Psychiatry was born as a branch of medical specialty, more specifically, Neurology. So, initially, those who were interested in that field, realized that not everything was solely explainable by neurology. including emotions and behavior.
Consequently, addressing the issue of mental health is complex and needs to be approached by a combination of medical, psychological and social components.
Genetic and environment interface in a complex manner that an individual’s personal and emotional resources and experience may not be sufficient to face the major changes in life.
Everyone is unique. What can be normal for one individual may be experienced as a distress or crisis for someone else. For example, a child may be considered as disruptive in one environment but not in another. A person can experience trauma for something that would not have the same meaning for someone else. Example, a person may function adequately in a structured environment, a military system for example, but experience significant adjustment transitioning to the civilian world. Another example may be a child raised in a rural area may not display the same problematic behavior than it could be assessed with raised in a high-density population.
Based on that approach, HMHA has promoted a combination of services under the same roof delivered by a variety of professionals with medical, psychological, and social expertise including reaching out to the community.
That is why HMHA has been very cautious in adapting and customizing its approach to each person and situation. For example, medication, often being promoted as a “quick fix” is very far from being the only answer and promoted by social pressure.
The mission of HMHA is to consider and treat each person according to his or her individual needs even reaching out into the community, when needed.