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 […]
Depression and Anxiety: Brief Therapeutic Interventions for the PCP Office 8/5/25
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 […]
Saying Goodbye in Tribal Healthcare: Navigating Provider Turnover Amid Historical Trauma in AI/AN Communities 7/23/25
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 […]
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Adolescents: Enhancing Mental Health Care through Values-Based Interventions 7/9/25
Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by profound psychological, emotional, and social changes. Mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression frequently manifest during this time, making early, effective intervention imperative. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapy, has gained traction as a promising approach for addressing the unique challenges adolescents face. […]
When Emotional Pain Manifests in the Body: A Review of Somatic Symptom Disorders and Their Treatment 6/25/25
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 […]
Planning for a Positive Summer 6/11/25
It’s officially summertime! While summer often brings excitement for beach days and family vacations, it can also stir up more complicated emotions. Some youths may dread the social isolation or heightened family tensions that can accompany the season. For caregivers, the sudden increase in unstructured time and financial strain can feel overwhelming. However, with thoughtful […]
Caffeine Consumption in Individuals with Mental Health Disorders: Clinical Benefits and Risks 5/28/25
Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant consumed by approximately 85% of adults in the United States daily, has complex implications for individuals with mental health disorders. Its primary mechanism involves non-selective antagonism of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors, resulting in increased dopamine and norepinephrine transmission—neurotransmitters implicated in multiple psychiatric conditions. While moderate caffeine intake may […]
Culturally Adapted Family Therapies for American Indian and Alaska Native Youth: Integrating Tradition and Evidence-Based Practice 5/14/25
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 […]
Management of Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain 4/30/25
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 […]
Psychotropic Drug-Related Weight Gain 4/16/25
Weight gain is a common and often concerning side effect of psychotropic medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, lithium, and anticonvulsants. A systematic review by Sepulvida-Lizcano et al. found that 89% of frequently prescribed psychotropic medications are associated with metabolic alterations. This is particularly concerning for children and adolescents, who are at heightened risk of weight gain […]