Glossary
Plain-language definitions of common mental health and treatment terms.
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- A structured, evidence-based talk therapy that targets unhelpful thought and behavior patterns.
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
- A skills-based therapy effective for emotion regulation and borderline personality disorder.
- Dual diagnosis
- Having both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time.
- IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program)
- A structured outpatient level of care, typically several hours a day, several days a week.
- PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program)
- A day-treatment level of care more intensive than IOP but without an overnight stay.
- SAMHSA
- The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which runs a free national helpline.
- 988
- The U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.