<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mental health treatment is one of those complicated categories that everyone approaches a little differently.&nbsp; When it comes to boundaries, this is one of the prime situations in which everyone takes a unique approach and it can mean a difference in how treatment is received as well as how effective each patient will find it.</p> <p><strong>What boundaries exist in mental health?</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are several different types of boundaries in mental health.&nbsp; The most important ones that directly impact a patient&rsquo;s health and outlook include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Between specialist and patient:</strong> A patient needs to understand where the boundaries are between them and their specialist.&nbsp; What can they talk about, and what can they not?&nbsp; How can the specialist help them, and how can they not?&nbsp; This helps them know what to bring to their attention, and what to expect in return.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Between specialist and team members:</strong> A patient needs to understand the boundaries that are in place between their specialist and team members.&nbsp; They should know what they discuss with coworkers and team members, and what is private.&nbsp; They also should know what boundaries are in place when it comes to asking for advice for consultation, etc.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Between specialists and those close to patients:</strong> Lastly, patients need to know that their privacy is held even when specialists are in contact with people who are close to the patient.&nbsp; They need to trust that boundaries in place and know that they are being upheld even if they are pushed.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Why are boundaries important?</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When it comes to enforcing boundaries, understanding their importance in the trade helps make them priorities.&nbsp; Some of the biggest reasons to have these, and more, boundaries in place include that:</p> <ul> <li><strong>They promote safety: </strong>Patients feel safe in confiding things that they need to or want to to their specialists, knowing where those boundaries are going to protect them.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>They promote trust:</strong> A patient who understands where the boundaries are is going to have an easier time trusting their specialist, including trusting a professional&rsquo;s advice or feedback.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>They promote professionalism:</strong> Specialists who firmly put up boundaries that are logical and clearly communicated are going to be much more professional than those who do not.&nbsp; It shows that they understand the need for them as well as clear communication on where they are for the better understanding and the patient.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Boundaries are essential</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While it often does not get the same focus that a lot of topics do in mental health, you will find that it does play a huge role in making sure that mental health needs are properly cared-for.&nbsp; This implies that, in modern-day practices, boundaries and where they extend or fall short, is an important topic of conversation to have.&nbsp; This is especially so between specialist and patient.&nbsp; This is what determines how much a patient is able to improve their overall quality of life.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; More prominent in some places than in others, the world of mental health treatment and support has some distance to go in order for each patient to achieve full trust and treatment long term.</p> <p><strong>Sources</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15332985.2015.1137258">https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15332985.2015.1137258</a></li> </ul>