Mental health recovery is a journey that can be challenging and overwhelming at times. It’s essential to have a support system to help you navigate the ups and downs of the recovery process. One of the most important members of your support system is your therapist and treatment team. This blog post will explore the benefits of allying with a therapist and treatment team in recovery and offer tips on building a solid therapeutic alliance.

It’s essential to understand the difference between adherence and compliance. Compliance implies a more passive role, where the patient follows their treatment plan without much input or collaboration with their treatment team. Conversely, adherence involves active participation and collaboration between the patient and their treatment team to develop a personalized treatment plan that the patient is invested in and motivated to follow.

Here are some tips for improving treatment adherence:

• Understand the importance of treatment. Understanding the importance of treatment is a critical factor in improving adherence. It’s essential to understand the potential consequences of not following through with treatment, such as worsening symptoms, decreased quality of life, and increased risk of relapse. Discussing the benefits of treatment with your therapist and treatment team can help motivate you to stick to your treatment plan.
• Collaborate with your treatment team. I would say that working with your treatment team is essential for developing a treatment plan that works for you. It’s important to have open and honest discussions with your treatment team about your goals, preferences, and concerns. This can help ensure that your treatment plan is personalised to your needs and is something that you are motivated to follow.
• Educate yourself about your treatment. Education is vital to understanding your treatment and its potential benefits and side effects. Ask your treatment team questions about your medication or therapy, and do your research to understand your treatment options better. This can help you make informed treatment decisions and improve adherence.
• Establish a routine. Establishing a routine can help make adhering to your treatment plan easier. Set a regular schedule for taking medication, attending therapy sessions, and practising any recommended lifestyle changes. This can help make these tasks a habit and reduce the likelihood of forgetting or skipping them.
• Address barriers to adherence. Identifying and addressing barriers to adherence is essential for improving adherence. Common barriers to adherence include side effects of medication, difficulty attending therapy sessions, and financial concerns. Discussing these barriers with your treatment team and exploring solutions can help make it easier to follow through with your treatment plan.

Building a solid therapeutic alliance and improving treatment adherence are essential to mental health recovery. By working collaboratively with your treatment team and taking an active role in your treatment, you can improve your chances of success and achieve your recovery goals. Remember that adherence is not the same as compliance, and by being invested in your treatment plan, you can take an active role in your recovery and improve your quality of life.

Maxwell E. Guttman, LCSW  is a psychotherapist and owner of Recovery Now, a mental health private practice in New York City.

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