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Caregiver Resources

Planning For 988

Article May 2, 2022
Widespread concerns about suicide led to the passage of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act in 2020, which will make “988” the nationwide suicide prevention hotline to support suicide and… Read More

Peer Support – The Next Generation

Article May 2, 2022
There are a number of new developments in the use of peer services spurring provider organization innovations. California is establishing a new peer support specialist certification program under Medi-Cal. And… Read More

The Homelessness Imperative

Article April 11, 2022
Earlier this month, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new initiative focused on addressing the housing insecure population with mental illness and substance use disorder. But the focus of the… Read More

Fact Sheet: The Eight Dimensions Of Wellness

Downloadable Resource January 18, 2022
Wellness is a self-defined balance of healthy habits such as eating well, sleeping, being productive, and participating in meaningful activities. There are eight dimensions of wellness: emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical,… Read More

Decriminalizing Mental Illness

Interview September 30, 2021
U.S. correctional institutions, local courts, and police officers frequently encounter people with untreated mental health disorders. Once incarcerated, individuals with mental illness tend to stay longer in jail and upon… Read More

Peer Supports? There’s An App For That

Article September 6, 2021
A few new developments around peer supports have caught everyone’s attention. Not surprisingly, the pandemic has changed the role and the work of peer support specialists—and like all of health… Read More

2021 BIPOC Mental Health Month Toolkit

Downloadable Resource July 6, 2021
Formally recognized in June 2008, Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was created to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face in regard to mental illness… Read More

NAMI: Mental Health Care Matters

Downloadable Resource July 1, 2021
Mental health treatment-therapy, medication and self-care, have made recovery a reality for most people experiencing mental illness. Although taking the first steps can be confusing or difficult, it’s important to… Read More

Let’s Talk About LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health

Downloadable Resource June 29, 2021
As we celebrate Pride Month, PsychU will be joining the LGBTQIA+ community in raising awareness of what it means to be LGBTQIA+ identified. This infographic resource provides information around who… Read More

Psychiatric Advance Directive Fact Sheet

Downloadable Resource June 22, 2021
This is a downloadable text document on Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD). This material is expected to serve as an introductory resource for patients and caregivers on PAD. The goal is… Read More

Recovery-Oriented Perspective & Approach (ROPA)

Podcast June 9, 2021
Listen to Amica Simmons-Yon, PharmD, PhD, Jacquelyn Canning, PharmD, BCPP, and Hiten Patadia, PharmD as they spill the tea about this week’s hot topic: Recovery-Oriented Perspective & Approach (ROPA) with… Read More

Mental Wellness Across The Lifespan Series: Older Adult Infographic

Interview May 26, 2021
In the United States, millions of Americans are affected by mental illness. The month of May has been designated as National Mental Health Awareness Month. PsychU joins the national movement to raise awareness by hosting a series on Mental Wellness Across the Lifespan. It… Read More

Webinar Summary – Mental Health Journey: Voices From Individuals With Lived Experience On Self-Disclosure, Recovery, & Hope

Article May 13, 2021
This summary was developed utilizing the full recorded presentation of this webinar. You can access the full sourcing, polling results, recording, or presentation slides here: https://psychu.org/mental-health-journey-voices-from-individuals-with-lived-experience-on-self-disclosure-recovery-hope/?collection_id=27536. Talking about mental illness… Read More

Mental Health Awareness Month 2021 Toolkit

Downloadable Resource May 7, 2021
Mental Health America (MHA) started Mental Health Month in 1949 to communicate the importance of mental health to overall health. MHA insights about the factors that lead to mental health for… Read More

National Certified Peer Specialists (NCPS)

Downloadable Resource May 3, 2021
Opportunities for peers to work in a variety of systems and settings to support individuals in achieving and maintaining recovery exist. This website, developed by Mental Health America (MHA) and… Read More

NAMI: You Are Not Alone

Downloadable Resource May 1, 2021
Million of people are affected by mental illness each year. Across the country, many people just like you work, perform, create, compete, laugh, love and inspire every day. The National… Read More

A World Without

Video April 20, 2021
This video, developed by Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), the amazing accomplishments of some of history’s most notable figures who live(d) with mental health challenges are celebrated. Watch Video… Read More

B4Stage4 – Where To Get Help

Downloadable Resource April 15, 2021
When you’ve decided to seek help for a possible mental health condition, knowing what resources are available and where to start can be tricky. This webpage, developed by Mental Health… Read More

National Family Caregivers Month 2020

Interview November 2, 2020
One in five caregivers help someone with a mental illness and forty-five percent of caregivers for adults with mental illness are parents, fourteen percent are adult children and eleven percent… Read More

A Vicious Circle: Suicidality & Stigma

Article August 31, 2020
The irony is painful: Suicidal behavior is highly stigmatized, but stigma itself may increase suicidality. The complex, reciprocal relationship between the two is the focus of two recent journal articles:… Read More

Measurement-Based Care In Psychiatry

Interview August 24, 2020
Research has shown that when adding measurement-based care tools to usual care, including psychiatric care, significant improvement in patient outcomes can result. In this podcast, Dwayne Mayes provides his peer… Read More

Mindfulness Meditation In Mental Health

Video August 17, 2020
Over the last few decades, mindfulness meditation has increased in popularity. In this presentation, Elizabeth DiNapoli, PhD, Medical Science Liaison, will provide a brief overview of mindfulness meditation, including the… Read More

Maternal Mood & Anxiety Disorders

Podcast August 10, 2020
This podcast features Dr. Lisa Weinstock, a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist, discussing mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. As many as 15% of women experience… Read More

Starbucks Begins Mental Health Training

Article August 10, 2020
In its latest move to address mental health in the workplace, Starbucks is making mental health training available for all U.S. assistant store managers, store managers, and above, in addition… Read More

Impact & Trauma Of Racism

On-Demand Webinar August 4, 2020
Many Black people in the U.S. are born into a life of trauma, stemming from a history of repression, violence, and injustice. This trauma is not something any of us… Read More

What To Say When You Want More

Article August 3, 2020
For provider organization executives looking at recovery planning, “top of the list” is different relationships with payers. In most discussions, higher rates, less administrative costs, standardized performance measurement, and sharing… Read More

2020 BIPOC Mental Health Month Toolkit

Downloadable Resource July 6, 2020
Each July, Mental Health America (MHA) aims to shed light on the multitude of mental health experiences of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities, and others that face disproportionate… Read More

“I’m here…”: Peer To Peer – How To Help

Video July 6, 2020
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) recognizes mood disorders affect millions of people, yet the stigma surrounding it causes barriers to communication and knowledge about mental health conditions. Here is… Read More

Pharmacists Authorized To Test For COVID-19

Article May 18, 2020
New Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) guidelines, announced April 8, 2020, authorize licensed pharmacists to order and administer FDA-approved COVID-19 tests, including serology tests.1 Those who do so… Read More

Impact Of Second-Generation Antipsychotics

Podcast May 11, 2020
Dr. Rajiv Tandon outlines treatment options for individuals with schizophrenia and the impact the illness can have on their daily functioning. Listen in to this podcast as he reviews the results… Read More

COVID-19 & Your Mental Health

Downloadable Resource May 11, 2020
Provided with permission from Mental Health America, a PsychU Supporting Organization. To learn more about MHA, please visit their website at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net. Read More

PsychU: Perspectives & Evolution

Podcast May 11, 2020
Listen in as Jon Grant, MD, JD, shares his thoughts with Rachel Self, PhD, MS, about PsychU and its particular value at this time. As for the future, Dr. Grant… Read More

Coronavirus & Mental Wellbeing

Article April 22, 2020
News is everywhere about the swift spread of coronavirus and the deaths in its wake. There is much we do not know about the virus or the disease it causes,… Read More

Disclosing To Others Fact Sheet

Downloadable Resource April 13, 2020
Ideally, the people around you will understand your illness and encourage you. But the important people in your life might not know much about mental illness. They may want to… Read More

Mindfulness In The Treatment Of PTSD

Article March 30, 2020
Up to 75% of individuals in North America experience trauma at some point in their lives. Rape, combat, childhood abuse—all are sources of trauma that can give rise to post-traumatic… Read More

American Foundation Of Suicide Prevention

Interview March 30, 2020
The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has been a supporting organization of PsychU since 2018. Dr. Jill Harkavy-Freidman sat down with PsychU to talk about how an individual can… Read More

Mental Health Awareness Month 2020 Toolkit

Downloadable Resource March 30, 2020
Throughout May each year, we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM). Since 1949, Mental Health America (MHA) has been leading the observance of May MHAM. For 2020, MHA will continue… Read More

Adherence & The Role For New Technologies

On-Demand Webinar March 24, 2020
Nonadherence to medication is a serious problem in mental health care. In this webinar, Dawn Velligan, PhD, and Craig Chepke, MD, will discuss the current state of adherence and the… Read More

My Promise As A Mental Health Nurse

Interview March 23, 2020
In 2015, I embarked on an academic journey at the University of San Francisco where I completed my master’s degree in nursing and continued on to pursue my doctor of… Read More

Caregiver Wellness & Self-Care

Podcast March 16, 2020
Renée Cavallaro, a licensed clinical social worker, explains wellness and self-care, as well as why both are important for caregivers. In addition to providing some examples of self-care, Renee gives… Read More

PsychU 360 Magazine

Downloadable Resource February 17, 2020
PsychU 360 – January 2020 Despite vast improvements in diagnosis and treatment over the last half-century, mental illness is underdiagnosed and undertreated. The reasons are many and varied. Among them:… Read More

Interacting With First Responders

On-Demand Webinar February 10, 2020
Approximately 15% of men and 30% of women jailed have a serious mental illness (SMI).1 Educated first responders can potentially safely de-escalate situations involving a behavioral health crisis. Crisis Intervention… Read More

Types Of Mental Health Professionals Fact Sheet

Downloadable Resource January 29, 2020
This fact sheet, created by the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), provides an overview of the different types of mental health professionals. Resource:Types of Mental Health Professionals (PDF). Download… Read More

Telehealth User Satisfaction Is High

Article December 23, 2019
User satisfaction is high among consumers who have used telehealth services, according to a J.D. Power survey. The overall customer satisfaction score for telehealth services is 851 (on a 1,000-point… Read More

CPAP Provides Relief From Depression

Article November 18, 2019
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment provides relief from depression in those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is true irrespective of how well CPAP treatment improved sleep status. There… Read More

Anxiety In Major Depressive Disorder

Video November 11, 2019
Dr. Deidra Couch explains the prevalence of anxiety in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), discusses the clinical prognosis of comorbid anxiety with MDD, and identifies rating scales that assess anxiety and… Read More

Sleep In Behavioral Health

Interview November 4, 2019
In this podcast, Sana Johnson-Quijada, MD, highlights the importance of sleep in overall behavioral health and discusses goals for better sleep quality. Sleep impacts hormones and neurotransmitters. Implementing and maintaining… Read More

Improving Mental Health With Digital Technology

Video October 30, 2019
Becky Wong, MBA, PharmD, discusses the prevalence of mental health in America and how mental health providers can utilize technology to address consumer needs. Telepsychology, mobile applications, and medication adherence… Read More

Addressing Psychiatric Readmissions

Downloadable Resource October 30, 2019
Psychiatric inpatient hospitalization presents a significant challenge for patients, payers, and the overall health care system. This white paper will provide an overview of the causes and impacts of readmissions.… Read More

Suicide Awareness & Prevention

Interview October 28, 2019
Dr. Nicole Meade discusses suicide awareness and prevention, a topic that is extremely important to our community. Dr. Meade examines suicide statistics and terminology, such as why the phrase “committed… Read More

Suicide Awareness & Prevention

Interview October 28, 2019
Dr. Nicole Meade discusses suicide awareness and prevention, a topic that is extremely important to our community. Dr. Meade examines suicide statistics and terminology, such as why the phrase “committed… Read More

Meet The Treatment Team: Physician Assistant

Interview October 8, 2019
In this interview, Catherine Judd, MS, PA-C, CAQ-Psy, discusses the role a physician assistant plays in the mental health team. Physician assistants have a broad-base, primary care medical background in… Read More

Mind Full Or Mindful?

Article September 23, 2019
Do you have focus? I think being an executive in the health and human service space is a whole “different ballgame” than it was just a decade or two ago.… Read More

Introduction To Marijuana

Interview August 19, 2019
Marijuana has become an ubiquitous topic of conversation, which is likely fueled by the changes and proposed changes to legislation throughout the United States. Tune in as Dr. Becky Wong,… Read More

Introduction To Opioid Use Disorder

Video June 3, 2019
Dr. Elizabeth DiNapoli provides a brief overview of opioid use disorder (OUD). Key points discussed include: what symptoms may be present if a person is struggling with OUD; how common… Read More

B4Stage4 – Get Informed

Downloadable Resource November 2, 2018
This downloadable resource, developed by Mental Health America (MHA), is part of their B4Stage4 resources, and provides information to help individuals know the risk factors and symptoms of mental illness.… Read More

Meet The Treatment Team: Psychiatrists

Interview October 5, 2018
In this interview Sanjai Rao, MD, sits down with Monica Kim, PharmD, MBA, Medical Science Liaison at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., to discuss the role a psychiatrist may… Read More

Meet The Treatment Team: Social Workers

Interview September 28, 2018
In this interview Tania Hammock, LCSW, sits down with Nicole Meade, PhD, Senior Medical Science Liaison at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. to discuss the role a social worker… Read More

Meet The Treatment Team: Psychologists

Interview August 17, 2018
In this interview, Elizabeth DiNapoli, PhD, Medical Science Liaison, sat down to discuss the role a psychologist may play on the treatment team of individuals with mental illness. Meet the other… Read More

Introduction To Schizophrenia

Interview May 3, 2017
Dr. Nicole Meade provides a brief overview of schizophrenia. Key points include the definition, cause, diagnosis, and treatment of schizophrenia. Read More

Introduction To Bipolar Disorder

Interview May 3, 2017
Dr. Samantha Sweeney provides a brief overview of bipolar disorder. Key points include the definition, cause, diagnosis, and treatment of bipolar disorder. Read More

I’m Here…

Interview April 20, 2017
This video, developed by Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), is a way for both people living with a mood disorder and those who support them, to open up a… Read More

Life With Depression

Downloadable Resource April 7, 2017
This downloadable resource, developed by Mental Health America (MHA), part of their Mental Health Toolkit, provides patient statements on what life with depression feels like and tips for tackling depression… Read More

Reaching For Recovery: Bipolar Disorder

Downloadable Resource April 4, 2017
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that affects a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. Just like other conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, bipolar disorder requires medical… Read More

Reaching For Recovery: Schizophrenia

Downloadable Resource April 4, 2017
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Just like other conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, schizophrenia requires medical treatment. Resource: Help… Read More

Working With The Treatment Team: Schizophrenia

Downloadable Resource April 4, 2017
The Treatment Team, including the psychiatrist, is the best resource for information and advice about schizophrenia. Each Treatment Team can be made up of different types of healthcare professionals, so… Read More

Caregivers & The Right To Help: Schizophrenia

Downloadable Resource April 3, 2017
Caregivers can play an important role in helping their loved one manage schizophrenia, but sometimes there’s confusion around the role they can have in the treatment process. So here’s some… Read More

Mental Health Month 2016 Toolkit

Downloadable Resource March 28, 2017
This downloadable resource, developed by Mental Health America (MHA), provides outreach ideas, items for advocates, fact sheets, and handouts about mental illness. Resource: Mental Health Month 2016: Outreach Toolkit (PDF). Originally… Read More

Taking Care Of An Aging Parent

Downloadable Resource March 28, 2017
This webpage, developed by Mental Health America (MHA), provides tips to help caregivers cope with the stresses that may occur while they are providing care for aging parents. Read More… Read More

The State Of Depression In America

Video March 28, 2017
This video, developed by Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) and hosted by Mike Wallace, discusses the state of Depression in America, and reflects the unmet need to examine all… Read More

Being An Effective Caregiver

Downloadable Resource March 28, 2017
This webpage, developed by Mental Health America (MHA), provides five tips for being an effective caregiver for an individual with mental illness. Learn More Now Provided by permission of Mental… Read More

Caregiver Basics – What You Need To Know

Downloadable Resource March 28, 2017
This webpage, developed by Mental Health America (MHA), provides information, forms, and documents that you can encourage your friend or family member to use to assist your loved one with… Read More

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