Behavioral Health Defined

Behavioral Health and Mental Health are often used interchangeably, they don’t always mean the same thing. Mental health focuses solely on a person’s psychological state, whereas behavioral health is a broader umbrella that can incorporate physical and mental struggles—eating habits, exercise routines, and alcohol consumption.

And given that seven out of ten patients in a doctor’s office are seeking care for a behavioral health related-issue, understanding the difference between the two terms is important. 

The link between behavioral health and mental health varies from case to case, patient to patient. For example, people who suffer from diabetes or chronic cardiac conditions often develop depression as well. On the other hand, those who suffer from depression may have no outward physical signs of illness—making their treatment mental health-based, instead of behavioral. 

Regardless, many mental health conditions develop from biological factors—some manageable, like brain chemistry, and others out of our control, like genetic makeup. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medicine can often help alleviate immediate symptoms, but so too can something as simple as learning how to think in a healthier way regarding one’s mental illness.

Overall, the goals of behavioral health treatments are the same as any other branch of medicine: to aid in patients living healthier, fuller lives. Studies have shown that receiving both behavioral health and primary care treatment in an integrated setting has longer lasting, more effective results for patients. It often enables them to continue working or attend school, to better engage with their families, participate in their communities, and generally live a fulfilling life.

Behavioral health is defined as the connection between behaviors and the health and well-being of the body, mind and spirit. This includes a wide variety of healthcare services, including:

• Mental healthcare
• Psychiatric care
• Marriage and family counseling
• Substance abuse prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery
• Management of chronic diseases

So while mental health related illnesses and treatments are a branch of behavioral health, they’re not the entire tree.