Even before the pandemic, mental health services in the United States were approaching capacity. A brief prepared by the Department of Health and Human Services in March 2020 concurred. The report exa...
It’s well known by now that many young children and teens have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation reached such a critical juncture, that the American Academy of Pediatrics declare...
It’s undeniable that the COVID-19 pandemic and other social justice issues have had a significant effect on the lives of children and adolescents. From the recent revelations that the pandemic erase...
On July 16th, 2022, the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was implemented. The 988 shortcut was designed to ensure easier access for a...
Medical professionals and public health officials across the United States are expressing concern about the growing rise of youth behavioral health visits in our nation’s hospitals. While alarming, ...
Mental health clinicians are more familiar than most with the toll trauma can take on physical and behavioral health. Trauma can happen to anyone, regardless of their upbringing, family background, or...
A popular Staples commercial from 1996 reverently termed the few weeks between late August and early September – also known as Back to School season – as “the most wonderful time of the year.”...
Many factors have contributed to the ongoing hiring issues we’ve been reading about in the news. In 2021, a record number of people voluntarily left their jobs in a movement referred to as the G...
The Trevor Project is one of this nation’s foremost non-profit organizations focusing on the mental health of the LGBTQ community. Since 1998, The Trevor Project has sought to help LGBTQ individuals...
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced that one in 14 Americans report having a substance use disorder. Compounding this incidence rate is the reluctance to seek treatment based on the s...
While the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the discussion around mental health awareness, the conversation is especially nuanced when it comes to communities of color. For this very reason, our focus...
Communities across the country are severely underserved when it comes to accessing mental health services. There is such a significant need for mental health and substance use treatment, yet access re...
The month of July is set aside to observe Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This year, it feels more important than ever to shine a light on the diverse needs of thi...
The pandemic especially impacted the lives of our healthcare workers, who were expected to go out when everyone else was expected to stay inside and socially and physically distance themselves from th...
Starting July 16th, 2022, people of all ages will have access to a new dialing code designed to support their mental health. The new 988 code has been created to connect those in crisis to trained cou...
For many children and young people, summer is one of the most anticipated times of the year. School is out and schedules are much more free and open. However, this unstructured time isn’t always eas...
Throughout the month of June, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies celebrate Pride Month. While many use the month to celebrate freedoms, build awareness, and encouraging diversity, it is importa...
For those outside of the military, Memorial Day is oftentimes referred to as the “unofficial start to summer.” The holiday weekend conjures up visions of barbeques, beach trips, and time off with ...
It’s no surprise that pediatric mental health issues have skyrocketed to unrivaled levels as children have been forced to navigate the challenges that have come with the last two years of the COVID-...
May 15-21 is National EMS Week. This annual celebration was first instituted in 1974 by President Gerald Ford to honor the hard work and sacrifice that paramedics, EMTs and the entire EMS workforce of...
This year, Mental Health Awareness Month feels especially timely, as scientific publications and news pieces continue to chronicle the ongoing mental health crisis in America. COVID, and its impact ac...
Each May, we celebrate National Children’s Mental Health Week to underscore the importance of nurturing positive mental health among our nation’s youth. This year, from May 1st-7th, the awareness ...
On March 28th, the Biden-Harris Administration submitted its presidential budget proposal for the 2023 fiscal year. While this action is just the first step in the lengthy budgetary process, it offers...
In October 2020, a ground-breaking study was published online that sought to address the long-term effects of severe black box warnings on antidepressants. These warnings are familiar to anyone who ha...
April is Autism Acceptance Month (AAM), a month-long celebration devoted to raising advocacy for and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This year marks the 50th anniversary of AAM, which was...
Experts fear a “second pandemic” is sweeping the nation as the urgent need for mental health counseling continues to exponentially grow. COVID-19 created a sense of general uncertainty, spurred ma...
Bodybuilding has long captivated audiences. Once upon a time, star ironmen like Arnold Schwartzenegger were admired, but not often imitated. One would have to visit a Gold’s Gym or similar spot to f...
Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve been hearing about the devastating impact that COVID-19 has had on our collective mental health. This crisis has become so dire that in his first State of ...
We spend roughly one-third of our lives asleep – and for good reason. Quality sleep is integral to feeling – and functioning – well across our waking hours. During sleep, we relax and recover wh...
It is no surprise that children and youth mental health has suffered greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic. With schools forced to switch back and forth between remote learning and in-class education, ...
Every year, National Eating Disorder Awareness Week casts a much-needed light on the daily realities of eating disorders and the relationship we have with food and personal body image. While an estima...
With events like the Winter Olympics and Superbowl LVI recently taking place, it’s no surprise that many of us are fixated on sports more than usual. These marquee events highlighted impressive feat...
Celebrated annually on the third Friday in February, National Caregivers Day offers a chance to honor the most compassionate among us. Today, an estimated 53 million Americans identify as caregivers, ...
With the Winter Olympics underway in Beijing, athletes from around the world are readying themselves to perform at their best. While the opening ceremony, medal counts, and displays of athleticism in ...
The ongoing pandemic has put many of us under considerable strain. Over the last few years, we’ve seen the state of mental health in America continue to deteriorate at alarming rates, with more than...
It’s not an understatement to say that most people have been affected by COVID-19 in some way. It has been a fact of life for almost two years, and even now, many areas of the globe are not equipped...
Healthcare disparities by race and ethnicity impact almost every aspect of seeking and obtaining health care. These discrepancies in physical healthcare are apparent in notable ways, such as in diagno...
The past couple of years of uncertainty, loss, and change have had a profound impact on our nation’s youth. Even prior to the pandemic, rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among adol...
The sparklers were lit, the ball has dropped, and we find ourselves in a brand new year, symbolizing a fresh start full of promise and potential. While some are calling 2022 “2020, two” (a t...
Each New Year comes with promise. It’s the chance to reinvent oneself, transform habits, and leave the past behind. However, studies suggest we are set up for failure before the year even begins. Ps...
During the holidays, it feels like you can’t go anywhere without hearing familiar songs like “Jingle Bell Rock” and “All I Want for Christmas is You,” (seemingly played on repeat) or see...
In 2020, Michelle Obama sat down with Oprah Winfrey and was asked the meaningful question: “What do you appreciate most now about your body today?” Instead of singling out a specific aspect of her...
For many parents, raising kids that have a healthy relationship with social media can be a challenge. Why? Because social media is ubiquitous. 4.48 billion people currently use social media worldwide,...
It’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but is it? Emotions are more intense during the holidays than other times throughout the year, and celebrating with family and friends brings about...
As it turns out, giving thanks is quite good for you. The act of feeling grateful – and actively appreciating these moments in your life – has been proven to improve physical health, boost...
With daylight savings time squarely in the rearview mirror, we’ve moved into that gloomy time of year when the sun sets during early evening, the days are darker and chillier, and we spend more time...
Part Two in a Series On October 19th, 2021, a variety of leading pediatric organizations including the Children’s Hospital Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics declared a national emer...
Part One in a Series More than a year and a half into the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no surprise that Americans continue to struggle with their mental and behavioral health. Within our families a...
Behavioral healthcare providers know there isn’t one definitive solution to treat the mental health needs of their clients. From their very first days on the job, clinicians working in mental and be...
If your behavioral health practice is like most, you have been busier than ever this year. Today’s challenges are manifold: applying and enforcing safety measures, navigating the new world of virtua...
In the early morning of August 30th, the last plane carrying U.S forces left Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan, bringing an official end to America’s longest war. For 20 years, American t...
In the last year and a half, we’ve watched in awe as first responders like doctors, nurses, paramedics, and even coroners and medical examiners have stepped up to the incredible demands put on them ...
Reflecting on Suicide Prevention Awareness Month With Back to School season in full swing, COVID cases of the Delta variant surging, and National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, September flew by ...
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Why is it so important that we create awareness and take action? Because the data is alarming. Every day, approximately 130 Americans die by suicide....
For a variety of reasons, the 2020 Summer Olympics was vastly different from previous Olympic games. First, they were delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing many athletes to train for...
September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month– a time meant to raise awareness and open the dialog around suicide, while advocating for better mental health care. As part of this...
As a provider, therapist, or clinical manager of a busy behavioral health practice, you are proud of the work you accomplish every day. Patients, clients and families alike put their trust in you, and...
Part Six in a Series Within the United States, it’s an undeniable reality that within two decades, older adults will outnumber young children for the first time in our nation’s recorded history. A...
Children across the United States are heading back to school–many for the first time in over a year. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers were seeing more students with emotional trauma, ...
40% of LGBTQ youth have seriously considered suicide in the past year. Over half of transgender and non-binary youth have considered suicide, and 20% have attempted it. The Trevor Project provi...
Part Five in a Series Within the United States, many mental health and criminal justice experts believe that jails and prisons have become our nation’s largest psychiatric facilities. This may...
Every child gets scared or anxious sometimes. It’s normal for kids to be afraid of the dark, shy around new people, or nervous before a big test. It becomes an issue when fear and anxiety cause dist...
Do you like listening to podcasts? Mental Health New Radio has a new podcast series called “The Self-Care Chronicle with Dr. Marsha Brown – Mental Wellness for the Mental Health Professionals” t...
Part Four in a Series An interesting aspect of living in the United States is the incredible variety of religious and cultural traditions practiced by our 328.2 million neighbors. As our country has e...
It’s summer, and many parents are sending their children off to camp for a few weeks of swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, and singing songs by the campfire. The excitement, however, is oftentime...
As a behavioral healthcare provider, you know all too well that running a successful organization involves much more than providing quality care for your clients. The reality is, you cannot provide ef...
Part Three in a Series Within the United States, roughly 5.6% of the population identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community. Despite being a relatively small population within the United States, the...
An unfortunate reality is that many children experience devastating ordeals in their young lives. A close family member commits suicide. Parents get divorced. The child experiences abuse or neglect. T...
What is population-based care and why should it matter if you’re a behavioral healthcare provider? In this podcast, “Understanding Population-Based Care”, you’ll learn about this emerg...
Part Two in a Series When they sign up for active duty, military members know that they’re putting everything on the line to protect their country. But what they can not prepare for is the impact th...
Several years ago I flew to Ghana, Africa on a mission trip. Spending a few days in a third world country jolted me into a completely different way of thinking. It helped me to see the world from a ne...
Children in America face an unprecedented rise in chronic childhood illness, from allergies to autism. The current healthcare system is set up to treat acute diseases, but lacks the capacity for compl...
First in a Series Since the beginning of 2020, we’ve seen the unemployment rate reach a staggering 14.8%. The resulting economic strain hasn’t just affected unemployment – it’s crept across ...
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services have increased significantly. For mental health practitioners, teletherapy has become an essential method for treating patients while keep...
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness–it’s actually a sign of strength and confidence. Yet, so many people are reluctant to reach out for help with their mental health needs because of the...
Have you been feeling burnt out, frustrated, even angry that what you do daily is suddenly feeling like more of a burden than a joy? If you find yourself in a rut, here’s how you keep the passion ig...
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) involves using specific medications to help substance use patients better manage their withdrawal symptoms during recovery. This technique is often used to treat su...
If you want your organization to thrive in the behavioral healthcare market, you must start thinking about value-based care now. As the focus shifts away from traditional fee-for-service (FFS) systems...
COVID restrictions and proximity to care are two reasons why more children with behavioral health needs are seeking telemedicine options for their care. But a virtual visit is very different from an i...
It’s hard to believe we’ve been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for a little over a year now, and we’re all still grappling with what we need to do. Many school districts are still using ...
Making self-care a priority is essential when you work in behavioral healthcare. Day in and day out, you help others navigate challenges in their own lives – which can take a personal toll on you. I...
It’s hard to believe it’s been just over a year since the first COVID-19 cases were discovered in the United States. It’s easy to feel like you’re stuck in some sort of time loop, as schoo...
The Challenge Modern behavioral health practices don’t have room for human errors and oversight in today’s competitive world. Margins are razor thin and guidelines for reimbursements from third pa...
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted much more than the physical health of people who have the virus. It has also impacted the mental health of many people, including those who are dealing with the illn...
Though it may be hard to believe, the first US cases of COVID-19 were discovered a little over a year ago. After massive state-mandated shut downs, almost every state and city is now in some form of r...
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. According to data compiled by Mental Health America (MHA), a nonprofit mental health advocacy organizati...
The 21st Century Cures Act was enacted in 2016 to help take healthcare IT to the next level of interoperability and data sharing. The resulting proposed rules from CMS and ONC are tied closely with te...
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an opportunity to grow behavioral health services in communities across the United States. Now, the behavioral health community must rise to the occasion. It is make ...
The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the massive stratification of our society. In March 2020, the world seemed to shut down overnight, as stay at home orders were issued and businesses of nearly every...
The need for quality behavioral health services has been heightened and highlighted during the COVID pandemic. The value and importance of behavioral health services have become part of the national c...
Addiction does not happen in a vacuum. Every client you see who is dealing with addiction has people in his or her life who are also being impacted by that addiction. The American Society of Addi...
The lives of refugees and immigrants often have unique experiences that can be traumatic for many. Egette Indelele, a child refugee who escaped the Rwandan genocide, founded Safe Haven in order to ass...
Part Two in a Series The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as the ACA, greatly expanded both access and affordability for healthcare. Mental health was also addressed, under ...
The holidays can bring about a wide variety of emotions, but this year has added another layer of stress. With cases still escalating during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are making the tough dec...
PART ONE IN A SERIES The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as the ACA, expanded healthcare access and affordability. A portion of the ACA, known as the Mental Health Parity a...
Many mental healthcare workers start their careers with a clear sense of purpose in their work. There is a level of intrinsic value that comes with working in a profession that is focused on meeting t...
COVID-19 swept the United States in the spring of 2020. Seemingly overnight, businesses shuttered, schools closed, and everyone not deemed an “essential worker” began to shelter at home. While the...
Listen in on an incredible conversation with Hersch Wilson, a 30-year veteran volunteer firefighter/EMT, and author of “Firefighter Zen: A Field Guide to Thriving in Tough Times.” Hersch o...
The new year will be here before you know it. Now is a great time to re-evaluate your RCM strategy. Have you selected the right RCM option for your facility? Are you sure you’re getting paid for all...
Families benefit from the support and structure of their community. Sheltering in place during the coronavirus pandemic has thrown social networks into disarray, and anxiety associated with COVID-19 h...
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, and the numbers have been increasing over the past few decades. Historically, attempts to predict and prevent suicide were based on se...
A Home Within was founded in 1994 with a mission to heal the wounds of complex trauma and loss experienced by many foster youth. Local networks of volunteer clinicians provide individual, open-ended, ...
Part Two in a Series The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as the ACA, was enacted a decade ago. It has expanded access to healthcare, and made it more affordable for tens of mill...
Part One in a Series Enacted in 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded healthcare access and affordability for tens of millions of people in the United States. Part of...
In the behavioral healthcare field, a divide exists between research outcomes and clinical outcomes. A significant factor in this disparity is data-driven treatment. Measures such as symptom rating sc...
Widespread shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic have put Americans with substance use disorder (SUD) at high risk for relapse. Alcohol misuse and drug overdose are on the rise. People with SUD are o...
A whirlwind of events over the past few months has added daily stressors to our lives, making it harder to cope, let alone thrive. A healthy approach to nutrition helps us manage external stressors an...
The COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe in 2020, hitting the United States especially hard beginning in March. Seemingly overnight, massive shutdowns were implemented, upending family schedules as s...
The global coronavirus pandemic has had world-wide mental health repercussions. Long-term stress has exacerbated existing behavioral health conditions, and social isolation has increased feelings of l...
Rural, isolated regions have historically lacked resources and infrastructure to adequately address the behavioral healthcare needs of its population. People living in remote areas have limited access...
COVID-19 changed everything we thought we knew about how to run our day to day lives, including the way we work. If you’re a behavioral health therapist who was suddenly thrust into the world of...
If you have teenagers in your life, you’ve probably seen firsthand how COVID-19 has uprooted their lives and norms. But until recently, most research focused on how adults and younger children are c...
Value based payments are here to stay. Figuring out how to measure your outcomes to get paid for your work is just one of the challenges behavioral health organizations face as they plan for the futur...
Depression is prevalent among patients with chronic physical conditions. Because a client’s physical well-being significantly impacts behavioral health outcomes and vice-versa, it’s important ...
COVID-19 upended life as we know it. Although some states have eased initial lockdown restrictions, indoor gatherings of unrelated people remain risky, according to the Centers for Disease Control and...
All behavior is learned and displayed within the contexts of society. Each individual’s culture is a unique blend of ethnicity, demographics, socioeconomic status, language, and affiliations. If pra...
Outpatient behavioral healthcare programs put immeasurable effort into addressing the needs of their clients. Unfortunately, workforce shortages, reimbursement delays, and detailed reporting for accre...
Treating Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is much like managing any other chronic illness–the goal is to reduce problematic symptoms and improve the overall health and well-being of the patient. SUD...
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are no longer a luxury. If you want to thrive in the modern behavioral health world, it’s imperative that you find one that fits your organization’s unique...
While people do benefit from individual therapy for substance use disorder, group therapy is proving to be an essential component of treatment for more meaningful patient outcomes. Narcotics Anonymous...
There’s some great news for the behavioral health community from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): HHS announced that they are making approximately $15 billion available to Medicaid...
For quite some time, insurers and healthcare providers have been moving towards a value-based healthcare model, and away from the traditional fee-for-service payment system. In value-based care, provi...
There are numerous challenges that come with running a residential behavioral healthcare program. The tangled web of paperwork, accreditation, and compliance standards can be a real headache for those...
The financial impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on businesses can not be understated. No industry has been immune, but some, including behavioral health, have been hit harder than others. Stay...
During the COVID-19 outbreak, residential behavioral healthcare facilities continue to provide vital around-the-clock services to their communities. Unfortunately, residents and staff are particularly...
The field of behavioral healthcare has changed. 60-65% of human service agencies bound to a fee-for-service model fail. Medicaid margins are razor thin when you consider the exceedingly low payments m...
For patients battling substance use disorder, each day brings new challenges as they manage their addiction and take small steps towards recovery. Coping with sobriety during a pandemic, with social d...
Too often, society treats substance misuse as a criminal or social problem rather than a health condition. Treatment and prevention services are traditionally separated from general healthcare. Such s...
Behavioral healthcare is changing. Focus is shifting away from traditional fee-for-service (FFS) systems to value-based payments (VBP). These new payment methods link reimbursements with improved perf...
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It can affect familie...
Our country faces a substance abuse epidemic. Over 20 million Americans have some form of Substance Use Disorder. Wide-spread addiction problems irreparably harm individuals and families. According to...
Part Three in a Series According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), about 52% of employers in the United States have trouble filling critical roles. Yet more than one in four workers...
Have you ever set sail without knowing where you would land, or started a road trip unsure of the final destination? Of course not! You might not plot out each stop along the way, but you need a clear...
Whether yours is a for profit or nonprofit facility, behavioral healthcare is ultimately a business. Your facility needs to operate in a financially responsible manner and pay its expenses based on re...
With the outbreak of Coronavirus, everyday life has become difficult for millions of people across the globe. The disease, also known as COVID-19, is highly infectious and can have varying effects on ...
The healthcare space is in the process of a challenging transition to value-based care. The expectation that most organizations can make the transition in a year or two is overly optimistic. Complete ...
Substance use is becoming a common trend among adolescents. A 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health in the United States shows that an estimated 164.8 million people aged 12 years or older were ...
Psychiatric nurse practitioners are instrumental in providing treatment and helping patients cope with psychiatric disorders including ADHD, PTSD, mood disorders, and anxiety, as well as a whole host ...
Part Two in a Series Employee retention is a tremendous problem in the American behavioral healthcare system. In a 2018 survey of more than 600 treatment professionals, 60% claimed that their clinic...
Access to behavioral health therapy is quite different now compared to the way clients accessed sessions a few years ago. Telehealth is becoming an important part of mental health treatment, but it’...
Our country faces a crisis. Communities across the nation are stricken with substance abuse and mental illness. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) reveal nea...
With opioid addiction reaching critical levels, finding alternative options for pain management is vital. It’s time for medical practitioners to start investigating other forms of treatment for ...
First in a Series In order to truly provide top-notch care for your clients, you need an all-star team of professionals working around you. Physicians, case workers, therapists, nurses, and billers, t...
Smartphones were first introduced to the mass market in 2007. While there are both positives and negatives that have come from using this innovative technology, the change in culture and society — a...
It’s not uncommon for electronic health record (EHR) software implementation to be met with some resistance. Transitioning from a paper-based environment to one reliant on an electronic system can b...
