Pet Therapy at Banyan Treatment Centers
Pets have been part of our households for centuries, staying by our side through it all. There are many noted benefits of having pets in the home, including improvement in mental health. In fact, 74% of pet owners report mental health improvements from having a pet in the home1. We know that pets make wonderful companions and bring mental health benefits, which is why pet therapy programs for addiction treatment are growing in popularity. Our nationwide drug and alcohol detox programs and treatment facilities incorporate many therapies, with some locations offering pet therapy for addiction treatment.
What Is Pet Therapy?
Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, is a therapeutic approach where patients interact with pets such as cats, dogs, or even horses in a controlled setting. Patients usually pet the animals, they might play with the animals, or simply spend time in a room or space where animals are present. In equine-assisted treatment, a subset of animal-assisted therapy, patients spend time caring for horses.
Contact our drug and alcohol treatment professionals to learn more about our pet therapy programs for addiction and mental health treatment.
Pet Therapy Benefits
Whether interacting with pet therapy dogs or other animals, there are numerous benefits to seeking pet therapy for addiction treatment.
By participating in pet therapy programs, patients can enjoy benefits such as:
- Reduced anxiety
- Better control of emotions
- Improved emotional comfort
- Lessening feelings of isolation or loneliness
The above benefits show how pets are able to respond to humans in healing ways, especially with nonverbal support to subtle emotional cues2. Pet therapy can also help those struggling with mental health disorders improve their social skills, making it easier to socialize with others3.
Pet therapy can help treat:
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- Social anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Alcoholism
- Addiction
- Anxiety
In a drug addiction treatment center setting, pet therapy benefits include better overall mental health through support and companionship. We often offer pet therapy in conjunction with other programs at our mental health treatment facility, such as group or individual therapy. Pet therapy is one component of successful drug treatment.
Finding Pet Therapy Programs
There are numerous pet therapy programs available, but for treating substance use, it’s important to find a program that specifically addresses the challenges of addiction. At Banyan Treatment Centers, we offer personalized pet therapy programs for addiction, helping patients heal and work towards sobriety.
Contact our team to learn more about pet therapy and our additional approaches to drug and alcohol treatment.
Not all programs available at all locations. Please contact the location for availability.
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Most Insurance Plans Accepted
At Banyan Treatment Center our goal is to make sure that anyone who needs treatment from drug and alcohol addiction are able to get the help needed to assist them on the road to recovery. If you don't have insurance contact us to inquire about alternate methods regarding treatment for yourself or a loved one.
