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Behavioral Health Glossary

113 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

Psychoeducation

Intermediate Technical IVT

A structured, evidence-based intervention providing patients and their families with information about a mental health or substance use condition, its treatment, and strategies for managing symptoms.

Showing 49–72 of 113

IOP

Intermediate Technical IVT

Structured outpatient treatment program requiring multiple sessions per week for substance use or mental health disorder...

Technical Term Full entry →

lability

Intermediate Technical IVT

Rapid, unpredictable changes in emotional expression or mood, often observed as a symptom of various psychiatric and neu...

Technical Term Full entry →

least restrictive environment

Intermediate Formal IVT

Treatment principle requiring that patients receive care in the setting that provides necessary support while maximizing...

Treatment Principle Full entry →

Level of Care

Basic Semi-formal IVT

The intensity and type of behavioral health services clinically appropriate for a patient at a given point in time, typi...

Technical Term Full entry →

LOC assessment

Professional Technical IVT

Level of Care assessment determining appropriate treatment intensity based on clinical criteria and patient needs.

Assessment Process Full entry →

LOCUS

Professional Technical IVT

Assessment tool used to determine appropriate level of care for mental health treatment based on clinical variables.

Technical Term Full entry →

LPHA

Intermediate Technical IVT

Licensed Professional in the Healing Arts, a credentialing designation for qualified mental health practitioners.

Professional Designation Full entry →

MAT

Professional Technical IVT

Evidence-based treatment approach combining FDA-approved medications with counseling for substance use disorders.

Technical Term Full entry →

Medical Necessity

Intermediate Formal IVT

The criterion used by payers and clinical reviewers to determine whether a behavioral health service is appropriate, rea...

Legal Term Full entry →

medication reconciliation

Professional Formal IVT

Systematic process of verifying patient medications at care transitions to prevent errors and ensure therapeutic continu...

Patient Safety Process Full entry →

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Intermediate Semi-formal IVT

The use of FDA-approved medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to treat substance use dis...

Abbreviation Full entry →

mental health hold

Professional Formal IVT

Temporary involuntary detention for psychiatric evaluation when an individual poses imminent risk, typically lasting 72...

Legal Procedure Full entry →

mental status examination

Intermediate Technical IVT

A systematic assessment of a patient's psychological functioning, including appearance, behavior, cognition, and mood at...

Technical Term Full entry →

milieu therapy

Intermediate Technical IVT

Therapeutic approach using the treatment environment itself as a tool for healing and behavior change.

Technical Term Full entry →

MMSE

Intermediate Technical IVT

Mini-Mental State Examination, a widely used cognitive screening tool for assessing cognitive impairment and monitoring...

Technical Term Full entry →

motivational interviewing

Intermediate Technical IVT

A collaborative counseling approach designed to strengthen a person's motivation and commitment to change.

MI
Technical Term Full entry →

MOUD

Intermediate Technical IVT

Medication for Opioid Use Disorder, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone treatments.

Treatment Approach Full entry →

Negative Symptom

Intermediate Technical IVT

A symptom reflecting diminished or absent normal functions—such as flat affect, alogia, or avolition—typically associate...

Technical Term Full entry →

NOMS

Professional Technical IVT

Standardized data collection system tracking behavioral health treatment outcomes across multiple domains.

Technical Term Full entry →

PACT

Professional Technical IVT

Program of Assertive Community Treatment providing intensive, team-based services for individuals with severe mental ill...

Service Model Full entry →

PANSS

Advanced Technical IVT

The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale; a standardized 30-item rating instrument used to measure symptom severity in i...

Abbreviation Full entry →

peer support specialist

Intermediate Technical IVT

A mental health professional with lived experience of mental illness or substance use who provides support based on shar...

Technical Term Full entry →

person-first language

Intermediate Formal IVT

A writing convention that emphasizes the individual before their condition or diagnosis in clinical and professional doc...

Style Convention Full entry →

PHP

Intermediate Technical IVT

Day treatment program providing intensive mental health services while patients return home each evening.

Technical Term Full entry →
Showing 49–72 of 113

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