And just like that, summer vacation is winding down and a new school year is upon us. This transition can evoke both excitement and nervousness for children and caregivers alike. Here are some tips to help make the process smoother.  Reestablish Healthy Routines. Start by phasing out less structured habits of summer and getting back […]

We have all cared for patients and families reporting long wait times to see a therapist. And we know that for most patients with moderate-severe mental health concerns, the combination of medication and therapy works better than either intervention alone. Other BHCS newsletters address medication initiation for various behavioral health concerns, but what about non-medication […]

Healthcare provider turnover in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribal facilities—often rural, under-resourced, and operating under the Indian Health Service (IHS)—presents unique challenges. Departures of therapists, psychiatrists, or primary care providers reverberate against a backdrop of colonial trauma, centuries of broken promises, and enduring mistrust in federal health systems. For patients and families already coping with […]

Introduction Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (SSRDs), as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), encompass a cluster of psychiatric conditions characterized by excessive and maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to somatic symptoms. These disorders often present in medical settings and are associated with significant […]

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth face disproportionate challenges related to mental health, substance use, and intergenerational trauma. These challenges are compounded by historical and colonial oppression, systemic inequities, and cultural disconnection. In response, researchers and clinicians have developed culturally adapted family therapy models that integrate traditional AI/AN values with evidence-based practices. This article […]

As discussed in a previous newsletter, psychotropic medications, particularly antipsychotics, can lead to clinically significant weight gain. Second-generation antipsychotics, such as olanzapine and clozapine, are believed to disrupt glucose, lipid, and appetite regulation by acting on dopamine, serotonin, histamine, and muscarinic receptors. These medications also influence hormones such as leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin, promoting increased […]

The differentiation of pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) remains a significant challenge for mental health professionals due to overlapping symptomatology. These disorders manifest in affective and behavioral dysregulation, yet they have distinct pathophysiologies, developmental trajectories, and treatment implications. This article provides an in-depth analysis of these disorders […]

As a child’s brain develops, their sleep patterns also undergo significant changes. Sleep is regulated by the circadian rhythm, which controls cycles of sleep and wakefulness. Both the architecture of sleep and the amount of sleep needed vary throughout development. Infants typically need 14-17 hours, school-aged children need 9-12 hours, and teenagers need 8-10 hours […]

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern, is a form of depression that consistently occurs during certain months of the year. It can present during either winter or summer, but it more commonly occurs in the colder months when there are fewer daylight hours. While distance from the equator is […]