Self-Harm Treatment & Therapy in Detroit, Michigan

Learn more about self-harm treatment at StoneCrest Center in Detroit, MI

When a person deliberately inflicts some form of pain or injury onto him or herself it is known as self-harm. Also referred to as self-injury or self-mutilation, these behaviors can include cutting, burning, hitting oneself, purposely breaking one’s bones, or drinking harmful substances. Some individuals self-harm as a way to deal with inner pain or emotional struggles that they do not know how else to manage. By initiating outward pain, these people are able to physically control what they are feeling. Other individuals self-injure as a means of grounding themselves in reality. For people who experience a sense of detachment or derealization, the infliction of pain allows their minds to focus on a sensation that returns them to reality. Others still use self-harm as a means of stopping excessive, uncontrollable feelings of anxiety. Regardless of the reason why a person begins to self-injure, the act of doing so can quickly become addictive, often requiring professional intervention to stop the behavior.

StoneCrest Center is a 133-bed acute psychiatric inpatient treatment center for adolescents, adults, and senior adults who are in need of specialized behavioral healthcare services. With a vision to remain an ever-improving care center, we strive to redefine the way that mental health treatment is delivered. By focusing on reintegrating patients back into the community by increasing problem-solving skills, communication skills, coping abilities, and enhancing their self-esteem, our compassionate staff is committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for those who entrust us with their care. With our state-of-the-art sensory room, we are the only treatment center in the state that is also able to provide specialized services for individuals with developmental disabilities. If you are struggling with an inability to put an end to self-harming behaviors, the staff at StoneCrest wants to show you that it is possible to regain control of your emotions and move forward towards living the happy, healthy life you deserve to live.

Helping a loved one or family member get treatment for self-harm

People who self-injure typically do so in private, making it difficult to know when the behaviors exist. However, there are some telltale warning signs that may indicate that a person is purposely harming him or herself. Examples of these warning signs can include:

• The occurrence of frequent “accidents”
• Wearing long pants or long-sleeved shirts, despite warm weather
• Displaying a lack of interest in, or no longer participating in, previously enjoyed activities
• Low self-esteem
• Making statements indicative of feelings of hopeless, such as, “It’s just not worth it anymore”
• Unexplained cuts, bruises, scrapes, or burn marks

If any of these warning signs are things that you have noticed being displayed by your loved one, it is important that you become active in getting him or her the help that he or she needs. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare to broach the topic with your loved one:

• Educate yourself about self-harm so that you can be as empathetic towards what your loved one is experiencing as possible
• Anticipate denial or defensiveness – it is likely that your loved one will not immediately admit to participating in the behaviors
• Present examples of specific things / behaviors that has caused you to become concerned about your loved one
• Refrain from being judgmental and do not lecture your loved one
• Ask questions and truly listen to what your loved one tells you
• Research treatment options and offer to accompany your loved one to any appointments that are scheduled
• Remain unconditionally supportive, recognizing that the treatment process can be a long one

Why consider treatment for self-harm at StoneCrest Center in Detroit, MI

Once a person begins self-harming, it can be extremely difficult for him or her to stop. The sense of relief that this behavior elicits can outweigh the negative ramifications that these individuals know can result from the act. However, while self-injury may provide a respite from negative emotions, it is only temporary. Successfully treating self-harm requires exploring the underlying cause or causes for why the behavior exists.

Inpatient treatment programs are one of the most beneficial ways for people who self-injure to get the help that they need. First and foremost, by entering into an inpatient program, these individuals are walking into a safe environment where they are protected from the ability to harm themselves because they do not have access to any tools that could potentially be used to self-injure. Additionally, by taking part in an inpatient program, these people are surrounded by mental health professionals 24/7 who can provide them with the support they need whenever they face the urge to harm themselves. Through a variety of therapeutic interventions, as well as the support of other individuals who are dealing with similar struggles, inpatient programs can help people develop the skills they need to overcome their self-defeating thoughts and behaviors and find true healing.

StoneCrest Center philosophy and benefits

At StoneCrest Center, we strive to set ourselves apart from other mental health treatment centers by offering superior individualized care that improves the quality of life for our patients, while also providing a reliable resource for the community. We believe that our values are what truly make us stand out. We treat each other like family and we empathize with and support the families who have a loved one who is struggling with mental illness. We diligently work at maintaining our position as a leader in creating distinct, effective mental health disease management through our partnerships with physicians and other clinical professionals, through the application of technology, and, most importantly, through the extension of services from our hospital to the home. At StoneCrest, we remain steadfast in preventing, supporting, and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions, providing patients with a safe place to turn in their time of need.

Types of self-harm treatment offered at StoneCrest Center

The fully trained and qualified staff at StoneCrest uses a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, coordinating care amongst our in-house psychiatrists, nurses, socials workers, and activity therapists. By implementing a case management model that focuses on person-centered planning, each patient works with a therapist who serves as the patient’s coordinator and advocate during his or her stay. These therapists guide patients through the treatment process while establishing a therapeutic relationship as they help them work towards achieving their identified treatment goals. Our treatment programs are created to meet the needs of each patient as a whole in order to ensure that all needs are being addressed and coordinated while in our care. Some of the treatment methods used in our programs may include:

Medication management: The implementation of certain medications may be used in the treatment of self-harming behaviors if the behavior itself is symptomatic of a mental health disorder. All patients meet with a psychiatrist daily and see a doctor regularly in order to ensure the effectiveness of any medication that is prescribed and to make any changes that may be necessary.

Group therapy: Group therapy plays a major role in the treatment process here at StoneCrest. Multiple groups are held on a daily basis and cover topics such as social skills, goal-setting, support systems, anger management, and educational meetings.

Family therapy: At StoneCrest, we believe that family involvement is crucial in helping our patients be successful in the treatment process. In addition to ensuring that family members are an active part of the therapeutic process, we also educate our patients’ families in order to help them understand what their loved ones are experiencing and discover ways that will help them cope with emotional difficulties that may arise in the future.

Depending on the specific needs of each patient, additional methods of treatment may be used, including:

• Individual therapy
• Expressive arts
• Sensory room interventions
• Therapeutic recreation

Continuing care and levels of treatment for self-harm

When patients have completed the inpatient program at StoneCrest, they will meet with their social worker who will facilitate discharge planning. Our social workers will coordinate appropriate aftercare support, ensure placement or housing when necessary, and schedule any pertinent follow-up appointments with community agencies.