Effectiveness of Psychotherapy - Essay Example

Research by Union Consumers, has established that a majority of Americans suffer from a mental disorder or condition at one point in their life. The health policies in the United States (US) are designed in a manner that is not supportive of psychotherapy despite its apparent effectiveness in the treatment and management of mental disorders and conditions. There is an increased need to advocate for the promotion and support of psychotherapy in the treatment of mental disorders due to its effectiveness.

This paper seeks to discuss the effectiveness of psychotherapy in mental health in the treatment and management of mental disorders and conditions. Union Consumers conducted a research study to establish the effectiveness of psychotherapy in the treatment and management of various mental disorders and conditions. Their research yielded results that indicated that there was a significant impact and effectiveness of psychotherapeutic strategies, techniques and interventions in the treatment of mental disorders and conditions (Howard, 1996).

Examples given are the positive attitudes and opinions regarding various psychotherapy interventions like the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). People have string and positive attitudes towards these psychotherapy techniques and approaches, and it begs the question why the there is no increased government support for these interventions. This is against the backdrop of the fact that compared to other interventions, psychotherapy exhibits more and better results in terms of solving metal health issues and its sustainability.

The most common mental health problems in the US population according to the Union Consumers research include alcohol and drug problems, depression, anxiety, panic and phobias. Others include marital or sexual problems, occupational stressors, grief, low moods, problems with children and stress related problems. Individual who sought treatment for these conditions through psychotherapy reported successes in overcoming their problems. These are a clear indication that psychotherapy interventions in the treatment and management of mental disorders and conditions are effective and its works contrary to common beliefs and perceptions (Seligman, 1995).

Limitations of the use of psychotherapy as an intervention are caused by misguided and misinformed policy formulation and implementation. This is especially apparent where insurance covers do not consider psychotherapy as an effective treatment approach thus; there are no policies that adequately cover treatment through this approach. Psychotherapy as an intervention and treatment approach is extremely effective especially when combined with medication like Xanax and Prozac (Union Consumers, 1995).

Psychotherapy reduces the overall need for health services and it produces long-term mental health benefits. Despite this, there has been an increased decline in the use of psychotherapy in the treatment and management of mental disorders and conditions. This has been in the backdrop of increased use of medication as intervention, which can be attributed to an increased lobbying by pharmaceutical companies that influence policy formulation and implementation. This is in support of policies that promote the use of medication at the expense of alternative techniques that are more effective and less costly.

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