How to Thrive: 10 Simple Habits for Healthy Living." This guide offers practical, easy-to-follow habits that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

By Brianna Villalpando, LMSW, LCSW March 19, 2025
Teen eating disorders are serious. As a parent or caregiver, one of the most difficult situations you can face is noticing that your teen may be struggling with a basic human need like eating. Adolescence is already a rough period for many teens filled with fluctuating emotions, changing bodies, and social pressures. However, sometimes coping with these challenges can manifest in unhealthy ways, like developing complicated relationships with food, body image, control, or exercise. Many teens face body image issues as their bodies mature, excessive pressure to meet unrealistic expectations fueled by social media and peers, and emotional instability and anxiety during their adolescent years, all of which can combine to create the perfect storm for an eating disorder. These challenges can often make your teen more vulnerable to unhealthy coping mechanisms , such as restricting food intake, excessive exercise, or engaging in disordered eating behaviors . If you’ve started noticing signs that something may not be right, it’s essential to take action to help your teen get the support they need. Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder Eating disorders can vary in appearance, but there are some common signs and symptoms to watch for. If you notice any of the following behaviors or changes in your teen, it may indicate a problem that requires further attention: Preoccupation with body image : Teens with eating disorders often show increased focus on their weight or appearance, frequently expressing dissatisfaction with their body. Excessive discussions about dieting : If your teen frequently talks about dieting, food restriction, “getting skinny,” or often makes weight-related comments, this could be a red flag. Obsession with calorie counts : Teens who are obsessed with tracking every calorie, comparing the caloric content of foods, or controlling their calorie-intake may be struggling with an eating disorder. Skipping meals : Frequently skipping meals or not eating regularly is a common sign that something is wrong. Eating in isolation : Eating alone or avoiding family meals may signal discomfort with eating or shame around food. Excessive exercising : Over-exercising or using exercise as a way to purge calories can also point to an eating disorder. Spending long amounts of time in the bathroom : This could be a sign of emerging or purging behaviors, such as vomiting after meals. Hoarding foods : Hiding food or being secretive about eating may indicate issues with food control and secrecy around eating habits. Irregular periods or thinning hair : In females, a disruption in menstrual cycles or thinning hair can be physical signs of the effects of an eating disorder on the body. How Can I Talk to My Teen About Eating Disorders in a Supportive Way? Approaching a conversation about eating disorders with your child requires sensitivity and care. It's important to emphasize empathy and understanding, conveying that your primary concern is your teen's health and well-being. Initiating this conversation compassionately can create an environment of trust and openness to explore the problem. Selecting a calm, comfortable, and private setting is vital so your teen feels safe discussing a sensitive topic that may cause them to feel anxiety or shame. Effective communication hinges on using open-ended questions and active listening. Encourage your teen to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. By actively listening, you validate their experience, making them feel heard and understood. Before diving into the conversation, educating yourself about eating disorders can provide a solid foundation for discussing the issue knowledgeably. Some quick preparation with research allows you to dispel myths and provide accurate information when you talk to your teen. Why It's Crucial to Seek Medical Help When you notice warning signs, it’s important not to wait to get help. Eating disorders can be life-threatening, both physically and emotionally. They take a serious toll on a teen’s health, affecting their metabolism, hormonal function, and overall well-being. Beyond the physical impact, eating disorders can often involve deeply ingrained psychological and emotional challenges, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and trauma. After an initial conversation, the first step is to schedule an appointment with a medical provider. Your teen’s primary care doctor or a pediatrician can help evaluate their physical health and provide guidance for next steps. Be prepared to discuss the specific behaviors or signs you’ve observed, as this will help your provider better understand the situation. The doctor may conduct a physical examination, lab tests, and discuss your teen's emotional and psychological state. Building a Support Team Once you’ve taken the first step to ensure your teen’s immediate medical needs are addressed, it’s time to build a multidisciplinary treatment team . This may include: Therapists : A licensed, specially trained therapist who specializes in eating disorders or adolescent mental health can help your teen address the emotional and psychological root causes of their disorder. Medical doctors : Your teen’s doctor can monitor their physical health during the recovery process, ensuring they are safe while navigating the challenges of nourishing their body. Nutritionists or dietitians : A professional who specializes in eating disorders can create a nutrition plan tailored to your teen’s specific needs and help them rebuild a healthy relationship with food. Psychiatrists : In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address underlying mental health issues contributing to their behavior. Act Quickly and Seek Professional Guidance It’s crucial to act as soon as you recognize signs of an eating disorder in your teen. The longer eating disorders go untreated, the harder they can be to overcome. Recovery from an eating disorder is a complex journey, involving both physical and mental obstacles to tackle. It can be incredibly difficult for both the teen and the family to manage this process at home without professional support. A well coordinated team of medical providers, therapists, and eating disorder specialists is essential in guiding your teen through their recovery. This team can help monitor your teen’s progress, provide emotional support, and ensure that your teen is getting the care they need for both short and long-term recovery. Supporting Your Teen on Their Recovery Journey Eating disorders are serious, but with the right care and support, recovery is possible. If you suspect that your teen may have an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Seek medical advice first, and build a support team of professionals who can work together to provide comprehensive care. Eating disorders are complex, and it’s not something you or your teen should have to face alone. Taking swift action and offering compassionate support will help your teen regain control of their health and their life so that they can thrive through their adolescence and beyond. At Thrive, we offer specialized treatment for anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Our adolescent intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs have not only changed lives, but saved them. If you believe your teen is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out for help, we are ready to conduct a complimentary intake assessment today. To learn more about eating disorders, download our free guide "Recovery is Real" filled with practical insights and strategies to help a loved one navigate the journey toward recovery.
By Brianna Villalpando March 12, 2025
It can be difficult to know when it's time to reach out for help. We often try to manage stress, anxiety, sadness, or relationship issues on our own, thinking it’s just a phase or something we can work through to “get over.” But sometimes, these feelings or behaviors persist and can start affecting our overall mental and emotional well-being. The truth is, seeking therapy shouldn't be a last resort. Therapy is a valuable tool for anyone looking to better understand themselves, improve their emotional health, and work through life’s challenges. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to seek therapy, there are a few key factors to consider when performing a self-evaluation. Here are five signs that it might be time to reach out for additional support: 1. Is My Mood Affecting My Life or Relationships? One of the most telling signs that you may need support is noticing that your mood is negatively impacting your daily life or interpersonal relationships. Have you noticed an increase in conflict with friends, family, or colleagues? Are you feeling stuck in patterns of negativity that seem hard to shake? If your mood is affecting how you function at work, school, or in your personal life, it may be time to talk to a therapist. Pay attention to your behaviors; are you withdrawing from activities you usually enjoy? Are you reacting more intensely to situations than usual? If your emotional state is beginning to impact your relationships, interactions, or your ability to move through everyday life, a therapist can help you explore underlying causes and develop tools to improve your social wellness. 2. Am I Isolating Myself to Avoid Conflict? There’s a big difference between being introverted and isolating yourself as a way to avoid conflict. If you find yourself consistently pulling away from social situations, not because you need time to recharge, but because you’re avoiding uncomfortable conversations or emotional confrontations, this could be a sign of a deeper issue. It’s natural to want to avoid tension or discomfort, but consistent isolation can worsen feelings of loneliness and make it even harder to work through conflicts. Therapy can help you learn healthy coping mechanisms, problem-solving and communication skills, so you can feel more comfortable facing conflict in a productive way rather than shutting down or avoiding it at the cost of self-isolation. 3. Are My Emotions Out of Control? Do you ever feel like your emotions are so overwhelming that you can't regain control? If you're finding it difficult to calm yourself down, quiet your thoughts, or manage your feelings, this might be a sign that therapy could be helpful. Emotions like anger, disgust, fear, anxiety, or sadness are natural, but if they start taking over your thoughts and actions, it can be exhausting and difficult to complete daily tasks. A therapist can help you understand why your emotions are so intense and teach you strategies to regulate them and regain a sense of balance. 4. Have I Experienced Trauma That’s Affecting My Daily Life? Trauma comes in many forms, it could be from a single incident or from ongoing experiences that have affected your sense of safety, connection, or well-being. Sometimes, trauma is tied to experiences in childhood, but it can also be linked to recent events, like accidents, loss, or abuse. If you've experienced trauma and are struggling to perform basic daily tasks or meet your needs, therapy can be incredibly beneficial. Unresolved trauma can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or being stuck in past experiences. A trauma-informed therapist can help you process these experiences, understand their impact on your life, and work toward healing and recovery. 5. Am I Hurting Myself or Others? If your mood or behaviors are causing you to hurt yourself or others, it’s crucial to seek help immediately. Whether it’s through emotional or physical self-harm , or unintentionally inflicting harm on the people around you, this is a serious sign to find support from mental health professionals. A therapist can provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk about what you’re going through and help you work toward healthier ways of coping. If you’re in immediate danger or experiencing thoughts of self harm, it’s essential to reach out for help as soon as possible. There’s no shame in seeking support when you're struggling with harmful thoughts or actions. Why is Professional Mental Health Support Necessary? Although there may be barriers to seeking therapy, reaching out for professional mental health support is worth it to address the emotional and psychological issues that you shouldn’t have to deal with alone. Therapists have the knowledge and tools needed to guide you through your struggles, offering insights and solutions that aren’t available outside of the therapeutic setting. Their expertise promises not only a deeper understanding of your challenges, but the application of practical methods and skills to resolve them in your everyday life. Additionally, trained mental health professionals offer personalized strategies and coping mechanisms tailored to your unique situation and needs. These strategies are informed by evidence-based practices and a therapist’s experience working with and healing emotional and mental struggles. Personalized therapy helps clients receive the most relevant and effective guidance for their personal challenges. Embracing the Journey Toward Mental Wellness Recognizing that you might need support is the first step toward feeling better and getting the most out of life. Therapy isn’t just for when things are at their worst; it’s a proactive way to improve your emotional health, work through challenges, and build skills for resilience. If you relate to any of these situations, it might be time to reach out and explore therapy as an option. It’s okay to need help, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, consider talking to a mental health professional to discuss your concerns and explore specialized support options available to you. You deserve to feel your best, and therapy can be a stepping stone to help you reach your goals. Are you in need of support? At Thrive Wellness, we offer personalized therapy and treatment to support you in whatever you're going through, don't be afraid to reach out for help . We also offer a FREE comprehensive guide to wellness in our “How to Thrive” guide . This guide offers practical, easy-to-follow habits that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Start your journey towards a balanced and fulfilling life today with these simple yet transformative steps.
By Sage Tippie February 14, 2025
This Eating Disorders Awareness Month, we’re focusing on fighting the misinformation and stereotypes surrounding eating disorders that so often create barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Myths about eating disorders can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and keep people from receiving effective and timely treatment when they need it. It’s no secret that the field of eating disorders is riddled with misinformation, leading to confusion, stigma, and shame for those struggling. In this blog post, we'll explore the common myths about eating disorders and fight them with concrete facts in the hopes of building a more informed and educated community when it comes to these serious mental health conditions. Eating Disorder Myths Versus Facts Myth: Only those who are medically underweight have an eating disorder. Fact: Someone can have an eating disorder at any weight. In fact, less than 6% of those diagnosed with an eating disorder are medically underweight. There is even a specific diagnosis for those who are not underweight showing the symptoms of anorexia called atypical anorexia. People of all sizes are at risk for serious complications from an eating disorder, not just those that are underweight. Myth: Only women have eating disorders Fact: Although often associated with teen girls, eating disorders can affect those of any gender and age. While stereotypes and stigma surrounding eating disorders may tell us that men are not commonly affected by them, research has found that nearly 25% of those who present for eating disorder treatment are male. Keeping an open mind around who can be affected by eating disorders allows for more accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment for those who need it. Myth: Eating disorders are just about food. Facts: While eating disorders always involve an unhealthy relationship with food or body image, they also are rooted in biological, psychological and sociocultural aspects. Eating disorders cannot be treated just by changing eating behaviors, but by addressing the mental aspect of the illness as well. This is why integrated treatment involving a team of social workers, primary care specialists, therapists, and in some cases occupational therapists or psychiatrists is so crucial: a holistic approach is needed to treat all aspects of an eating disorder. Myth: Eating disorders aren’t that serious. Fact: Eating disorders are extremely serious and life-threatening mental disorders that require dedicated treatment. In fact, anorexia nervosa has the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. By taking eating disorders and their diagnosis and treatment seriously, we can save lives. Myth: Eating disorders are a choice. Fact: Just like any other illness, eating disorders are not a choice or a phase, nor is recovery from an eating disorder just a simple decision to start eating more or less. Recovery is not dependent on willpower, but on ongoing professional treatment and long-term support. The recovery process can be lengthy and challenging, requiring patience and a supportive environment and team on your side. It is a gradual, step-by-step journey, rather than an instantaneous decision made on one person’s part. Myth: Eating disorders always involve negative body image. Fact: Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) does not have to do with body image. Those with ARFID may avoid many foods because of texture, taste, color, or smell, or feared outcomes of eating like choking or vomiting. Like any other eating disorder, ARFID is serious and requires specialized treatment like exposure-response prevention therapy. Myth: Eating disorders only affect White people. Fact: Although Black, Latina/o/x/e, Indigenous/Native, and Asian people are historically underrepresented in studies of eating disorders, large-scale studies have found that rates of eating disorders are the same or higher in all racial and ethnic groups as compared to white individuals (NEDA). Removing racial stereotypes around eating disorders can help to remove barriers that BIPOC individuals commonly face when seeking treatment. Dispelling the Myths: A Path Towards Understanding By addressing and dispelling these myths, we can create a safe space that promotes understanding and empathy. Eating disorders are not choices or phases, but debilitating mental health issues that can affect anyone. Recognizing the seriousness of these disorders is so important in reducing stigma and ensuring that those who are struggling receive the care and support they require. This month and every month, we encourage you to fight misinformation and stick up for those experiencing eating disorders, because knowledge and education can be one of the greatest assets to recovery for those who need it. If you or someone you know is in need of eating disorder support, don’t be afraid to reach out , our team of healthcare professionals are here for you. To learn more about eating disorders and the journey to recovery, download our free eating disorders guide .
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