Our Latest Blogs

Tara Levinson, PhD, NCSP, Psychologist

Tara Levinson Headshot

Dr. Levinson is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with children from early childhood through adolescence and specializes in the areas of behavior management, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), learning differences, ADHD and executive functioning, anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

There is No Silver Bullet for Depression: Real World Tips for Coping

Coping with Depression

I have had a lifetime of experience with depression beginning when I was 16.  I have been treated for depression many times with both psychotherapy and drugs.  In 2002, I became a student of depression treatment because I was tired of cycling in and out of misery. I am an organizational psychologist and in the […]

How to Get Out of Stress and Depression after Divorce

meditation sunset

Divorces are devastating. They are a turning point in the lives of both the partners. Waking up one day without the one person who mattered to you the most, the one you loved more than anything a few days ago, and realizing that he or she won’t be ever coming back in your life can […]

5 Things I Learned from Running a Mental Health Website for Families: Celebrating www.rtor.org on its 5th Anniversary

celebrate rtor anniversary

May is a great month to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. May is the perfect wedding month. Babies born in May are the biggest of the year and adults with May birthdays consider themselves lucky and express more optimism than those born in other months. What better time to enter the world than when the […]

4 Outdoor Exercises to Boost Your Mental Health

swim for health

Fresh air on your face, hair blowing in the wind and the shifting scenery around you as the daylight changes – and the weather, too. Being outdoors definitely awakens the senses and stirs the emotions. Getting outdoors is said to ‘blow the cobwebs away’, however, it can do so much more than that. The benefits […]

Aspiro Vantage Point

The Aspiro Vantage Point wilderness program helps teenagers, young adults, and their families through challenges related to a wide range of emotional, learning, neurodevelopmental, psychological, and behavioral difficulties.

5 Steps to Stopping a Panic Attack: My Personal Approach

How to Stop a Panic Attack

This week I was diagnosed with multiple ear infections (not to mention a sinus infection with migraines) and was put on an antibiotic. Not a big deal, right? Well, apparently it doesn’t sit well with me because I’ve had horrible reactions both mentally and physically ever since – one of which being the dreaded panic […]

Does Depression Lead to Alcohol and Drug Addiction?

empty beer bottle

When we are trying to understand the roots of alcohol and drug addiction, we often must investigate brain chemistry and the history of the individual. There are many risk factors that may lead to the overindulgence of alcohol and use of drugs to self-medicate or manage moods. It is common to see depression coincide with […]

WestBridge

WestBridge provides residential treatment for men ages 18 and up with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Continuum of Care

Continuum of Care provides comprehensive residential case management, crisis services, and housing support services for adults living with mental illness.

What Causes Teen Depression and How to Manage It

depressed teen on dock

As a teenager, have you been irritable and moody lately? Are you in a bad mood or is it something else? While most teens bounce back from a bad mood, others will feel hopeless and miserable for weeks or longer. Teens who suffer from depression are at higher risk for self-injury and suicide. What causes […]

Paige Greytok, Marriage and Family Therapist

Paige-Greytok

RtoR Family-Endorsed Provider Profile   Paige Greytok, Marriage and Family Therapist Greenwich, CT   Paige Greytok is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (MFT), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and Certified Alcohol and other Drug Counselor (CADC), who specializes in the areas of addictions, marriage and family issues, anxiety and […]

4 Tips for Communicating With Your Anxious Child

mother and anxious child

Any parent knows the difficulties that arise when trying to communicate with your child, but frequently these challenges are only amplified when your offspring suffers from anxiety. You want to help your children as much as you can, but you also don’t want to say the wrong thing. If you are looking for better ways […]

Sectioning Psychosis: Life After a Psychotic Episode

person in sections

Every year over 100,000 people will experience a psychotic episode for the first time, and there is a 3% chance that any one of us will experience psychosis during our lifetimes (source). It can be triggered by drugs/alcohol, trauma, or an existing mental illness, and can cause a serious and dramatic shift in a person’s […]

How to Practice Gratitude When You’re Depressed

young adult gratitude

Happiness is a goal that most people hope to achieve. It’s why you’ve seen an increase in practices such as self-care and gratitude. Gratitude is a form of self-care that aims to bring a sense of well-being and contentment through appreciating the things we have in our lives. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to practice […]

Barn Life Recovery

barn life recovery photo

Barn Life Recovery is a community-based holistic rehabilitation center that provides an intensive outpatient and day program for individuals with mild to moderately severe mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and addictions.

6 Scientific Ways to Help Your Brain and Feel Happy When You Are Depressed

We live in a world where we are constantly on the go. Almost every minute of every day is jam packed full of loud noises, bright lights, and a near constant state of hustle and bustle. And when you combine that with a whole lot of life-related stress, well things don’t end up so good. […]

Living in the 21st Century: Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health and Well-being

social media phone

If you’re anything like me – or most Americans – the first thing you do when you get out of bed in the morning is check your phone: for updates, for statuses, for anything and everything. It seems like our entire life revolves around our phones. In today’s digital world, they allow us to do […]

My Miraculous Recovery from Depression: Reviving My Creativity & Renaissance Soul

happy woman

I’m Jo, artist, writer and Renaissance Soul with a potty sense of humor. For over thirty years, I suffered from depression and anxiety, a result of my toxic upbringing followed by post-natal depression. It was a pain in my posterior because I really, really wanted to indulge in my creativity and the Renaissance Soul side […]

Hypnotherapy in Mental Health Treatment – How Does It work?

Hypnosis for Anxiety | Hypnosis for Depression

Medical Hypnotherapy can be a powerful method to treat various mental health conditions. By creating a calm and controlled environment, it allows patients to focus on their deepest disruptors. What is Hypnosis Treatment? Medical hypnotherapy works through its ability to remove all distraction from the mind of the patient, and speak clearly and directly about […]

reSTART

reSTART is a residential treatment program for individuals who may be addicted to or overusing video games, social media, virtual reality and the Internet.

Not Mentally Ill Enough

depressed young adult

“It’s not that bad.” “Others have it worse.” “I’m just being a child.” “I’m not really depressed.” “I’m being ridiculous.” “I’m just a weak person.” “I should be able to handle this myself.” “Why am I being such a baby?” “Stop being stupid.” “Get over it.” Do you hear yourself thinking these things over and […]

Marc Tobin, PhD

Dr. Mark Tobin, a licensed clinical psychologist, provides treatment to adults, adolescents and couples who present with a wide variety of concerns, including self-esteem, anxiety, depression, grief and substance abuse.

Mental Health Disorders Increasing Among Youth: Key Insights & Tips to Help

Youth with Mental Health Disorders

Teens may sometimes seem moody or emotional, but there’s a good reason for this. Their bodies and brains are still developing. During development, teens experience significant hormonal changes. In addition, life – from a teen perspective – is truly stressful. Teens face numerous challenges, such as competitiveness, cyberbullying, shaming, violence and other issues. Sometimes the […]

The Healing Center – David Greenfield, Ph.D.

RtoR Family-Endorsed Provider Profile     The Healing Center David Greenfield, Ph.D. West Hartford, CT Dr. Greenfield offers solution-focused therapy to help individuals, families and couples address a variety of life challenges.   With twenty-eight years of clinical experience, Dr. Greenfield provides cutting edge treatments in psychology, addictions, marital counseling, EMDR and intensive outpatient programs.  He […]

Top 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Living With Freeway Phobia

freeway phobia

I dislike freeways. Unless it’s an Interstate freeway with no other vehicles around, with the windows rolled down, the music blasting, and me singing along in a very off-key voice at the top of my lungs, I’d be perfectly happy to never see another freeway again as long as I live. Believe it or not, […]

Uplifting New Year’s Resolutions for Your Mental Health

Mental and Emotional Health Resolutions

It’s that time of year again when we wave goodbye to one year and usher another one in. That means it’s also resolution time. The problem with New Year’s resolutions is the failure rate. According to U.S. News, 80 percent of resolutions fail by mid-February. Failure has become so common that most of us probably […]

The Dorm

The Dorm is a full-service treatment community in New York City that offers comprehensive day and evening programming, partial residential treatment and individualized life skills training for young adults looking to further their independence.

Coping With Depression After a Sexual Assault

Sad girl on bridge

Depression. What a loaded word. Not a word I used to let myself say or really think about. A word that used to make me unbearably uncomfortable and filled with shame. A word that people can joke about and may not completely understand. Ten letters that convey so much. Depression. Depression and I were not […]

Glenholme School

The Glenholme School is an independent, co-educational special needs boarding and day school for ages 10 to 21 years old located in the Berkshire Mountains.

Cognitive Behavioral Consultants (CBC)

Cognitive Behavioral Consultants (CBC) is a group of internationally recognized mental health professionals who deliver innovative mental health treatments that help adults, adolescents, and children live more fulfilled lives.

My Story of Co-Occurring Disorders and Overcoming Addiction

Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, refer to the combination of substance abuse and the presence of a mental health disorder. Many individuals who enter treatment for substance abuse are also diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder. Over half of all individuals experiencing drug addiction are also believed to have a co-occurring disorder such as […]

Do I Need a Life Coach? How to Determine If It’s Time to Seek Help

In life, often you find mentors to guide you towards the right path and to help train you for what’s needed to get to the final destination. We start with our parents to help us out, and then we have our siblings to help us navigate our social lives. A life coach can also help […]

“Marijuana Addiction” or Schizophrenia? The Danger of Misdiagnosis

To the millions of people who turned the original Hunger Games film into a blockbuster, the character Rue played a pivotal role in protagonist Katniss’ evolution from player to champion. To my younger sister, Rue represented much more: The 11-year-old character, from a poor farming community, was actually a personification of my sister herself. Rue’s […]

Why Summer Camp is Good for Kids with ADHD

Each year, millions of children eagerly look forward to summer camp, where they can play freely, make friends, and be themselves.  Parents of children with ADHD want the same opportunity for their children, but may worry about them fitting in and finding success.  They may also feel their child needs to spend the summer focused […]

Doctor, Heal Thyself: Training to Be a Counselor When You Have Mental Health Issues

When you are living with mental illness, such as depression and anxiety, the idea of becoming a counselor might seem counterproductive. How can you possibly help others with their issues when you’re battling your own demons? The fact is, though, that a significant number of mental health professionals are drawn to the field because of […]

Mental Health Challenges Facing LGBTQ Youth

LGBTQ Youth Mental Health Challenges

Adolescence is hard enough. But for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning) youth, the difficulties of these years are compounded by stress related to prejudice, bullying, and the fear of rejection. In extreme cases, some are exposed to the damaging practice of conversion therapy. Such dynamics can lead to an array of mental […]

New Canaan, Connecticut

Located northeast of New York City, New Canaan is a small affluent town in lower Fairfield County, Connecticut, settled in 1731. The town has a population of 19,738 with a median household income of $175,331. Considered part of Connecticut’s Gold Coast, New Canaan is known for its excellent public school system, its wide range of architecture from the Harvard Five modern homes to historic New England colonials and farmhouses, as well as a signature town center. […]

Panic Attacks and How to Cope with Them

A panic attack can be a terrifying experience, often causing the sufferer to believe he or she is  having a heart attack and about to die. The distressing nature of the attack can compound the person’s anxiety and make the attack even more intense and long lasting. Worrying about when the unpleasant symptoms of the […]

Colorado Recovery

Residential Treatment Facility
Boulder, CO

Colorado Recovery offers 24-hour care 7 days a week in a residential treatment facility, transitional living and daily intensive outpatient services in Boulder, Colorado. Services are available for adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other serious mental illnesses.

CooperRiis

Residential Mental Health Treatment Center
Asheville, NC

CooperRiis is a residential healing community and progressive transitional living program for adults struggling with mental health challenges. CooperRiis offers a unique approach to recovery with a balance of trusted clinical therapies, purposeful work, community service, education, and holistic health and wellness practices.

John G. Gelinas, Jr., MD

Psychiatrist
Family Study Center, Inc.
Danbury, CT

John G. Gelinas, Jr., MD, PC is a board-certified psychiatrist, founder and medical director of Family Study Center, Inc., a private, outpatient, comprehensive psychiatric and counseling practice, in Danbury, CT. Dr. Gelinas specializes in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry.

Jerry Bubrick, PhD

Senior Clinical Psychologist
Anxiety Disorders Center, Child Mind Institute
New York, NY

Dr. Bubrick is a senior clinical psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Center and Director of the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Service at the Child Mind Institute in New York, NY. He is a cognitive and behavioral psychologist who specializes in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Eden Hill Recovery Retreat

Residential Program
Canaan, CT

Eden Hill Recovery Retreat is a transitional sober living home designed exclusively for adult women in Canaan, CT. The Eden Hill Extended Care Women’s Program offers a comprehensive approach to treating substance use and co-occurring disorders.

How I Conquered Mental Illness to Succeed in University and How You Can, Too

Mental illness found me at 19 years old. I was in my second year of university with the world at my fingertips, yet I could not get out of bed. I was ridden with depression, anxiety and horrible mood swings that hung over me like a dark cloud. To escape my situation, I would self […]

Concussions in Teen Sports: Why they Happen, What to Look for, and What to Do for Positive Mental Health

Concussions occur when the brain hits the inside surface of the skull. This sudden impact makes the brain “dance” inside the skull and, in so doing, nerves and/or tiny blood vessels may get damaged. About 90% of concussions do not lead to loss of consciousness and MRIs or CAT Scans taken after the impact will […]

Substance Abuse Within the LGBTQ Community

Within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBTQ), substance abuse is at an all-time high and mental health problems are becoming more prevalent. According to a 2015 study by SAMHSA, “More than twice as many LGBTQ adults compared to heterosexual adults reported using drugs in the past year.” Mental health problems are also becoming […]

My Life With Borderline Personality Disorder: A Young Adult’s Perspective

A lot of older people say that kids nowadays are coddled and overprotected; shielded from figuring out how to fight their own battles so they can function in a cruel unforgiving world, a world where emotional regulation and conflict resolution skills are essential. I can’t speak for every millennial but in my case, they would […]

Dr. Scott Greisberg

scott greisberg

Clinical Psychologist, Ph.D.
Harrison, NY

Scott Greisberg, Ph. D. is a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, stress management, and behavioral disorders of childhood and adolescence. Dr. Greisberg provides individual and group treatment for children, adults, couples, and families.

Marijuana’s Effects on Mental Health and How to Quit

Young woman vaping marijuana.

Doctors regularly prescribe marijuana. It is legal in many states, widely available at neighborhood dispensaries and has become part of mainstream culture. But does that mean it’s safe and beneficial? The answer depends on who you ask. Certainly, there is plenty of evidence about the reported harmful effects of cannabis, including lowering a user’s IQ […]

Enjoying Music Festivals Sober

If you’re new to a sober lifestyle, you may feel like you need to avoid music festivals. If the scene is a trigger for you, you might fear a relapse. For those with co-occurring mental health and addiction issues, music festivals can be doubly challenging. If this is you and you attend a festival, you […]

Failure to Launch Part 6: Diagnosis – The Most Common Mental Health Problems Associated with FTL

Since I started blogging about the epidemic of young adults living at home and not moving forward in their lives, people from across the United States, most of them parents, have contacted us on a daily basis about the problem they refer to as “Failure to Launch,” “Failure to Launch Syndrome” or simply “FTL.” I […]

Co-Occurring Disorders: Alcohol Abuse & Depression

Co-Occurring Disorders: Alcohol Abuse & Depression

“A drinking man’s someone who wants to forget he isn’t still young and believing.” – Tennessee Williams, author of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”   It may come as a surprise to you that according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information 64% of people addicted to alcohol actually meet all the criteria for […]

Suicide Prevention Within the LGBTQ Community: Resources and Support for At-Risk Youth

Suicide Prevention Within the LGBTQ Community: Resources and Support for At-Risk Youth

This week on www.rtor.org we observe National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 9-15, 2018) with a guest blog post on suicide risk and prevention for LGBTQ youth. The theme of this year’s Suicide Prevention Week is “The Power of Connection.” This is a message that is especially relevant for LGTBQ youth. Discrimination and social isolation place […]

Stress and the Quest for Success: When Executives Need Help with Substance Abuse

Corporate Work Stress and Substance Abuse

Business executives don’t necessarily fit the prototypical model of someone with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, but many of the triggers that impact someone who doesn’t work in the corporate sector are clearly present among business professionals. Stress, family pressures, and the overarching worry about falling short of expectations can all combine to push […]

How to Maintain Positive Mental Health During Freshman Year: College Tips for Young Adults with Mental Health Issues

group of college students having fun while studying

Change can be a wonderful and scary thing. For those starting their first year of college, this has never been more true. For some, change is an opportunity to propel themselves forward in a journey of self-discovery. For others, the stress and anxiety of being responsible for themselves and their success can be overwhelming. As […]

Coming Out on Top: Mental Health Resources for LGBTQ Youth

Coming Out on Top: Mental Health Resources for LGBTQ Youth

If you identify within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, your mental health is vital to take care of. As the LGBTQ community is at risk of discrimination and harassment, your mental health is vulnerable. Compared to heterosexual individuals, LGBTQ people are three times more likely to experience a mental health disorder and four times […]