Our Latest Blogs

Finding the Right Therapist: A Practical Guide To Navigating Outpatient Mental Health Services

woman with appointment book

Finding the right outpatient therapist is an essential component of recovery. Well-informed patients who understand where and what help is available tend to have better therapeutic outcomes. Having access to the right tools and resources, including therapy, can aid the recovery of those with mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. It is critical […]

How I Beat Depression with ACT: A Therapist’s Story

happy man on park bench

There was a time when getting out of bed felt like lifting a mountain. My mind was a dark room with no doors or windows. That’s how deep my depression was. But here I am, feeling alive and kicking, making over half a million dollars a year. Sounds like a dream, right? But the journey […]

Online Help for Depression: A Guide to Treatment and Support

smiling man on laptop

Did you know that approximately 280 million people worldwide struggle with depression, according to the World Health Organization? Depression is more than just feeling sad sometimes. It’s a mood disorder that can stem from various causes, such as genetic vulnerabilities, faulty mood regulation by the brain, or stressful life events. Depression, also known as a […]

Building Rapport and Overcoming Barriers in Teletherapy: Tips for Therapists and Clients

woman taking notes on electronic device

Telehealth only became widely used as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when we were mandated to socially distance and quarantine, in-person therapy appointments were out of the question. So, we turned to Zoom and other video conferencing technology to attend our sessions virtually. Fast forward to the present, and virtual consults […]

The Rise of Micro-Therapy for Accessible Mental Health Support

close up of woman scrolling smart phone

Psychotherapy has traditionally involved hour-long sessions with a therapist. However, a new trend is emerging – micro-therapy. As the name suggests, micro-therapy consists of much shorter sessions, usually 5-15 minutes. This new form of therapy is gaining popularity due to its efficiency and accessibility. What is Micro-Therapy? Micro-therapy, also known as micro-counseling or micro-coaching, refers […]

The Power of Female-Centered Therapy: Celebrating Women’s Unique Journeys

close up of women’s hands in therapy

Every person’s life path is different, marked by various challenges and triumphs that define each one of us. However, women frequently face distinct challenges that may not be acknowledged fully. Issues such as gender bias, discrimination, and the stress of adhering to societal norms can have a substantial impact on women’s mental health. This makes […]

Navigating the Intersection of Psychology and Psychiatric Care for Mental Well-being

two professional women

The United States has a major mental health problem. Not only are there millions of people living with mental health conditions, but a significant portion of them go through life without any form of treatment at all. Many factors contribute to this unfortunate situation. For many years, mental health stigma was a driving force. People […]

Empowering Patients: How Doctors Promote Active Engagement in Mental Health Treatment

therapist and patient talking

In mental health care, a significant shift is underway—one that places patients at the center of their treatment journey. The change involves a growing emphasis on patient empowerment, where patients are no longer passive recipients of care but active participants in their healing process. At the forefront of this transformation are doctors who recognize their […]

Advancements in Medical Treatments for Mental Health Disorders

health professional at laptop

There have been remarkable advancements in medical treatments for mental health disorders in recent years. These breakthroughs offer hope and relief to millions worldwide who grapple with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, healthcare professionals, and contract research organizations (CROs) has led to significant progress in understanding […]

The Comprehensive Healing Power of Holistic Therapy

serene waterfall in woods

Holistic therapy, also known as holistic psychology, considers the entirety of an individual, encompassing the physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual dimensions of being. By emphasizing the interconnected facets of a person’s existence, this therapeutic approach has become increasingly favored among those open to supplementary and unconventional mental health treatments. How Can Holistic Mental Health Care […]

Person-Centered Counseling for Depression: Tailoring Support to Each Individual

therapist and client

Undeniably, depression affects many people, each with a unique set of challenges and battles. A personalized approach to treatment is essential for addressing the complexities of this mental health condition. Leading the way in personalized treatment is person-centered counseling—an empathetic form of therapy that empowers people and resonates with the unique experience of each individual. […]

How Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) Can Help Teens Challenge Cognitive Distortions

older teens talking

“I failed at the swimming tryouts today. I’m no good at swimming, so I should just quit.” “What if I study now but still fail the exam tomorrow?” “My teacher complimented my art, but I know he was just being nice to me.” You might hear comments like these often from your teen. These are […]

EMDR: A Powerful New Weapon in the Fight Against Substance Use Disorder

woman in therapy session

Substance use disorder (SUD) has a variety of potential causes — and just as many treatments. One of the biggest causes is trauma of some sort. Traumatic early childhood experiences are one of the biggest risk factors for developing addiction. While not all trauma may result in post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) or directly cause someone […]

The Role of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Autism Treatment: Exploring Effective Strategies and Techniques

teacher and young student

In this new world of instant information at our fingertips, there is no shortage of advice available for families and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Knowing which advice to follow and which to ignore can seem monumental. Fortunately, there is a type of therapy designed to promote positive behavior change in children […]

Naloxone: The Life-Saving Antidote for Opioid Overdose

ambulance on city street

Deaths due to opioid overdoses may be more common than you think. From 1999 to 2021, more than 106,000 people in the US have died due to opioid overdoses. In 2021 alone, there were 80,411 opioid overdose deaths. Opioids include drugs like heroin, morphine, fentanyl, and methadone. Some are used for medical purposes, and some […]

Overcoming Trauma with a Holistic Approach to Therapy: Mind, Body, and Soul

person standing before sunset

Sitting on a couch is a therapist with a clipboard. We talk about our problems. We discuss them in great detail. We connect them back to problems in our childhood. Then we expand upon those problems. Sometimes we leave the session feeling more anxious and distraught than when we started. Or maybe we leave the […]

Should I See a Therapist or Psychologist, and What’s the Difference Between Them?

family therapy session

If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between therapists and psychologists, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll take a journey to demystify these professions, exploring their unique roles, qualifications, and how they can help individuals seeking mental well-being. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and let’s get started! Exploring Therapists […]

Which Depression Treatment Is Best for You?

thoughtful man on wall

All over the world, depression, a complicated mental health problem, affects millions of individuals. Depression can have a significant adverse impact on daily life, interpersonal relations, and general well-being. Fortunately, there are various ways to manage it, ranging from therapy and medication to lifestyle changes and alternative therapies. In this blog, we will explore different […]

How Nursing Interventions Can Help Families Affected by Mental Health Conditions

nurse sorting medications

Families affected by mental conditions often face significant challenges in their daily lives. The impact of mental health issues extends beyond the individual to the entire family unit, affecting relationships, communication, and overall well-being. According to the nonprofit news outlet The Conversation, parents struggling with depression tend to exhibit increased negativity towards their children, such […]

Promoting Mental Health Awareness in Rural Communities Online

small-town America

Mental health is essential to overall well-being, yet it can be difficult for many individuals to access the resources and support they need. Alongside general obstacles to treatment and knowledge, different communities can face challenges specific to their populations and environments. This is why it is crucial to establish tools most relevant to each community’s […]

Money Stories and How They Shape Our Lives

stressed woman counting money

A money story makes up your personal beliefs, emotions, and thoughts around money. Your money story starts forming in childhood and is passed down from your caregiver, culture, and other influences in your young life. Your money story can have good and bad chapters. Understanding how these different chapters can affect your life as an […]

The Benefits of Group Art Therapy for PTSD

man in beret painting

If you or a loved one are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you know how difficult it is to go through every day. The trauma takes hold of a person’s thoughts and emotions, making life extremely difficult. The prevalence of PTSD worldwide is about 3.9% of the general population. Those who deal with PTSD […]

What to Expect When Starting Therapy

women in counseling session

Getting Started With Therapy You’ve done your homework and settled on a therapist. After much anticipation, the day of your first treatment session has arrived. Your emotions are all over the place, from excitement to worry to sighing relief. The problem is that they all seem to arise at once, making it hard to determine […]

Motivational Interviewing: A Counseling Method that Enhances the Motivation to Change

bearded man in counseling

What is Motivational Interviewing? Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based approach to therapy that aids in bringing about change in a person’s life and mental health. Therapy works best when the therapist and client have built a great rapport and work as a team to create positive change, so the collaborative approach of motivational interviewing […]

How Virtual Coaches Can Support People with Mental Health Conditions

professional woman in virtual meeting

Most people experience a mental health challenge at some point in their lives. It might be something relatively common, such as nervousness or anxiety. Or a constant vague fear that the details of one’s life are fragile and impermanent. Or maybe it’s something more than that. Either way, mental health issues touch most lives sooner […]

What Are Cognitive Distortions and How to Deal With Them

Mental health is important no matter how old we are. Positive mental health enables us to handle life’s stresses, manage our responsibilities well, and maintain good relationships with others. Yet people with cognitive distortions have an increased tendency to view things negatively. Cognitive distortions or irrational thought patterns are not considered a mental illness. Rather, […]

Develop a Friendly Relationship with Your Social Worker: It Could Be Life-Changing

For the vast majority of people (if not all of us), there are times when life can feel overwhelming. Mental health issues can make it even worse. Finding a social worker you can relate to in a friendly manner can be life-changing if you struggle with mental health. Letting Down Your Guard Sometimes, seeing a […]

How to Get a Mental Health Evaluation

Unresolved mental health problems and related issues can impact you negatively. About 25% of American adults over 18 have a diagnosable mental disorder. This usually co-occurs with anxiety disorders and substance abuse. And since the Covid-19 pandemic, over 42% of employees have indicated a decline in their mental health. If you have been feeling down, […]

How Melatonin Can Help You Sleep Better

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland, a pea-sized gland close to the center of your cerebral cortex. It assists your body in determining when it’s time to rest and when it’s time to wake. The body normally produces more melatonin during the night, and it is common for levels to increase after […]

What is Ketamine: How It Works and Why It Can Treat Severe Depression?

close up of woman’s face

Ketamine is both a valuable anesthetic and a potentially harmful street drug when misused, but did you know that ketamine is a proven treatment for depression, too? A Schedule III drug, ketamine, can cause you to feel detached or dissociated from the world around you. Depending on the dose and manner in which you take […]

How CBT Can Help Video Game Addiction

video game controller

Video games have been growing in popularity for decades. When gaming consoles and PCs first hit the market in the 70s and 80s, people could conveniently play their favorite arcade games without ever leaving the house. Fast forward to the late 90s and early 2000s, when multi-player role-playing games hit the scene, and gaming became […]

What Is Psychotherapy and Its Different Approaches?

Psychotherapy is a form of treatment that involves talking to a trained counselor or therapist to understand, change, or cope with troubling thoughts and emotions. It uses emotional insights and interpersonal relationships to help people change their behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Doing so can help you understand yourself better and work through issues that might […]

An Explanation of Outpatient Rehab Programs and How They Work

While getting treated for alcoholism or substance abuse, you may worry you will have to neglect your responsibilities at home, work, or school. However, outpatient treatment programs may allow you to get the help and support you need on a part-time basis that fits into your schedule. An inpatient treatment program requires you to put […]

Therapy, a Healing Rollercoaster Ride

I listen closely when anyone says, “My therapist told me….”. Why? Because it’s cheaper than actual therapy and less daunting than having to confide in a person I just met. That’s how I thought therapy worked, the therapist and client meet, the client shares his/her experience, then the therapist implements a treatment plan, and from […]

The Impact of Telehealth on Counseling Patients

woman on video call on laptop

Telehealth is an essential tool of the modern era—one boosted by Covid-19 and emerging technologies. In rural Michigan, the share of adults who used telehealth for remote monitoring or counseling rose from 10% to 17% in 2021. The rate of increase was even higher in 2020 when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services […]

How Child Psychologists Help Children with Mental Health Problems

sad black girl

Mental health problems are more common than meets the eye, especially for children. It’s thought that about 15% of children and adolescents worldwide have a mental health disorder. Child psychologists and psychotherapists play an essential role in the treatment of mental health problems. They help children cope with stresses in their lives, assess mental health […]

Getting Help for Mental Health: Should I Take Medication or Go to Therapy?

hands holding medication

In my time as a therapist, I’ve worked with many people who struggle with symptoms of anxiety and depression, as they are the common cold and the flu of the mental health world. Generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder have long been two of the most common mental health disorders, while several other anxiety […]

A Comprehensive Guide to ABA Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

child coloring with therapist

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that can be complicated to diagnose and treat, especially without professional help. It affects about 1 in every 68 children, according to a recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is among the widely preferred treatments for autism. […]

Is Pulse PEMF Therapy Effective against Anxiety and Depression?

happy woman with red hat

Are you or your loved ones struggling with anxiety or depression? Have you tried conventional treatment methods that aren’t helping? It’s high time to consider pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. Before continuing with the effect of PEMF therapy on anxiety and depression, let’s see how the statistical reports on […]

7 Tips on How to Benefit from a Mental Health Support Group

support group hands-in.

Do you know that getting help from a mental health counselor is the first and most important step in overcoming anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and other fear-related issues? In addition to seeing a counselor, another great way to get help and find people who can relate to your mental health situation is to join a […]

The Benefits and Methods of CBT-I for Better Sleep

woman in bed with alarm clock.

Studies show that as much as 60% of the world’s population suffers from some form of insomnia. Insomnia can present itself in many ways, from trouble falling asleep to waking frequently. Symptoms that last for more than three months qualify as chronic insomnia, whereas short bouts of sleep disturbances are referred to as acute insomnia. […]

How Do Virtual Medical Consultations Work?

virtual consultation with doctor

Virtual medical consultations are consultations with a doctor or other medical professional that provide an alternative to in-person services for all aspects of the healthcare industry. A virtual medical consultation enables healthcare providers to provide services through video conferencing. Patients speak to their doctors using their devices of choice, such as a smartphone, tablet, or […]

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): A Safe Alternative Treatment for Depression

yellow water lily

Globally, depression is the leading cause of disability, and in the United States, it impacts the lives of over 17 million people. It is one of the most common mental illnesses and can be significantly debilitating, yet current treatment options for depression are limited in variety, and most lack consistent or predictable results. Two-thirds of […]

Living with ADHD? Explore the Top 10 Apps for Hyperactive Brains

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting both children and adults. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 6.1 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD and ADD. However, many adults also experience this mental health disorder, […]

The Basics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders

woman standing before two doors

The most effective treatment for anxiety disorders is cognitive behavioral therapy. It is proven to be a reliable and commonly chosen treatment with significant positive results. Using these psychotherapy techniques, all types of anxiety disorders improve. If you have an anxiety disorder and don’t begin treatment, your mental and emotional health could worsen. Learn how […]

The Benefits of Equine Therapy for Teenage Girls

teen girl and white horse.

Horse lovers around the world will agree that spending time with these beautiful, intelligent animals is both fun and therapeutic. Teenage equine therapy, or horse therapy for teens, uses this beneficial interaction to teach adolescents valuable life skills and improve mental health. If your daughter is interested in equine therapy, there are programs that are […]

Phobia Exposure: The Ultimate Solution for Coping with Social Anxiety Disorder

crowded street in Hong Kong

Ever-increasing urbanization and overpopulation are inevitable in today’s world. Such phenomena can lower ordinary people’s living standards due to the reduction of living spaces, increasing risks of interpersonal conflicts, and loss of privacy. For individuals who experience social anxiety disorder (SAD), living in a collective space can be far more challenging. I have been suffering […]

Why I Finally Decided to See a Therapist

Angkor Wat lotus blossoms

I can still remember the first time it hit me. I was in high school. As my teacher handed my exam back to me with a failing grade printed on it, I felt nothing. What once would elicit an emotional response in me now didn’t even justify a second glance. It wasn’t anger. It wasn’t […]

Choose Your Mental Health Apps Wisely

There are anywhere between 10,000 to 20,000 mental health apps available today. Choosing wisely becomes a challenge when you have to pick one out of 10,000 anything – be it shampoo, pizza sauce, or investment options. It can only get harder when it comes to choosing a mental health app. Few of these apps are […]

Using VR (Virtual Reality) to Treat Social Anxiety

woman with VR headset

First, What is social anxiety? Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most common types of anxiety disorders in the world today. SAD is a serious and complex mental health condition that makes a person constantly fear social situations. Social anxiety is nothing new to psychologists. However, current data suggest that the number of […]

12 Step Programs for Addiction Recovery

steps in woodland park

Twelve-step programs are structured support groups for people who want to get help for addiction and various other destructive behaviors. It is the most common form of addiction support around the world and is used by millions of people. The basic premise of 12 step programs is for members to adopt and follow a set […]

5 Things I’ve Learned from 4 Years of Talk Therapy: How to Make the Most out of Your Sessions

thoughtful woman drinking coffee

I started struggling with anxiety and depression when I dropped out of university. I had spent one day in my new dorm, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and felt an overwhelming dread. I asked my dad to pick me up, and when I got into the car, I immediately broke down in tears. When my parents […]

Residential Treatment: A Family Endeavor

troubled teen and parents

Many parents send a child to residential treatment centers because they want their kid to change. More often than not, the family system is what needs to change, not necessarily just the individual. Residential treatment centers facilitate that growth in the family, as well as the individual. What is residential treatment? Residential treatment is inpatient […]

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy for Anxiety Treatment

blue eye

EMDR or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a unique psychotherapy technique. It is incredibly useful in treating various kinds of anxieties. All around the world, psychotherapists have used EMDR in their work as a complement to traditional treatment methods. The technique is effective for those patients who have experienced different emotional traumas. Up to the […]

Telemental Health Services: Benefits, Considerations, and Resources

man with laptop

I have been attending therapy for over three years. At first, the thought of verbally expressing my thoughts, concerns, and emotions to a stranger seemed impossible. However, the fear and angst I felt regarding in-person therapy turned into hopefulness and optimism. I genuinely looked forward to attending each session because I knew there was time […]

Online Counseling: The Future of Therapy after the COVID-19 Pandemic

mobile phone

The 2020 pandemic meant that many of those seeking mental health help were unable to meet their therapists and counselors face-to-face. The need for access to online mental health treatment was needed more than ever before. Online counseling was already in use, but when popularity spiked, demand increased. Internet searches for ‘counseling online’ have increased […]

The Logic Behind Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and its Widespread Use

statue of marcus aurelius

Roughly 2000 years ago, the emperor of the Roman Empire sat in his tent to clear his head. He had plenty of reasons to decompress. Ugly border disputes threatened his legacy. Untrustworthy warlords schemed behind his back and unrelenting family issues from the premature passing of his wife and a difficult relationship with his only […]

The Importance of Values in Mental Health Recovery

big leap at sunset

Recovery works best when it is a self-directed experience based on a mental health consumer’s own priorities and values.  Values are principles we care about that guide our behavior.  Examples of values people hold include integrity, choice, a positive attitude, independence, and financial security.  Whether we think about it or not, values play a large […]

Tips for Managing Gaps in Your Resume Due to Mental Illness

job interview

Getting your resume right is imperative if you are looking to start or further your career. Unfortunately, many of us find that we really struggle with resume writing, and it can be even more challenging if you are also living with a mental health disorder. Indeed, the challenges of mental illness can make writing a […]

EMDR Saved My Life: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy for Complex-PTSD

young woman driver

On June 8, 2020, I had a dissociative episode that nearly resulted in suicide. When I say ‘nearly,’ I mean that had I not called a therapist that night, I wouldn’t have been there by the next week. This probably comes as a surprise to many who know me. I’m happy and bubbly and cheerful, […]

Innovation in Mental Health Care: Telepsychology and New Technologies as Allies in the Therapeutic Process

text therapy

The world has changed. Day-to-day activities such as paying bills, working, studying, shopping, communicating with family or a co-worker no longer need to be done in person. The technology allows each of these activities to be done by the computer or via smartphones. Wi-fi networks enable interactions between people and groups anytime, anywhere in the […]

Art Therapy Is More Important Now than Ever During the COVID-19 Pandemic

family art time

Art, by definition, is the expression of human creativity and imagination. Visual art can take many different forms and express a multitude of emotions. Whether you are creating art for the first time or returning to practice, it can be a powerful way to cope with stressful times. At the time this article was written, […]

Online Counseling Will Likely Continue Beyond COVID-19 – Here’s Why

online counseling on phone outdoors

During this pandemic, you’ve likely seen half a dozen online counseling services advertised on your social media and TV. From BetterHelp to TalkSpace and others, these applications offer therapy sessions that take place wherever you are – at home, at work, in the car, or even outside. COVID-19 has forced many of us to stay […]

Does Mindfulness Help ADHD?

young woman mindful meditation

ADHD, which is usually characterized by a display of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, has an incidence of 4 percent in the adult population. Both children and adults with ADHD experience two common and persistent daily challenges in their lives – maintaining self-regulation and paying attention. This highlights the fact that any attention training that helps to […]

EMDR Therapy for Trauma Recovery

trauma recovery image

If the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it is how very precious, and how very fragile, our health is. But all the physical strength, stamina, and well-being in the world mean nothing if you don’t also have peace in your mind and tranquility in your spirit. Unfortunately, for far too many people, that kind […]

Why You Shouldn’t Be Embarrassed to Consult a Therapist

young woman on life path

Living in peace and harmony with ourselves is all we strive for as humans. In the end, our goal is to maximize our happiness and develop an intrinsic understanding of who we are. The question is, how will we ever start doing that without putting in the active effort? The simplest answer is, we won’t. […]

What to Expect from Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment

supportive friends

When someone has made the essential first step to recovery and begun to seek out treatment options for eating disorders, the choices can be overwhelming. There is no one-size-fits-all way to treat an eating disorder, but choosing to obtain treatment on an outpatient (also known as day treatment) basis offers several advantages. Among the most important of these advantages […]

The Reality of a Residential Eating Disorder Treatment Stay for Adolescents

Many adolescents who need eating disorder treatment, and their families, have a sense of trepidation when it comes to re-enrolling in a residential program.  A residential program disrupts school, activities and social life.  Prospective patients might want to create some kind of cover story for their absence, to avoid their peers and teachers knowing they’re […]

Can Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Help Treat Eating Disorders Like Bulimia Nervosa?

A prominent eating disorder which is defined by binge eating episodes that are followed by purging (for example, self-induced vomiting) to avoid gaining weight, bulimia nervosa affects almost two percent of adult women in the United States at some point in their lives. Although bulimia nervosa, like all other eating disorders, can become deeply ingrained […]

8 Best Mobile Apps for Mental Health

apps for mental health

One in four people in the entire world will be affected by mental illness or neurological disorders at some point in their lives – World Health Organization (WHO) Yes, let that sink in. With mental health affecting the lives of millions, and individuals not seeking help due to the associated stigma, it also remains one […]