Self-Harm Treatment Center Serving El Paso, Texas

Treatment for self-harm at Rio Vista Behavioral Health in El Paso, TX 

Self-harm can refer to a variety of behaviors that involve the intentional infliction of damage on one’s own body. Common forms of self-harm include cutting, pinching, or burning your own skin; pulling out your own hair; hitting your head on a wall or other hard surface; drinking poisonous, caustic, or otherwise dangerous liquids; and trying to break your own bones. 

In some cases, self-harm is a symptom of a mental or behavioral health disorder. In other cases, self-harm results from a misguided effort to deal with stress or exert control. In any case, self-harm is a dangerous behavior that can cause significant immediate and long-term harm. 

At Rio Vista Behavioral Health, we understand the devastating impact that self-harm can have on virtually all aspects of your life. We also appreciate the complex nature of this challenge, and the importance of providing comprehensive, personalized treatment to address self-harm. 

Adolescents and adults who heal at our center in El Paso, Texas, receive focused care to help them overcome the urge to harm themselves. Our self-harm treatment services also address any mental health conditions that may have contributed to, or been impacted by, your struggles with self-harm.

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

If you’ve discovered that someone you care about has been engaging in self-harm, you may be experiencing a range of conflicting emotions. You of course are worried about your loved one’s well-being, but you may also be confused, frustrated, or even angry.  

It’s important for you to know that these are all valid and understandable reactions. You shouldn’t feel ashamed or guilty for having any of these emotions. However, it’s just as important for you to realize that the situation is not hopeless, and you are not helpless. Your loved one needs professional treatment for self-harm, and you can play an important role in seeing that they get that care. Please consider the following: 

• Your first concern should be ensuring that your loved one is safe. Self-harm is not a suicidal behavior, but it obviously puts your loved one in danger. If you fear that your friend or family member may be in immediate jeopardy, call 911 or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.  
• Educate yourself about self-harm. Visit trustworthy websites or contact mental health advocacy organizations. The more you learn about the possible causes and potential effects of self-harm, the better you’ll understand what your loved one is experiencing. This knowledge will empower you to be the best possible source of support. 
• Investigate treatment options and identify self-harm treatment centers in your area. When you’re evaluating treatment centers for self-harm, focus on finding the ones that seem to be the best fit for your loved one. There’s no such thing as one perfect program. What’s most important is finding the program that provides the type and level of care that best matches your loved one’s needs and goals. 
• Talk to your loved one. Express your concern and emphasize your love and support. Share the information that you’ve gathered about self-harm treatment options. Most importantly, listen to what your loved one has to say. They can provide you with insights that you cannot get anywhere else. And their willingness or hesitance to enter treatment will inform your next steps. 
• If your loved one acknowledges the problem and expresses a desire to get professional treatment for self-harm, then do whatever you can to support this decision. Volunteer to schedule appointments, provide transportation, arrange for childcare, and otherwise eliminate obstacles.  
• If your loved one isn’t sure about getting treatment for self-harm, don’t issue any ultimatums or attempt to force the issue. Keep the lines of communication open. You may want to contact one or more of the self-harm treatment centers in your area. They can provide insights about how to respond to a person who is resistant to the idea of getting help. 

If at all possible, don’t try to accomplish this all on your own. Get help from a small group of friends or family members. If you’re struggling to effectively deal with the stress of the situation, consider seeing a counselor or therapist. You can’t be the best source of support for others if you’re neglecting your own physical or emotional needs. 

Also, remember that self-harm is a complex challenge. Treatment can be a vital first step, but it’s just one step. Your loved one will need your continued support for months and years to come. Set reasonable goals, manage your expectations, and prepare to be a positive presence every step of the way.

Why consider getting self-harm treatment at Rio Vista Behavioral Health in El Paso, TX

Untreated self-harm can have a profound negative impact on your physical, emotional, and social well-being. The cumulative impact of this sustained damage can significantly undermine your ability to fully engage in a healthy, productive, and satisfying lifestyle. 

In addition to the immediate physical damage that directly results from self-harming behaviors, you may also be in danger of infections and other repercussions. Also, the desire to hide evidence of your self-harming behaviors may make you less likely to see a doctor for any medical conditions that you experience, which can further endanger your health.  

If your self-harm is symptomatic of a mental health disorder, failing to get treatment for self-harm can lead to the onset or worsening of additional symptoms. Even if the self-harm is not related to a mental health disorder, the shame, guilt, and self-hatred that often accompany these behaviors can still have a detrimental effect on your emotional well-being.  

Your need to keep your self-harm a secret can cause you to withdraw or become isolated from friends and family members, denying you access to your personal support network at a time when you most need their help. 

The combined physical and emotional impact of untreated self-harm can make it more difficult for you to perform to your full potential in school or at work. This, in turn, can lead to academic failure, job loss, and unemployment. These setbacks can push you deeper into a sense of frustration or despair, which can fuel further self-harm. 

But you can escape the downward spiral of self-harm. When you get effective professional treatment at a center such as Rio Vista Behavioral Health, you can overcome the urge to harm yourself. At our treatment center in El Paso, Texas, you can address the issues that have been causing you to engage in self-harm. With our help, you can develop the skills and strategies that will help you live a healthier and more satisfying life.

Learn about the therapies used in the treatment of self-harm at Rio Vista Behavioral Health in El Paso, TX

Located on the west side of El Paso, Texas, Rio Vista Behavioral Health is an inpatient psychiatric hospital that specializes in providing treatment for individuals age 11 and older who are suffering from self-harm or other types of mental health concerns.  

Our new state-of-the-art hospital offers a fresh, comfortable therapeutic environment that places an emphasis on patient safety. All of the units in our self-harm treatment center have access to fully landscaped outdoor courtyards that offer breathtaking views of the Franklin Mountains. We also have a large gymnasium and numerous activity areas that allow for therapeutic recreation and a break from the traditional forms of talk therapy.  

At our self-harm treatment center, we believe in the importance of patient-centered care. We tailor each individual’s treatment plan to meet their specific needs in a way that works best for them. We believe that recovery is not only possible, but expected. The staff members at our self-harm treatment center in El Paso, Texas, take pride in delivering the highest quality of care in the region. Through comprehensive treatment and support, each patient discovers their strengths and resiliency and leaves our self-harm treatment center equipped with the skills they need to be successful on their journey to complete recovery. 

Our self-harm treatment center is divided into four coed units, each of which offers tailored care for a specified population. These units include a general adult unit and a psychiatric intensive care unit for patients age 18 and older, an adolescent unit for patients ages 11-17, and a specialty unit for geriatric patients and patients with coexisting medical conditions. Please note that there is not an established age range for the specialty unit. Instead, we determine admission into this unit based on the diagnosis and the capabilities of the patient. 

At our self-harm treatment center, patients have access to the following interventions and services, depending on their needs: 

Medical care: For patients who are suffering from coexisting medical conditions, our self-harm treatment center offers basic medical care. The services we provide include continuation of medications for chronic illnesses, insulin and glucose monitoring for patients with diabetes, and minor wound care. We do not provide medical equipment, but if a patient has a CPAP machine, they may bring it with them and use it during their time in treatment. We do not offer IV or oxygen therapy, nor do we provide care for indwelling catheters or wound vacs. Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and certified nursing assistants provide all of our medical services. 

Medication management services: Patients meet with a psychiatrist within 24 hours of admission into our self-harm treatment center. Patients who are on medication or will be starting on medication meet with the psychiatrist daily throughout their stay. Psychiatrist visits are also available on an as-needed basis at our self-harm treatment center. 

Group therapy: Group therapy is at the core of the care we provide at our self-harm treatment center. Licensed clinical social workers and therapists lead group therapy sessions, where patients can learn about mental health concerns, including self-harm, and discover ways to cope with and manage their symptoms. Group sessions also give patients the opportunity to connect with others who may be experiencing similar circumstances. Patients participate in five to six structured groups per day, seven days a week. These groups include discussions on things such as mindfulness, coping with grief/loss, and healing from the effects of trauma. 

Individual therapy: At our self-harm treatment center, licensed clinical social workers and therapists provide individual therapy sessions for patients when needed. These sessions offer a safe, confidential space in which patients can discuss any concerns they have or issues they are struggling with that they may not feel comfortable sharing in a group setting. 

Family therapy: We also offer family therapy on an as-needed basis at our self-harm treatment center. Licensed clinical therapists and social workers run these sessions, which give family members the opportunity to learn more about ways they can help their loved one both during and after their time in treatment for self-harm. These sessions can also serve to unify families and strengthen their bonds with one another.   

Evidence-based treatment modalities: In order to ensure that patients at our self-harm treatment center receive innovative, holistic care, we use an integrated approach that offers a broader spectrum of therapeutic interventions that have proven to lead to more successful treatment outcomes. Examples of the evidence-based treatment modalities we use at our self-harm treatment center include the following: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy 
• Art therapy 
• Recreational therapy 

Continuing care options for self-harm treatment

Inpatient care at our self-harm treatment center is only the first step in achieving long-term healing. For this reason, we arm our patients with the tools and skills they need to be successful after they leave our inpatient hospital. Discharge planning begins at the time of admission, and our staff adjusts those plans appropriately based on the patient’s progress during treatment. 

When a patient is preparing for discharge, we provide them with referrals for continuing care with outpatient providers. If a patient would benefit from a progressive step-down plan, we may refer them to a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or an intensive outpatient program (IOP). All continuing care decisions are made in discussion with the patient, ensuring that we take into account what they want their ongoing support to look like. 

If you believe that you or a loved one could benefit from the care we offer at our self-harm treatment center, please contact us at your earliest convenience.