Behavioral health concerns, such as mental health and substance use disorders, can cause emotional and psychological distress. These tend to be individualistic in the sense of personal experiences and the treatments that can help you heal and move forward. For some, complementary approaches, including animal-assisted therapy can make a world of difference in treatment outcomes.
Individuals who find themselves struggling with mental health concerns are encouraged to contact the Harmony Health Group by dialing (866) 461-4474 and inquiring about our treatment options. We are proud to offer an assortment of treatment programs, each of which is designed to have unique adjustments to respect your experiences, thoughts, and feelings. We believe that the right treatment in the right location, with the right people, can help you progress in leaps and bounds when it comes to your mental health. Give us a call to learn about what makes our East Coast treatment facilities stand out against the rest!
What is an Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Treatment Program?
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a unique therapy option that can incorporate various animals, including horses, dogs, cats, and birds, into your mental health treatment program. This customizable therapy option varies based on the mental health concern, individual characteristics, and the participating animal. Animal-assisted therapy can enhance traditional therapeutic approaches.
AAT can be used with individuals who are experiencing a range of mental health concerns, mood disorders, ADHD, substance use disorders, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, emotional and behavioral concerns in children, and some medical conditions. AAT is grounded in the basic principles of the connection that we, as humans, have with animals. Many individuals find that having an animal included in therapy sessions allows them to manage distress while remaining calm and comfortable. Additionally, animals can help refute feelings of loneliness and isolation. Potential outcomes of AAT include increasing self-worth, improving communication, developing self-regulation skills, emotional stabilization, and learning appropriate social skills.
What is Considered Animal-Assisted Intervention?
Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) occur when a client and a therapist include animals in a specific way that helps clients work towards, and achieve their identified treatment goals. The key difference between animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted intervention is that AAI is led by specialized and trained professionals who guide therapeutic interventions.
An example of an AAI that you may come across in a mental health treatment facility includes equine therapy with horses or canine-assisted activities including dogs. These interventions can be helpful for individuals who are experiencing various physical, emotional, social, and cognitive challenges. These interventions can be used with individuals of various ages and backgrounds, making it an effective addition to traditional therapeutic programming.
AAT Related Statistics in the United States
What Are The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs?
Animal-assisted psychotherapy offers a wide range of benefits for those experiencing physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. These programs have obtained the needed animal-assisted therapy certifications and hone in on the unique bond between humans and animals to promote healing and provide comfort. The advantages of AAT include several areas of health and well-being. While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some key benefits:
Help with Mental Health Disorders
Assist with Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Support Social and Emotional Development
Assist with Rehabilitation and Recovery
Improving Mood
Support Enhanced Therapy Sessions
Improve Educational Settings
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Animal-Assisted Therapy Program Near Me
The Harmony Health Group is an accredited treatment provider nestled in many states on the East Coast. To learn about our renowned commitment to providing evidence-based behavioral health treatment programs, including supporting your use of therapy with animals, we encourage you to dial (866) 462-4474 today!
Harmony Health Group Therapy Centers in Florida (FL) that May Offer AAT
Harmony Health Group Therapy Centers in Massachusetts (MA) that May offer AAT
Harmony Health Group Therapy Centers in North Carolina (NC) that May Offer AAT
Harmony Health Group Therapy Centers in New Jersey (NJ) that May Offer AAT
Harmony Health Group Therapy Centers in Tennessee (TN) that May Offer AAT
How to Find Alternative Animal-Assisted Therapy Near Me
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Does Commercial Health Insurance Cover Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Animal-assisted therapy insurance coverage often varies and is dependent on the details of your insurance plan. AAT is not a universally covered treatment option, which may or may not include your insurance provider. Some insurance plans offer partial coverage as a part of a broader therapeutic program, but it is not commonly listed as a standard covered service.
Coverage can sometimes be found under broader categories of mental health services or physical therapy, but this is not guaranteed and typically requires detailed documentation and justification from a healthcare provider. Additionally, insurance plans may require prior authorization or specific documentation supporting the medical necessity for this therapy approach. We understand that this can be a lot of information to digest, which is why we encourage you to complete our online insurance verification form so that we can do the leg work needed to better understand your coverage options. Dial (866) 461-4474 to begin your verification process over the phone today!
How Much Does AAT Cost Without Health Insurance Support?
The cost of animal-assisted therapy varies significantly based on the level of care being provided, and the way that AAT is incorporated into therapy sessions. For example, therapy dog services may be more affordable than equine therapy due to the cost of care for the animals.
Additionally, your therapist’s qualifications, training, and expertise will also affect the price of care.
Another detail to be mindful of is that inpatient treatment programs may have incorporated the cost of AAT into their overall program cost, whereas you may pay per session with outpatient treatment providers. The cost of sessions can range between $100 to $300, depending on the care provided and the animal included.
What Are Common Types of Animal-Assisted Therapies for Mental Health?
You may find yourself wondering how animal-assisted therapy works, and we’re here to explain that AAT can include various therapeutic interventions that can be used to improve your mental health and well-being. Examples of common types of AAT include, but are not limited to:
Dog/Canine-Assisted Therapy
AAA: Animal-Assisted Activities
AAE: Animal-Assisted Education
Horse/Equine-Assisted Therapy
Cat/Feline-Assisted Therapy
Individual Counseling Sessions With Animals
Group Therapy Sessions With Animals
What Types of Therapy Animals Will Assist With Mental Health?
There are several different therapy animals that mental health professionals can work with to provide clients with a unique experience, focusing on their mental health needs. Animals can bring an added layer of companionship and acceptance to sessions, reducing stress and promoting engagement in sessions. Examples of animals that are commonly included in therapy settings include:
Dogs / Canines
Cats / Felines
Horses / Equines
Rabbits/Birds/Fish
Who is Best Suited to Take Advantage of AAT?
Animal-assisted therapy is a versatile and effective therapeutic approach that can benefit a wide range of individuals with mental health concerns. This therapy focuses on the positive interactions between humans and animals to enhance therapeutic experiences for various physical, emotional, and psychological needs. The following groups of people are particularly well-suited to take advantage of AAT:
- Individuals with Mental Health Disorders: People with mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder often benefit from AAT. Having animals in session can provide comfort, reduce feelings of loneliness, and help regulate emotions.
- People Seeking Stress Relief or Emotional Support: AAT can be used for general stress relief and emotional support. This can be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing high levels of stress due to work, personal issues, or life transitions. Activities that may be used include petting, playing, or simply being around animals.
- Individuals in Educational Settings: AAT can be used in educational settings to support students with learning disabilities, behavioral issues, or social challenges, by creating a positive and motivating environment for learning.
- Children and Adolescents: Children and adolescents who are experiencing emotional or behavioral issues can benefit from the AAT. Animals can help children develop empathy, responsibility, and social skills. They can also provide comfort and support to children who are struggling with trauma, family issues, or social anxiety.
- Patients in Hospitals and Long-Term Care Facilities: AAT can be impactful for individuals who are experiencing isolation, anxiety, and depression in hospital and long-term care facilities. Therapy animals can provide much-needed companionship and emotional support, in addition to lowering levels of pain, anxiety, and depression.
- Individuals with Physical Disabilities or Mobility Issues: Individuals who are experiencing mobility concerns or physical disabilities may find that animals provide encouragement and motivation for exercise and other physical activities. This can improve the quality of life for individuals with restricted physical capabilities.
- Older Adults and the Elderly: Older adults and the elderly may find themselves struggling with loneliness and isolation. AAT can provide an opportunity for adults to connect with something outside themselves and have social interactions. This can help reduce feelings of depression that stem from loneliness.
- Individuals Recovering from Trauma or Abuse: Individuals with a history of trauma or abuse may find that the connection, safety, and unconditional love from animals is a corrective relationship that helps them build trust and improve emotional regulation.
- Veterans and Military Personnel: Veterans and military personnel are often at a higher risk for mental health concerns including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Therapy animals can help veterans experiencing these challenges by providing support, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard.
- Families and Couples: AAT animals can help improve communication, reduce stress, and strengthen bonds between family members or partners. In family therapy settings, animals can serve as neutral parties that help facilitate interactions and create a more relaxed environment.
Harmony offers a multitude of locations up and down the East Coast for behavioral health services. Call us to learn about our facilities and treatment options.
What is the Animal Assisted Therapy Admissions Process?
The initial step in the admissions process for animal-assisted therapy is to have a consultation or assessment that allows you and the mental health provider to determine if their AAT approach would be a good fit for you and your mental health goals. This often includes exploring your previous mental health experiences, current symptoms, and level of impairment.
Your insurance will be verified to learn more about your coverage options as it pertains to AAT If your program is a good fit, your therapist will set expectations, and discuss your specific treatment schedule. Your clinician may include a trial session where you can have an opportunity to engage in a session to determine if it feels right for you. We understand that the admission process for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs can be overwhelming, which is why the Harmony Health Group manages multiple mental health treatment programs and behavioral services on the East Coast and is here to offer support and guidance during each step of the admission process.
If you have questions about available behavioral health treatment options near you, we invite you to dial (866) 461-4474 and speak with an Admissions Counselor today!
Statistics and Information on AAT Treatment in the US
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