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Cognitive Hygiene

advanced therapy

What is mental Illness?

As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), a mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior.  It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. There are many different types of mental disorders. Mental disorders may also be referred to as mental health conditions. The latter is a broader term covering mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities and (other) mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of self-harm. 

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Mental health conditions are diagnosed when your psychological functioning is impaired to the extent your body feels a significant amount of stress or struggle to function in your daily life including but not limited to:

  • Your social life

  • Your friendships

  • Your family

  • Your romance life

  • Your work or school

  • Your activities or hobbies 

common mental illnesses

According to the National Alliance of Mental Health (NAMH), one in five people in America experiences a mental issue. Below is a breakdown of common mental health problems we can treat here at Cognitive Hygiene Advanced Therapy.

  • Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear and worry and related behavioral disturbances. Symptoms are severe enough to result in significant distress or significant impairment in functioning. A few symptoms include;

    • Edginess

    • Restlessness

    • Excessive Worry Without Reason

    • Difficulty Concentrating

    • Irritability 

  • Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life.  During a depressive episode, the person experiences depressed mood for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. A few symptoms include;

    • Feeling sad

    • Irritable

    • Empty

    • Loss of pleasure or interest in activities

  • Grief is a natural reaction to the loss of a loved one or something important. It can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. A few symptoms include;

    • Anger

    • Confusion

    • Depression

    • Emotional Numbness

    • Loneliness

    • Sadness

  • A personality disorder is a mental health condition that involves long-lasting, all-encompassing, disruptive patterns of thinking, behavior, mood and relating to others. These patterns cause a person significant distress and/or impair their ability to function. A few symptoms include;

    • Strange or unpredictable behavior.

    • Suspicion and distrust (not trusting others)

    • Taking risks.

    • Extreme mood swings or emotional outbursts.

    • Difficulty with relationships.

    • Problems at school or work.

    • Need for instant gratification 

  • Self-Injury is the act of harming your own body on purpose, such as by cutting or burning yourself. It's usually not meant as a suicide attempt. A few symptoms include; 

    • Self-hitting, punching, biting or head banging.

    • Fresh cuts, scars (usually in patterns), scratches, bruises, bite marks or other wounds.

    • Excessive rubbing of an area to create a burn.

    • Keeping sharp objects or other items used for self-injury on hand.

    • Wearing long sleeves or long pants to hide self-injury, even in hot weather.

    Self-isolation is a coping mechanism where someone intentionally avoids social interaction and spends more time alone. It can be caused by a number of factors, including low self-esteem, poor self-confidence, social anxiety, loss, catastrophe, or other major life changes. A few symptoms include;

    • Spending a lot of time alone

    • Avoiding social activities

    • Having trouble connecting with others

    • Feeling sad, rejected, or lethargic

    • Canceling plans frequently

    • Feeling distress when alone

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  • ​Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often unnoticeable to others. A few symptoms include;

    • Constantly checking yourself in the mirror

    • Avoiding mirrors

    • Trying to hide your body part under a hat, scarf, or makeup

    • Constantly exercising or grooming

    • Constantly comparing yourself with others

    • Always asking other people whether you look OK

  • Disruptive behavior and dissocial disorders are characterized by persistent behavior problems such as persistently defiant or disobedient to behaviors that persistently violate the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms, rules, or laws. A few symptoms include:

    • Behavioral: Bullying, fighting, stealing, property destruction, temper tantrums, arguing, and uncooperativeness

    • Cognitive: Difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, and an inability to think before speaking

    • Psychosocial: Lack of empathy and remorse

    • Other: Misinterpreting others' behaviors as threatening, inability to tolerate frustration or rules, chronic lying, and substance abuse

  • PTSD may develop following exposure to an extremely threatening or horrific event or series of events. Symptoms persist for at least several weeks and cause significant impairment in functioning. It is characterized by all of the following;

    • Re-experiencing the traumatic event or events in the present (intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares) 

    • Avoidance of thoughts and memories of the event(s), or avoidance of activities, situations, or people reminiscent of the event(s)

    • Persistent perceptions of heightened current threat.

  • Neurodevelopment disorders are associated with the brain and neurological system and can cause a wide range of symptoms. A few symptoms can include difficulties with;

    • Language and speech: Delayed or impaired development, difficulty communicating, or talking excessively

    • Motor skills: Impaired skills, or delays in learning to crawl or walk

    • Behavior: Aggression, hyperactivity, mood swings, or inability to focus or concentrate

    • Social skills: Difficulty socializing or interacting with peers, making eye contact, or maintaining a conversation

    • Emotions: Anxiety, frustration, anger, or irritability 

Cognitive Hygiene Treatments

Mental health is a crucial factor for our youth, as it helps them to build resilience and promote positive attitudes. The best way to promote children's mental health is to build up their strengths, help to "protect" them from risks, and give them tools to succeed. Promoting a child's mental health means helping a child feel secure, positively relate well with others, and fostering their growth at home and at school.

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We offer various youth programs that encompasses an unique combination of our treatments. These programs are held seasonally to align with our youth client's school year and summer vacation.

Mental Health Day Treatment

An intensive, structured, goal-oriented, distinct and identifiable treatment service that utilizes multiple mental health interventions that address the individualized mental health needs of the client. Mental health day treatment services are clinically indicated by assessment with clear admission and discharge criteria.

Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS)

An intensive, individualized, one-to-one behavioral coaching program available to children/youth up to age 21 who are experiencing a current emotional or behavioral challenge or experiencing a stressful life transition. TBS can help children/youth and parents/caregivers learn skills to increase successful behaviors and learn new ways of reducing challenging behaviors. TBS is not a stand-alone service; it supports an ongoing primary mental health service such as mental health therapy or case management.

Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluations

An integrated biopsychosocial assessment that includes the elicitation of a complete medical history (to include past, family, and social), psychiatric history, a complete mental status exam, establishment of a tentative diagnosis, and an evaluation of the patient's ability and willingness to participate in the proposed treatment plan.

Telehealth

All of our services conducted via electronic telecommunication technologies of health-related services and information that is distributed over a secure and HIPAA compliant video service. 

Group Therapy

A form of treatment administered in a group setting with a trained group leader in charge of several patients. Since it involves psychotherapy it must be led by a person, authorized by state statute to perform this service. This will usually mean a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, certified nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist. 

Who we treat at Cognitive Hygiene

We provide a wide range of solutions for patients of all ages, specifically focusing on youth between the ages of 8-17 and young adults between the ages of 18-25. Our therapeutic counseling and psychiatry services will help you live your happiest and healthiest life.

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