Virtual Help Is Available in California
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health disorder with symptoms that can affect a person’s mood and thoughts. It is a lifelong disorder that can be successfully managed with mental health treatment and self-care techniques. Effective schizoaffective disorder treatment uses a combination of medication management and behavioral therapies. Advances in technology have made it possible for people with schizoaffective disorder to access mental health treatment virtually through online platforms like Mindfuli. Virtual therapy has increased access to mental health services for many California residents as it is accessible from anywhere and more affordable than in-person therapy.
Mindfuli expertly matches patients with counselors or therapists that meet their needs and can help them manage schizoaffective disorder symptoms. Patients will complete a questionnaire about themselves and their therapy preferences so our Care PairingTM Technology can generate a list of individualized recommendations. We offer flexible monthly subscriptions to choose from to fit your needs and budget, which can be adjusted or canceled whenever you need. Patients work with a team of therapists and counselors who use evidence-based practices including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and motivational interviewing. Our HIPAA-compliant platform provides the same confidentiality and privacy you would receive through in-person therapy sessions.
Continued online mental health treatment through Mindfuli can help people with schizoaffective disorder develop the skills and tools to manage schizoaffective disorder symptoms. Getting treatment early on in the disorder can significantly improve the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of worsening conditions, including avoiding a mental health crisis. With effective therapeutic techniques, medication management, and lifestyle changes, those with schizoaffective disorder can live an independent and productive life.
What is Schizoaffective Disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental illness involving symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. People may have symptoms such as mania, depression, and psychosis. They may struggle with their sense of self, perception of reality, mood, behavior, and energy levels. It is a complex disorder with symptoms overlapping with many other mental illnesses, making diagnosing it challenging. Similar to schizophrenia, symptoms begin to appear in late adolescence and early adulthood.
There are two major types of schizoaffective disorder: bipolar disorder type and depressive type. Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder will vary depending on the type. Common schizoaffective disorder symptoms include:
- Hallucinations, including auditory and visual.
- Delusions, which are strange, false beliefs.
- Disorganized thoughts and speech include jumping from topic to topic or incoherent speech.
- Disorganized behaviors, such as inappropriate laughter or behaving like a child.
- Manic symptoms include energy and happiness jumps, risk-taking behaviors, and racing thoughts.
- Depression symptoms, such as feelings of worthlessness and sadness.
Possible Complications from Untreated Schizoaffective Disorder
Untreated schizoaffective disorder can have severe consequences for all areas of a person’s life, including their mental, physical, economic, and social health. Like many other mental health disorders, untreated schizoaffective disorder can worsen and lead to more frequent or severe episodes over time. They can also develop other mental health disorders like anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Comorbid mental health symptoms can then worsen schizoaffective disorder and vice versa. People with untreated schizoaffective disorder have higher rates of liver disease, diabetes, and heart disease.
People with schizoaffective disorder tend to isolate themselves, preventing them from maintaining healthy, meaningful relationships. They can have difficulty getting and keeping a job, leading to homelessness when they cannot pay bills. Often, people with schizoaffective disorder turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate symptoms which can lead to the development of substance use disorders.
How is Schizoaffective Disorder Treated?
The first step in schizoaffective disorder treatment is an accurate diagnosis through a mental health specialist. Diagnosis will usually involve a physical exam, tests, screenings (such as a CT or MRI scan), and psychiatric evaluation to rule out any other medical conditions, substance use, or mental health disorders which may be causing symptoms.
People with schizoaffective disorder can successfully manage their symptoms with a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and life skills training. Treatment will vary from person to person based on the type and severity of symptoms. As a chronic illness, the person will need lifelong treatment. Coping skills and tools developed in therapy can help patients improve their quality of life. People can learn to ignore delusions and hallucinations while managing manic and depressive symptoms.
Schizoaffective disorder treatment will include various evidence-based psychotherapies to find what works best for each person. Our therapists at Mindfuli have the experience and knowledge to apply several evidence-based therapy methods, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP)
- Assertive community treatment (ACT)
- Psychoeducation
- Virtual groups
Personalized mental health care is often the key to successful recovery, as every person experiences schizoaffective disorder differently and has varying needs. Therapists will explore various techniques based on an initial evaluation of the unique problems they are dealing with related to schizoaffective disorder and other mental health disorders. They will also recommend various self-care and lifestyle techniques, such as nutrition and exercise to manage symptoms as well. Taking care of your physical body through exercise and nutrition can improve symptoms as these practices help to regulate neurotransmitters, biochemicals, and hormones which affect mental health.
Is Virtual Therapy Available for Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment?
Schizoaffective disorder treatment is available through virtual therapy in California. Online therapy is psychotherapy or counseling services conducted online through secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms that can be accessed on any device with an internet connection. Virtual therapy is as effective as in-person therapy when it is the right fit and may even be more effective for some. Mindfuli offers California residents a flexible and affordable option for schizoaffective disorder treatment through their online therapy programs.
Virtual therapy in California allows people to access therapy sessions more easily. Patients in remote areas with limited mental health service options now have access to specialized therapists without having to drive long distances. Without commute time, patients can fit Mindfuli therapy sessions more easily into their schedules, such as before work, during their lunch break, or late evenings. Virtual therapy is also advantageous for people with physical or mental health limitations who have difficulty leaving their homes.
Some people find virtual therapy more approachable as it offers more privacy and can be easier to talk to someone online versus in person. Virtual therapy is also more affordable and can provide appointments more quickly. Access to mental health services has never been easier than now with the help of technology. It has helped remove many barriers to treatment and has increased patient retention rates for long-term recovery from schizoaffective disorder.
Mindfuli Offers Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment in California
Mindfuli offers virtual therapy and counseling for schizoaffective disorders in California. Our Care PairingTM Technology will match you with a therapist who you love and who fits your needs. Evidence-based therapies can help you manage symptoms effectively and live a life you look forward to waking up to each day. We offer a care satisfaction guarantee which will refund your first month’s subscription if we cannot pair you with a therapist or counselor who helps you achieve your goals.
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, please call our team at 888-703-3004 or contact our online therapy center to get matched with a therapist within minutes. Together, we can get you started with personalized schizoaffective disorder treatment as soon as possible.
