Behavioral Health

A field of health that promotes mental health, resilience and wellbeing; the prevention and treatment of mental and substance use disorders; and the support of individuals who experience and/or are in recovery from these conditions, along with their families, friends, and communities. Resource: SAMHSA

Equity

Equity is fairness and justice achieved through systematically assessing disparities in opportunities, outcomes, and representation and redressing those disparities through targeted actions. 

Various structures and systems have contributed to disparities in power and influence throughout history including but not limited to patriarchal society, whiteness, heteronormativity, classism. They continue to exist in modern day and the need for them to be addressed remains.

Targeted actions are needed to dismantle dominant structures that have been historically built and reinforced, break down existing barriers and redistribute resources in order to achieve equity. Adapted from Urban Strategies Council

Treatment

Practices that help people, including individuals with mental illnesses or substance use disorders, with their behavioral health. Treatment is conducted by a provider and includes various modalities that can serve individuals or groups. Treatment refers to direct service. 

*Clinical treatment is evidence-based and is provided by a licensed professional. Adapted from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Prevention

The use of evidence-based activities aimed at stopping or reducing action and/or behavior, or promoting a positive action and/or behavior while reducing risk in order to create safe and healthy communities.

Prevention's primary purpose is to intervene before risky behaviors occur, therefore prevention often focuses on youth because adults have already engaged with the behavior.  Consequently, different prevention efforts are needed for various topics and diverse age groups. 

Prevention efforts include education, tools, and additional resources that are used to increase protective factors and reduce the need for additional support. Adapted from Department of Social Services SC

Crisis

When one’s mental health and/or environment puts the individual and/or others at risk of harming themselves or others and/or prevents them from performing daily tasks and/or interferes with functioning. Resource: National Alliance on Mental Illness