Preferred Columbus, OH, Treatment Center for Self-Harm, Treating Symptoms & Side Effects

What Is Self-Harm?

When an individual repeatedly engages in purposeful acts of self-injury such as biting, burning, cutting, or bruising, they are experiencing what is known clinically as self-harm. When this behavior continues over time, its effects are likely to become progressively more dangerous, resulting in greater risk for serious harm. Self-harm is often linked to mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. With the proper help, you can overcome this painful experience and reclaim control of your behavior. At Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, your physical safety and emotional recovery are our utmost priorities. We look forward to speaking with you about ways we can support you in your journey to recovery from self-harm.

Why Do People Suffer from Self-Harm?

The cause of self-harm can be different for each individual. Sometimes it can be a brief experience that results from acute stress. But more often than not, it is a symptom of an untreated mental illness. The following are among the most common factors that may increase your likelihood for struggling with self-harm:

• Gender (self-harm appears to be more common among women than among men)
• Age (most individuals who engage in self-harm first do so during adolescence)
• Family or personal history of mental illness
• Exposure to certain forms of trauma, abuse, and/or neglect

Self-Harm Statistics

Self-harm statistics are notoriously difficult to collect because individuals who struggle with this behavior often do so in secret. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) share the following:

• Data from hospital visits suggests that the rate of self-harm may range from 116 to 222 per 100,000 people.
• The rate of self-harm among the five states that the CDC studied is 11 to 16 times greater than the rate of attempted suicide in those same locations.

Please note that while it’s helpful to gain an understanding of the prevalence of this concern, it’s always best to seek professional help for self-harm. Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is here to assist you or a loved one in securing quality, comprehensive support for self-harm and other mental health concerns.

Who Is Impacted by Self-Harm?

Self-harm has a damaging impact on the affected individual, but the negative consequences don’t stop there. At Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, we understand that self-harm also impacts friendships, family relationships, and more. Our services are designed to include loved ones to foster systemic healing for each person who is affected by this condition.

Self-Harm Signs & Symptoms

Self-harm can affect individuals in many ways. No two people are exactly alike, but taking time to familiarize yourself with some of the most common signs and symptoms can assist you in your journey to recovery. If you or someone you care about is engaging in self-harm and is unsafe, please seek professional help. If you believe someone to be in imminent danger, call 911 immediately.

Behavioral symptoms:

• Wearing long sleeves or long pants, even in hot weather, as a means of hiding cuts, bruises, scars, and other evidence of self-harm
• Lying or acting deceptively when questioned about evidence of injuries
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Acting with uncharacteristic recklessness
• Apparent loss of interest in significant activities

Physical symptoms:

• Frequent scrapes, cuts, burns, or bruises
• Scars
• Broken bones
• Patches of missing hair
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Noticeable weight gain or loss

Mental symptoms:

• Dissociation
• Pervasive urge to punish oneself
• Diminished ability to focus or concentrate
• Sense of having no control over one’s life
• Pervasive sense of shame and/or guilt
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Low self-esteem
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Drastic mood swings

Effects of Self-Harm

If you don’t receive proper support to heal from self-harm, this behavior will likely cause damage to several aspects of your health and well-being, including:

• Organ damage
• Brain damage
• Infection
• Serious physical injury
• Unintentional death
• Strained or ruined interpersonal relationships
• Family discord
• Diminished academic performance
• Job loss and unemployment
• Legal problems due to reckless behaviors
• Withdrawal
• Onset or exacerbation of mental health disorders
• Pervasive sense of hopelessness
• Suicidal ideation
• Suicidal behaviors

Self-harm is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening behavior that requires professional help to overcome. But know that with the right support, you or someone you care about can learn the coping tools needed to leave these behaviors behind. At Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, our goal is to guide you toward complete healing from self-harm.

Disorders That May Cause Self-Harm

Many individuals who engage in self-harm do so because they are struggling with one of the following mental health disorders:

• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Depressive disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Eating disorders
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

A person’s self-harming behavior is a form of communication, and it tells us that they are suffering greatly. For some, inflicting injury is an unhealthy form of catharsis or release. For others, it is a means of turning deep-seated anger inward. No matter the root cause, when you receive comprehensive care at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health’s self-harm treatment center in Columbus, Ohio, you begin the journey to sustained recovery.

The Importance of Treatment for Self-Harm

On the most basic level, one of the most dangerous aspects of self-harm is the risk of significant physical injury and unintentional death. While superficial injury and infection are also concerns, left untreated, self-harm can also have a damaging impact on an individual’s mental and emotional health.

Inpatient Treatment for Self-Harm

Inpatient treatment provides a safe, secure healing environment with 24/7 supervision and support. This is an ideal treatment setting for self-harm because it combines compassionate care with oversight and accountability. By stepping away from the pressures and stressors of daily life, you can focus solely on healing and building a strong foundation in the early days of recovery.

How to Get Help for Self-Harm

If you or someone you care about is engaging in self-harm, there are concrete steps you can take today to begin the process of getting help. While it might seem overwhelming at first, know that just by deciding to read this page, you are taking a brave and important step toward recovery. As you plan for next steps, please consider the following:

• Safety should be your primary focus. If you think that you, a friend, or family member may be in immediate danger, take action. Call 911, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
• If there does not appear to be an immediate safety concern, start by having a conversation about your self-harm behaviors. Have this conversation with someone you trust to have your best interests at heart, someone you feel can listen without judgment and assist you in seeking professional help.
• If a friend or loved one is engaging in self-harm, ask them about it. In a calm and loving tone, tell them what you’ve witnessed, and remind them that you care about their health and well-being. Be patient with your loved one, and let them know that they’re not alone.
• Partner with your loved one to research treatment centers in the area that offer specialized care for self-harm and other mental health concerns. From there, make some phone calls and inquire about the admissions process.

Remember that healing from self-harm takes time, and you or your loved one will likely need to commit to a lifelong plan for recovery. But know that each step toward healing, no matter how small, is important.

What to Expect During Self-Harm Treatment

If this is your first time researching self-harm treatment, you likely have lots of questions and concerns. Sometimes the fear of the unknown can prevent us from seeking the help we need, so your willingness to review this material signals incredible fortitude and strength. If you’re wondering what to expect during self-harm treatment, please review the following summary:

• The admissions process – Prior to beginning treatment, our admissions staff will review your history and present concerns. We’ll determine if Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is the ideal setting for you to heal, verify your insurance and financial information, and assist you in preparing to transition into our care.
• The assessment – When you arrive, we’ll conduct a more in-depth assessment of your needs so that we can begin crafting an individualized plan of care that reflects your unique strengths and challenges.
• Comprehensive treatment – Depending upon the information we glean from the assessment process, your treatment plan may include a mix of individual, group, and family therapies, medication management, medical services, and more.
• Discharge planning – Before you leave our self-harm treatment center, you’ll be given a thorough discharge plan that will include recommendations for next steps to encourage your continued success in recovery.

For more information about any aspect of our services, contact Mount Carmel Behavioral Health today.

Types of Therapy in Self-Harm Treatment

We believe that comprehensive, customized self-harm treatment puts people in the best position to achieve true and lasting healing. Depending upon several individual factors, your personalized self-harm treatment plan may include the following elements:

• Medical care – Our staff includes certified nurse practitioners who can provide general medical services below the crisis level. If your struggles with self-harm are accompanied by certain medical issues, we may be able to provide the care that you need. Please contact us directly for detailed information about our ability to meet your medical needs within our self-harm treatment program.
• Medication management – Certain prescription medications can alleviate or help you manage symptoms of self-harm. If our psychiatrist determines that you can benefit from prescription medication, you can receive medication management services during your time in our self-harm center. Patients who receive medication management services have daily meetings with a psychiatrist and receive additional support from advanced practice nurses.
• Individual therapy – One-on-one sessions with an experienced therapist can be optimal opportunities for you to process treatment-related successes and setbacks, address issues you may be hesitant to bring up in a group setting, and receive focused feedback from a member of your treatment team. Individual therapy sessions can be scheduled as needed throughout your time in our inpatient self-harm treatment program.
• Group therapy – Groups are valuable components of self-harm treatment at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health. We offer both process groups and educational groups. Examples of group topics include life skills, coping skills, communication, medications and diagnoses, emotional regulation, and handling traumatic life events. Groups are a safe and supportive forum in which you can share your thoughts, learn from the experiences of others, and practice healthy communication skills, all under the guidance of an experienced professional.
• Family therapy – Family members and close friends can be sources of vital support during and after your time in treatment for self-harm. Family therapy sessions can help you and your loved ones process the impact of self-harm, learn about treatment, and develop stronger bonds with one another. Family therapy sessions for you and your loved ones can be scheduled on an as-needed basis while you’re healing from self-harm at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health.
• Experiential therapy – Experiential therapy is a category that includes several dynamic therapeutic activities. Experiential therapies offer multiple ways to interact with your environment, collaborate with others, and engage with your thoughts or feelings. As a complement to more traditional forms of talk therapy, experiential therapy can provide you with a new perspective from which to view the world, as well as new ways to process your experiences and express yourself.

We also offer detailed discharge planning services for each person who completes our inpatient self-harm treatment program. Discharge planning and continuing care for self-harm are addressed in greater detail in the “What Happens After Self-Harm Treatment” section below.

The Cost of Treatment for Self-Harm

At Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, we want you to focus on your recovery during your stay with us rather than worry about finances. So, we’ll help you verify your insurance information prior to accessing our services and ensure that you fully understand the financial obligations associated with your care. We are pleased to work with all major health insurance providers and can assist you in using your insurance to the maximum benefit.

What Happens After I Complete Treatment for Self-Harm?

At Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, we know that residential treatment is an incredibly important part of your journey to recovery from self-harm, but it is far from the last step. Prior to leaving our center, you’ll be given a discharge plan that we’ll begin crafting as soon as you begin treatment. We’ll communicate with you about this plan so that you have a full understanding of your treatment team’s recommendations for the types of supports that are going to be helpful as you continue to work toward maintaining your goals.

Learn About Continuing Care for Self-Harm

While in treatment at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, you’ll work to uncover the underlying issues that are contributing to your self-harm, learn healthy coping tools, connect with peers who understand what you are going through, and gain support from a compassionate, expert staff. When your time at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health comes to a close, we’ll assist you in selecting another level of care to meet your needs, which may include one of the following:

• Partial hospitalization program (PHP) – A PHP combines some of the structure of residential treatment with the freedom and autonomy of outpatient care. Participants attend several hours of therapeutic services throughout the week but do not reside at the treatment center.
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP) – Like a PHP, an IOP allows individuals to experience the support and supervision of inpatient treatment while they transition back to independent living. IOP participants attend treatment throughout the week for several hours each day but return home or to an alternate residence in the evenings and on weekends.
• Traditional outpatient services – Weekly or biweekly individual counseling sessions, specialized group counseling, and other forms of outpatient care can offer support for recovery throughout your life.
• Support groups – Columbus, Ohio, is home to many different types of support groups for people who have battled self-harm and other mental health concerns. These groups allow individuals to receive support from others who have walked a similar path.

How to Maintain Your Mental Health After Completing Treatment for Self-Harm

As you prepare to end your time at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health and enter either a step-down or step-up level of care, there are things you can do to maintain your health and well-being in any setting. As you continue to prioritize your mental health, please consider the following:

• Physical health – Strong bodies support healthy minds, so make sure to eat well, exercise, and get plenty of rest. Consult with a personal trainer or nutritionist if you need additional help.
• Personal support – Make time for healthy relationships. Nurture your friendships and spend time with loved ones who wish to support you in your recovery.
• Professional help – Seek the support of a therapist or counselor if necessary. Don’t view this as a failure or sign of weakness, but rather, a sign of your commitment to your recovery.

Who Do We Treat?

Mount Carmel Behavioral Health in Columbus, Ohio, provides comprehensive inpatient self-harm treatment for adults age 18 and above.

Our inpatient programming is designed for adults whose struggles with self-harm have had a significant impact on their ability to function in a healthy and productive manner. Inpatient care for self-harm at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is a short-term experience, with the goal of helping you achieve the level of stability that will enable you to return home or transition to a step-down level of care.

All admissions decisions for our inpatient self-harm treatment program are made on a case-by-case basis following a thorough review of each potential patient’s needs and treatment history. If at any point prior to admission we determine that Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is not the best place for you, we’ll work with you and your family to make the most appropriate referral.

Where Are We Located?

Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is an 80-bed inpatient self-harm treatment center in Columbus, Ohio. We’re located on Hilton Corporate Drive on the east side of Columbus, not far from where Interstate 70 connects with Interstate 270.

Our convenient location in central Ohio means we’re easily accessible from Pickerington, Dublin, Grove City, Westerville, and a host of additional communities in and around the Columbus-Marion-Zanesville metropolitan area.

Our self-harm treatment center is a safe and supportive environment for patients. It is also a welcoming place for friends, family members, and other visitors. Features include comfortable patient rooms, superior clinical areas, and inviting spaces in which to relax and reflect.

Our Affiliations & Accreditations

Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is committed to playing a leading role in the effort to establish and maintain the highest standards in the treatment of self-harm and other mental health disorders.

We’re proud to be accredited by or affiliated with other agencies and organizations that are also working to ensure that individuals and families in need have access to accurate information and quality care:

• The Joint Commission – The Joint Commission is a not-for-profit organization that provides independent accreditation and certification services for healthcare providers throughout the United States. As stated on The Joint Commission’s website, the organization’s mission is to “continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.”
• Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) – This agency oversees statewide efforts to prevent and treat mental illness and chemical dependency, and to support those who are in recovery. OhioMHAS is also responsible for certifying, licensing, and regulating mental health service providers throughout the state of Ohio.
• Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA) – Founded as the Ohio State Medical Society in 1846, OSMA promotes physician leadership and education, advocates for medical liability reform and other political issues, and provides guidance to professionals and organizations throughout the state.

The Importance of Selecting a Local Self-Harm Treatment Center Near Columbus

Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is pleased to be the leading local self-harm treatment center in Columbus, Ohio. We’re proud to serve the greater Columbus area by providing compassionate care and excellent clinical services to our neighbors.

Why Choose Mount Carmel Behavioral Health for Help with Self-Care?

Mount Carmel Behavioral Health’s self-care treatment includes several key features that promote positive results for our patients, including:

• Comprehensive inpatient care – From your first phone call until your eventual discharge, you’ll have access to the services and support you need to heal.
• Personalized services – Because our treatment plans are personalized based on each individual’s needs, everyone who receives care at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health will have a unique experience.
• Experienced, compassionate professionals – The treatment team at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is highly experienced in providing excellent clinical care for individuals who are struggling with self-harm. We’re committed to delivering all our services in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.

To learn more about Mount Carmel Behavioral Health’s self-harm treatment services, please feel free to contact us today. A friendly and knowledgeable member of our team is available to speak with you 24/7. We look forward to answering all your questions and helping you determine if Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is the perfect place for you or your loved one.