Understanding the Difference: Behavioral Health, Mental Health, Addiction Services & Psychotherapy

What Is Behavioral Health?

Behavioral health is an umbrella term that includes both mental health conditions and behaviors that impact physical and emotional well-being. This field addresses how daily habits, stress, relationships, and substance use affect overall health.

Behavioral health services may include:

• Treatment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other conditions
• Addiction and substance use treatment
• Stress and anger management
• Coping skills development
• Lifestyle and habit change support

At DeNova, we offer comprehensive behavioral health care in both Lexington and Richmond to help you or your loved one take control of life’s challenges.

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health focuses specifically on emotional and psychological functioning. Mental health care often involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like:

• Major depressive disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Our mental health professionals in Lexington and Richmond provide:

• Psychiatric evaluations
• Personalized medication management
• Individual and group therapy
• Ongoing mental health support

What Are Addiction Services?

Addiction services are focused on diagnosing, treating, and supporting recovery, primarily from substance use disorders. Substance abuse is often linked with other mental health challenges, which is why DeNova uses a dual-diagnosis, integrated approach.

We help individuals overcome dependence on:

• Alcohol
• Opioids
• Stimulants (e.g., methamphetamine, cocaine)
• Prescription drugs
• Other substances

Our addiction treatment services in Central Kentucky include:

• Individual and group counseling
• Relapse prevention therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Harm reduction strategies
• Support for families and loved ones

What Is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a core part of both mental and behavioral health treatment. It provides a safe, structured space to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with a licensed therapist.

Types of therapy offered at DeNova include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Trauma-informed therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
• Group therapy
• Family and relationship counseling
• Supportive psychotherapy

Psychotherapy may be offered on its own or combined with psychiatric care and addiction services for a more complete treatment plan.

DeNova: Complete Behavioral & Mental Health Care in Lexington and Richmond, KY

At DeNova, we offer comprehensive behavioral health, psychiatric care, addiction treatment, and psychotherapy — all in one place. While these services are distinct, they often overlap—and that’s why DeNova offers all of them under one roof. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance use, or trauma, our experienced team works collaboratively to support your goals.

We serve individuals and families in:

• Lexington, KY
• Richmond, KY
• Frankfort, KY
• Winchester, KY
• Surrounding Central Kentucky communities

Need help now?
Contact DeNova Behavioral Health today to schedule an appointment in Lexington or Richmond, KY. Let us guide you toward healing with expert, compassionate care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between behavioral health and mental health?
Behavioral health includes mental health, but it also focuses on behaviors like substance use and lifestyle habits. Mental health care focuses more narrowly on emotional and psychological conditions.

Does DeNova offer psychiatric care?
Yes. We provide psychiatric evaluations and ongoing medication management for conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

Can I receive addiction treatment without therapy?
We believe in treating the whole person. While we offer medication-assisted treatment, we strongly recommend therapy as part of a long-term recovery plan.

Is group therapy available at DeNova?
Yes. Group therapy is available in both Lexington and Richmond and can be helpful for support, skill-building, and recovery from addiction or mental illness.

How do I know which service I need?
Start with an initial consultation. Our experienced team will work with you to create a care plan that fits your unique needs—whether that includes psychotherapy, psychiatric services, addiction care, or a combination.