Mental Health Treatment Center Activities

Mental health treatment is available across North America, with many centers following similar guidelines and offering similar activities for therapy. Daily activities such as therapy and exercise promote a sense of well-being and help patients feel secure in the treatment center. Many centers provide additional therapy activities, such as art, horticulture and massage therapy.

Therapy

• Group therapy plays a big part in mental health treatment, encouraging people to share their stories and learn that they are not alone in their struggles. Receiving group support helps to build a positive space where people feel safe in their recovery process. Individual therapy is also offered, providing a private situation in which each patient can work through personal issues.

Daily Exercise

• Daily exercise is helpful in coping with stress and mental illness. Many mental health treatment centers encourage patients to participate in a daily walk; many also furnish an indoor fitness and exercise center. Some centers even provide fitness classes such as yoga and Pilates for relaxation.

Art Activities

• Art activities encourage creativity and provide an outlet for mental health patients. Art therapy may involve painting, making ceramics, drawing and jewelry making. These activities are provided as an open option in many mental health treatment centers--not necessary yet still helpful. Patients may find a new hobby in these activities that allows them to relieve stress.

Horticulture

• Horticulture is available in some mental health centers, providing patients with a chance to care for something and watch it grow. This therapy promotes a natural sense of wellness and builds self-esteem, and encourages confidence in the patient's ability to care for things.

Massage Therapy

• Massage therapy promotes relaxation during mental health treatment. Massage may cost extra, but it can provide great stress relief during a stay in a treatment center. Many patients enjoy massage in their down time. Some treatment centers offer massaging chairs at no cost to their patients.