What does "behavioral health" encompass?

Behavioral health encompasses mental and emotional well-being, which includes the ways individuals think, feel, and behave in relation to their mental health. It addresses a broad spectrum of conditions and illnesses, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and stress-related issues, as well as the behavioral components of mental health, which might include coping strategies and lifestyle choices that impact overall mental wellness.

This term also covers how environmental, social, and psychological factors influence behaviors that could lead to mental health challenges or improvements. Focusing solely on mental and emotional well-being allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how various aspects of an individual's life can affect their mental health, promoting the importance of holistic care.

In contrast, other options focus more narrowly: physical health monitoring pertains specifically to bodily health outcomes; treating addictions, while important, is just one area within behavioral health; and dietary health-related behaviors represent only the nutritional aspects of an individual's health, missing the broader mental and emotional scope captured by behavioral health.