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 […]
Our Latest Blogs
20
Sep
Sep
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 […]
18
Sep
Sep
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 […]
11
Sep
Sep
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 […]
This September, www.rtor.org is observing National Recovery Month with a guest blog series on co-occurring disorders – the presence of mental health and substance use disorders in the same person. To kick-off the special series on co-occurring disorders we open with a guest blog post from Lloyd I. Sederer, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the […]
30
Aug
Aug
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 […]
28
Aug
Aug
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 […]
17
Aug
Aug
Psychologist
Storrs, CT
Glastonbury, CT
Dr. Kugelmass is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Storrs and Glastonbury, CT. He works with adults of all ages on issues of anxiety, stress reduction, lifestyle and health behavior change, relationship issues, and academic and work success.
14
Aug
Aug
Many people have experienced traumatic events during childhood or later. Some may not even have considered them to be traumatic. These traumas might include being the victim of or exposure to violence; physical, sexual or emotional abuse; severe neglect; bullying; a serious accident or illness; domestic violence; death of a parent or other close relative; […]
09
Aug
Aug
Clinical Psychiatrist
New Haven, CT
Dr. Sakheim is a licensed clinical psychologist who has a private practice in New Haven, CT. He has a feminist, relationship-based approach to therapy, working with individuals who have extensive trauma.
31
Jul
Jul
Alongside the extreme highs and lows that are part of having bipolar disorder, sleep issues also pop up. Unfortunately, these problems don’t make the disorder any easier to manage. In fact, they can complicate the illness and even trigger episodes in people who are, otherwise, following their doctor’s orders. Sleep and Mania One of the […]
26
Jul
Jul
Light within our home and at our workplace can affect our health and wellbeing. Natural light has so many benefits, but it can be hard to get enough of it when you spend most of your day at work. Artificial light decreases levels of melatonin, a hormone that is created in the brain by the […]
24
Jul
Jul
If you or someone you love has a mental health impairment, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits to people of all ages who are unable to work due to a serious illness. While it can be challenging to qualify with a mental health disorder, […]
12
Jul
Jul
The Ranch Program
Cuttingsville, VT
The Spring Lake Ranch program is centered around the upkeep of a 700 acre farm where residents and staff participate in all the work involved in keeping a community of nearly 70 people going year round. The Ranch program focuses on teamwork, creating action plans with goals and identifying specific strategies to each individual’s needs.
10
Jul
Jul
Art – no matter whether you choose to create it yourself or simply observe and enjoy it – is a relaxing and inspiring activity for many people. However, the particular benefits of artistic expression go much further than relaxation and enjoyment. Studies suggest that art therapy can be very valuable in treating issues such as […]
26
Jun
Jun
“What a drag it is getting old.” When Mick Jagger and Keith Richards penned the opening line to “Mother’s Little Helper” in 1966, they were brash 22-year-olds still not at the top of their game. My father, a Rolling Stones fan from the other side of the generation gap, predicted that turning 30 would be […]
21
Jun
Jun
Many people overlook the positive impact that the natural environment has on mental health. Your surroundings can vastly affect the way you think and feel – and regular exposure to nature has been shown to be healthy for the mind, body and soul. Here are four of the reasons why connecting to nature is crucial […]
19
Jun
Jun
As many as 1 in 5 Americans live with mental illnesses that include depression, anxiety and schizophrenia, among others. Many of these individuals often face problems in accessing health care that they desperately require, and even then, available medications or treatment may not be sufficient, resulting in unsatisfactory progress. Due to this and other reasons, […]
07
Jun
Jun
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health disorders in the world. But despite the number of people (both children and adults) who experience these disorders, the majority of cases still go untreated. While anxiety disorders are quite common, we should not overlook the adverse effects they have on many people’s lives. In children, anxiety […]
31
May
May
For the past few weeks, social media and the major news networks have been buzzing with a story about a New York couple who successfully sued to have their 30-year-old son evicted from their home. News outlets from Good Morning America to The New York Times are calling it a “real- life case of Failure […]
31
May
May
Bulimia is not a fad, nor a phase. It is a serious mental health disorder, which affects both men and women of all ages. On the surface, it can appear to be associated solely with food or body image. But bulimia is beyond that. It is a double-edged sword. The disorder is characterized by a […]
29
May
May
Drug and Alcohol Counselor
Darien, CT
Robert DiRoma is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) and a licensed drug and alcohol counselor (LADC) with a private practice in Darien, CT. He specializes in substance and alcohol abuse and mental health disorders.
29
May
May
Parent Child Resource Center (PCRC)
Derby, CT
BHcare’s Parent Child Resource Center (PCRC) is a state-licensed child guidance clinic serving children and families struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges. The PCRC staff focuses on nurturing children’s strengths and believes children and families can recover and have better lives.
22
May
May
Anxiety is a broad term used to describe a naturally occurring phenomenon in the human body. Stress, worry, and anxiety are all natural reactions to the problems of life. And while a healthy amount of anxiety can be helpful motivation, for some, it can be a recurring hindrance to productivity rooted in a biological condition […]
10
May
May
Anxiety disorders are some of the most prevalent psychological conditions to affect the worldwide population. There are numerous conditions classified within this category, and the symptoms experienced by individuals affected by one of these disorders can range from mild to more severe, life-altering complications. At least 19.1% of all adults in the United States are […]
01
May
May
Today, we kick off May Mental Health Awareness Month with a guest blog post from a New York man who found a way back from the pain of a mental health crisis through the exercise of creativity. GH Kleiner describes himself as “an empath who can visualize and draw my thoughts and feelings.” His artwork […]
24
Apr
Apr
“Love yourself.” Everywhere I go these days, I feel I hear or see some form of this advice. The truth is, some days it’s hard to love anything in the world if you struggle with mental illness, let alone yourself. When I began what I’d call my “journey to recovery” or, better, my “journey back […]
23
Apr
Apr
Psychiatrist
White Plains, NY
New York, NY
Dr. Murray is a psychiatrist with a private practice in White Plains and New York, NY. She specializes in the treatment of addictive disorders and also generalized mental health disorders in adolescents and adults.
10
Apr
Apr
When I was a teenager suffering from major depression, my parents tried their best to support me, yet ended up doing all the wrong things. This isn’t something they can be blamed for — understanding another person, even those closest to us, is difficult enough even when mental health issues don’t come into play. When […]
05
Apr
Apr
Mindfulness is somewhat of a trendy topic these days, but underneath all the publicity it can have profound benefits. Many of us will suffer from anxiety and depression at some point in our lives. Usually they serve as natural reactions to challenges we have to face or problems we need to overcome. However, at points […]
27
Mar
Mar
I remember my struggles with quitting drugs and alcohol quite vividly. I was at a point in my life when chasing intoxicated states was all that I could think about. It was a way for me to escape the negative feelings and the harsh realities of where I was in my life. My thought process […]
20
Mar
Mar
Outpatient Treatment Program
Darien, CT
The Newport Academy Outpatient Program treats teens aged 13–19 who are experiencing psychological, behavioral, and substance abuse issues, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. The Outpatient Program is founded on an ongoing commitment to recovery, essential for ensuring sustainable results.
20
Mar
Mar
Residential Treatment Center
Bethlehem, CT
The Newport Academy Residential Treatment Center for teens consists of a minimum of 30 hours of clinical and experiential therapy each week, plus 20 hours of academic study and tutoring. With a staff-to-resident ratio of five to one, we offer compassionate, attentive, and responsive care.
15
Mar
Mar
It’s been suggested that when your brain is feeling stressed or anxious it’s likely to negatively impact other parts of the body. Becoming fatigued, losing concentration and experiencing physical symptoms such as shaking and dizziness are common. Can exercise make your body feel better by banishing your negative thoughts and actually give you peace of […]
22
Feb
Feb
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association: 53% of people with a mental health disorder also experience problems with alcohol or drugs. 29% of people with a mental health disorder have a co-occurring addiction disorder at some point in their lives. These statistics may lead you to believe that mental health problems cause […]
22
Feb
Feb
Psychotherapist
Rye, NY
Regina Colangelo, LCSW is a psychotherapist with a private practice in Rye, New York. She offers individual counseling, couples counseling and family therapy. Regina brings compassion, knowledge of human dynamics and relationships to her practice.
20
Feb
Feb
For millions of Americans, the search for remedies to stress can seem counterproductive. Stressors such as money, work, and our current political climate are difficult to escape, and when we do find a remedy, the real struggle is developing the discipline to stay with it. For anyone struggling with symptoms of mental illness, the above-mentioned […]
07
Feb
Feb
Psychologist
Westport, CT
Guilford, CT
Dr. Leone is a psychologist with a private practice in Westport and Guilford, CT. where he treats individuals and couples struggling with a wide range of concerns. He specializes in substance abuse and dual diagnosis treatment and is currently running groups aimed helping people reduce or completely abstain from substance misuse.
31
Jan
Jan
Psychiatrist
Norwalk, CT
Dr. Goldberg is a psychiatrist specializing in bipolar disorder and depression with a private practice in Norwalk, CT. He has over 25 years of experience in academic research studying the features and treatment of mood disorders and is the author of over 160 research publications and 3 textbooks on psychopharmacology and mood disorders.
30
Jan
Jan
Psychiatrist
Stamford, CT
Dr. Stein is a board certified adult, child and adolescent psychiatrist with a private practice in Stamford, CT. His treatment approach includes the use of psychopharmacology and psychotherapy.
16
Jan
Jan
There are many great songs from the musical West Side Story, but my favorite has always been the brilliantly satirical “Gee, Officer Krupke.” In this number, the Jets’ leader Riff plays a troubled youth who is passed between experts eager to judge what is wrong with him. In the hand-off between psychiatrist and social worker […]
16
Jan
Jan
Psychiatrist and Clinical Psychopharmacologist
New York, NY
Dr. Faedda is a psychiatrist and a clinical psychopharmacologist specializing in mood disorders. He helps patients and families grasp diagnostic issues, treatment options, identify treatment priorities, strengths, vulnerabilities, and maximize the patient’s support system.
14
Dec
Dec
Christmas and the holiday season can be the happiest, most wonderful time of the year. At least that’s what the songs on the radio and in all the stores keep telling us from the middle of November to New Year’s Day. For many of us it is also the most stressful time of year: complicated […]
12
Dec
Dec
Clinical Psychologist
Riverside, CT
Dr. Emel is a licensed clinical psychologist in Connecticut and co-founder of The Behavior Therapy Group, a therapy practice in Riverside, CT specializing in compassionate, effective, evidence-based treatments for adolescents and adults.
12
Dec
Dec
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Riverside, CT
Kristie Calvillo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Connecticut and co-founder of The Behavior Therapy Group, a therapy practice in Greenwich, CT, specializing in compassionate, effective, evidence-based treatments for adolescents and adults.
12
Dec
Dec
Psychotherapist
Westport, CT
J. David Geller, ACSW, LCSW is a Psychotherapist with a private practice in Westport, CT. He specializes in solution-focused, goal-oriented therapy.
12
Dec
Dec
Life can be hard, and proof of this sobering reality are the 43 million Americans who suffer from some form of mental health condition, according to Mental Health America. Almost half of those 43 million have a co-occurring substance abuse problem, while some 9.6 million experience suicidal thoughts. Those figures might even increase in the […]
07
Nov
Nov
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is very real. A diagnosis that extends far beyond members of the armed forces who have lived through combat, it affects people all over the world. This frequently misunderstood diagnosis, which often goes hand-in-hand with depression, does not have to instill fear, but can actually be an opportunity to embolden survivors. […]
24
Oct
Oct
Failure to Launch Part 4 – In a blog post from 2016 I wrote about a serious problem in our culture, which I call “failure to launch” (FTL) I use this term in a non-judgmental way to describe the frustration and concern parents and other family members feel when a young person seems unable to move […]
17
Oct
Oct
Nearly 45 million American adults struggle with mental illness each day. To complicate matters, individuals who have mental health disorders are much more likely to struggle with substance abuse than the general population. Approximately 20 million American adults have a diagnosed substance use disorder, and over eight million Americans struggle with both a diagnosed substance […]
03
Oct
Oct
Finding the right therapist can be an intimidating task. You may be wondering where to begin, where to look, or what to look for. You may fear that you won’t know who is or isn’t a good fit for you and your particular needs. I’ve been there; I have had to navigate this process both […]
26
Sep
Sep
September is National Yoga Month, a month-long observance designated by the Department of Health and Human Services to educate the public about the health benefits of yoga and to inspire a healthy lifestyle. In recognition of this event, rtor.org asked one of its Family-Endorsed Providers to write a guest blog on this subject. Pamela Tinkham, […]
12
Sep
Sep
The foods you eat can affect the health of your mind and body in a number of ways. Your diet can influence everything from your energy level to your body fat and even the appearance of your skin and hair. So it should come as no surprise that the foods you eat can also have […]
31
Aug
Aug
Psychotherapist
Rochester, NY
William Jarvie, LCSW-R, is a licensed clinical social worker at University of Rochester Medical Center, Behavioral Health Partners in Rochester, NY.
31
Aug
Aug
Psychiatrist
Belle Mead, NJ
Dr. Umesh Mehta is a psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of older adults with mental health disorders.
31
Aug
Aug
Psychiatrist
Greenwich, CT
Danbury, CT
New York, NY
Tarique Perera, MD, is a psychiatrist serving adolescents, adults, couples, and families in Greenwich, CT, Danbury, CT, New York, NY, and the surrounding communities.
31
Aug
Aug
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program
New Canaan, CT
Silver Hill Hospital is an independent, not-for-profit psychiatric hospital – and one of the few such designated facilities in the country.
31
Aug
Aug
Psychotherapist
Turnersville, NJ
Roseanna Bodner, LCSW, is a psychotherapist who is in private practice serving clients in Turnersville, NJ, and surrounding areas.
31
Aug
Aug
Psychotherapist and psychiatrist
Westport, CT
Randi Cohen, MD, PhD, is a psychotherapist and psychiatrist in private practice serving adults, couples, and families in Westport, CT, and the surrounding communities.
31
Aug
Aug
Psychologist
Wethersfield, CT
Rachel Duzant, PsyD, is a psychologist in private practice serving adults in Wethersfield, CT, and the surrounding communities.
31
Aug
Aug
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Bedford Hills, NY
Phyllis Marton is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in private practice, providing counseling and therapy services to adults and adolescents in Bedford Hills, NY and the surrounding communities of Westchester County.
31
Aug
Aug
Psychotherapist
New York, NY
Peter Honchaurk, LCSW-R, is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice serving adolescents, adults, and families in the New York City area.
31
Aug
Aug
Psychiatrist
New Haven, CT
Dr. Michael Vollmar is a psychiatrist who treats adults with serious psychiatric illnesses at the Parents’ Foundation for Transitional Living located in New Haven, CT.
31
Aug
Aug
Psychotherapist
Stamford, CT
New Haven, CT
Marianela Medrano, PhD, LPC, is a psychologist in private practice, providing counseling and therapy services to adults and adolescents in Stamford, CT, New Haven, CT, and the surrounding communities of Fairfield County.
31
Aug
Aug
Psychotherapist
Guilford, CT
Maria Sappe, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice serving children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in Guilford, CT, and the surrounding communities.
31
Aug
Aug
Psychiatrist
Westport, CT
Joseph Russo, M.D., is a psychiatrist in private practice serving adolescents, adults and families in Westport, CT, and the surrounding communities.
