Welcome to PsychU!
  1. Home
  2. Resource Library
  3. Topics
  4. Spotlight

Spotlight

Integration Needs Innovation

Article October 10, 2022
Renowned economist Theodore Levitt, known for coining the term “globalization” and promoting the importance of marketing in business, had something interesting to say about innovation: “Creativity is thinking up new… Read More

Building Family & Social Support

Downloadable Resource September 21, 2022
Having a good relationship with your mental healthcare providers is important to your wellness. So is having healthy relationships with family and/or friends. Your family and/or friends may help you… Read More

Schizophrenia Relapse Reduction Program Overview

Downloadable Resource September 19, 2022
Schizophrenia is a chronic, relapsing, and disabling disorder characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, disorganized thinking, affective flattening, apathy, and social withdrawal. Frameworks resources are intended for educational… Read More

Schizophrenia & the Role of the Pharmacist

Downloadable Resource September 19, 2022
In this resource you will learn how pharmacists may play a role in helping patients with schizophrenia. Frameworks resources are intended for educational purposes only and are intended for health… Read More

Consumer Experience, Margins & On-Site Pharmacies

Article September 5, 2022
Consumers satisfaction and experience in health care are getting more attention. Consumers’ satisfaction with their experience has been linked to continuity of care and improved outcomes. But only one in three consumers… Read More

The Social Determinants Opportunity

Article August 29, 2022
The past week we’ve seen a blitz of new research on the effects of social determinants and lifestyle on health. Processed foods appear to cause cognitive decline. Exercise appears to… Read More

Goal Setting: A Resource For Consumers

Downloadable Resource August 10, 2022
This resource introduces consumers to the idea of goal setting. Tips are provided for encouragement in the process. A checklist is also included to help identify areas of focus. Frameworks resources… Read More

Culturally-Sensitive Assessments Of Trauma

Video July 1, 2022
May is National Trauma Awareness Month and culturally-sensitive assessments of trauma is essential in providing proper support, validation and culturally informed care. In this recording, Dr. Sierra Carter discusses trauma… Read More

Impact Of Trauma On Women With Children

Interview May 8, 2022
Pregnant women from marginalized communities are at high risk for problematic birth experiences due to historical trauma and exposure to racism and discrimination, the biological and psychosocial consequences of which… 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

Intergenerational Effects Of Racism

Video March 1, 2022
People of Color are disproportionately exposed to chronic and cumulative stress over the life course. Join Dr. Sierra Carter in this recording as she reviews the “Intergenerational Effects of Racism”… Read More

Depression Stigma Drops For First Time In U.S.

Article February 7, 2022
A recent survey found the first evidence of significant decreases in public stigma toward depression in the U.S. Between 1996 and 2018, respondents reported increasing beliefs that mental health problems… Read More

Lifespan Impact Of Racism-Related Stress

Video February 1, 2022
Research findings have suggested that early life stressful experiences-like racial discrimination have a lasting impact on biological risk for disease and premature mortality due to chronic diseases of aging.1 In… Read More

Perspectives Of Schizophrenia Treatment Guidelines

On-Demand Webinar October 13, 2021
Schizophrenia is a challenging diagnosis both domestically and across the world. Various treatment guidelines have been developed by key thought leaders to share perspectives on acute and long-term management of… 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

STARR Coalition With Luke Kramer

Podcast September 2, 2021
Listen to Amica Simmons-Yon, PharmD, PhD and Jacquelyn Canning, PharmD, BCPP as they spill the tea about this week’s hot topic: STARR Coalition with a special guest, Luke Kramer. Mr.… Read More

NAMI: It’s Okay to Talk About Suicide

Downloadable Resource September 1, 2021
In this fact sheet “It’s Okay to Talk About SUICIDE,” created by The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), provides prevalence and high-risk population data on suicide in the United… Read More

Racial Trauma In The Workplace

Podcast August 17, 2021
Topics to be discussed: • What is racial trauma, and does it show up in the workplace amongst our providers? • As a Black professional yourself, what challenges do Black… Read More

Digital Technologies For Bipolar Disorder

Video July 22, 2021
Please join us for this discussion providing an overview of the use of digital technologies in bipolar disorder. Dr Goulding will discuss unmet needs in bipolar disorder, how digital technologies… 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

Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A)

Downloadable Resource May 27, 2021
Administration time: 10–15 minutes Main purpose: To assess the severity of symptoms of anxiety Population Adults, adolescents and children The HAM-A was one of the first rating scales developed to… 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

Psychotherapies For Mood Disorders & Schizophrenia

Interview May 25, 2021
In the last decades, psychotherapy has gained increasing acceptance as a major treatment option for mood disorders and schizophrenia. This presentation will review the American Psychiatric Association (APA) clinical practice… 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

Value-Added Pharmacist-Run Programs In Hospitals

Interview May 5, 2021
In this presentation, Melissa Mitchell, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP, BCGP addresses value-added pharmacist-run programs in hospitals including creating specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based (SMART) goals for such programs. Featuring: Melissa… 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

Stigma In Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder

On-Demand Webinar April 29, 2021
This webinar archive centers around discussion surrounding stigma as is relates to mental health and substance use disorder. During this roundtable conversation, Otsuka Senior MSL, Dr. Jason Carter sits down… Read More

Digital Technologies For Schizophrenia

Interview March 22, 2021
Dr. Brian Kirkpatrick, MD, MSPH, Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, discusses the role digital technology plays in the treatment of… Read More

Social Determinants Of Health

Podcast March 10, 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: “Social Determinants of Health.” Join the… Read More

The Current State Of Women’s Mental Health

Interview March 8, 2021
During this discussion, our panelists engage in a dialog reflecting on the research which underscores how women may be disproportionately affected by the current state as compared to men. They… Read More

Social Determinants: Whose Job Is It Anyway?

Article January 4, 2021
There is much talk—and many pilot programs—about bridging the gap between health care and social services. The data is clear—80% of health outcomes are due to social, behavioral, and environmental… Read More

Will Investing In Social Determinants Pay Off?

Article December 7, 2020
We’ve heard the stats many times in the past decade—health care services account for only 20% of health outcomes, while health-related behaviors and socioeconomic factors—housing, food, environment, employment—can drive 80% of… Read More

Quality Assurance Initiatives In Psychiatric Pharmacy

Video December 7, 2020
In this presentation, Melissa Mitchell, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP, BCGP and Andrew Williams, PharmD, BCPP, BCGP address administrative, regulatory, and clinical initiatives in psychiatric pharmacy. The speakers also discuss creating specific,… Read More

The Future Of Health Care & Leveraging Technology

Video November 24, 2020
In this presentation, Timothy Aungst, PharmD, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) University, Jake Behrens, MD, Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director, Envision… Read More

Value-Based Reimbursement In The Next Normal

Article November 16, 2020
In our mapping of the post-pandemic market, one key issue is how health plans will reimburse provider organizations in the year ahead. Anecdotally, we’re seeing more health plan managers looking for provider… Read More

Focusing On The Non-Health Factors Of Health

Article November 9, 2020
It’s no secret—social factors affect health care spending. Last year, Bechara Choucair, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Community Health Officer, Kaiser Permanente, provided the health plan perspective on social… Read More

Technology Update: Impacts On Treatment

On-Demand Webinar November 4, 2020
Technology’s impact on mental health care service delivery is often lauded, but what’s the evidence thus far? Artificial intelligence, machine learning, neuro-linguistic programming therapy, and blockchain: What have they done… Read More

Rules For Post-Pandemic Care Transformation

Article November 2, 2020
The one word that keeps coming up in discussions with health plan executives is “transformation.” And, they’re not talking about transforming themselves. They are talking about the transformation in service… Read More

Telemedicine & Medication Adherence

Article November 2, 2020
Nonadherence to psychotropic medication is one of the major obstacles when treating mental illnesses. Approximately 60% of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia discontinue their medication within 90 days of prescription. For… Read More

Housing = Health: The Five Levers

Article October 26, 2020
Before the start of the pandemic, nearly 570,000 Americans were homeless. And now, as unemployment rolls mount and moratoriums against evictions and foreclosures expire, an additional 30 to 40 million… Read More

Where’s That Remote?

Article October 19, 2020
Over the past many months, much of health care (along with education, banking, cocktail parties, and more) has moved to telehealth. But, telehealth in and of itself is not an… Read More

The Digital Divide: One More Strategic Challenge

Article October 5, 2020
The pandemic has pushed both the health and human service field and the education field to virtual service models—and most don’t think either field is ready for the challenges. Yes, clinical professionals of provider… 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

Video August 31, 2020
In this presentation, Becky Wong, PharmD, MBA, provides an overview of measurement-based care, how measurement-based care may be used to improve quality in psychiatry, shares a fictional case example of… Read More

Robots As A Staffing ‘Force Multiplier’

Article August 24, 2020
The increased use of virtual therapies during this pandemic crisis will likely make a permanent change in how consumers receive services in the future. But another form of technology, also… 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

Too Much Health Care?

Article August 17, 2020
The volume of health care services is down. Since the start of the pandemic, in many states, non-emergency health care services other than virtual care have not been available to… 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

New Service Lines, New Measures

Article August 10, 2020
As executive teams look to diversify, there is one challenge that comes with every new service—identifying and managing new performance measures. The range of performance measures—and how to set up… 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

New Roles For A Pharmacist Near You

Article July 20, 2020
We are 13 weeks into the pandemic crisis. For executives of health and human service organizations, the question is how to make the “crisis normal” work and pivot to a… Read More

Privacy & Security In Digital Health

Video July 6, 2020
In this presentation, Dr. Mona Sobhani, PhD, Director of Research and Operations USC Center for Body Computing, Los Angeles, California, discusses the importance of privacy and security of health information,… Read More

Digital Endpoints & Medication Optimization

Video June 1, 2020
In this presentation Dr. Timothy Aungst, Associate Professor of Pharmacy at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, discusses the importance of medication optimization and digital technology. Dr. Aungst… 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

Substance Use Disorder Amid Pandemic

Article April 27, 2020
“Ninety meetings in 90 days”: This is one mantra repeated to and by many individuals early in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). Regular attendance at peer-run meetings offered by… Read More

Telepsychiatry: Implementation & Best Practices

Video April 20, 2020
Dr. Mehdi Qalbani discusses his experience providing telepsychiatry in the Information Age. Topics include regulatory concerns, practice guidelines, and web-side manner when working remotely. Mehdi Qalbani, MD, MSPH, is the… 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

Mixicity In Depression

Video March 30, 2020
Researching depressive mixed states of bipolar depression and major depressive disorder began in the late nineteenth century in Europe and mid-twentieth century in the United States. Depressive mixed state refers… 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

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

A Prescription For Pharmacist Intervention

Article March 2, 2020
Despite the well-known prevalence of mental health conditions, they are woefully undertreated. Consider this: About one in five Americans has a behavioral condition, but fewer than half—only 41%—receive treatment of… 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

How Do Bipolar Disorder Type I & Type II Differ?

Article February 10, 2020
Traditionally, bipolar disorder type II (BDII) has been thought to be less severe—and less disabling—than bipolar disorder type I (BDI). Experts believe this characterization might be attributed to the fact… Read More

Making VBR A Success: What Health Plans Can Do

Article January 27, 2020
 Adoption of value-based reimbursement (VBR) models is glacial—slow to occur but changing the delivery system in its wake. It’s an issue we’ve written about before — VBR @ Scale—Changes Required,… Read More

Telepsychiatry: Implementation & Best Practices

Article January 20, 2020
Dr. Mehdi Qalbani discusses his experience providing telepsychiatry in the Information Age. Topics include regulatory concerns, practice guidelines, and web-side manner when working remotely. Mehdi Qalbani, MD, MSPH, is the… Read More

Telehealth Lessons Learned

Article January 20, 2020
Adding telehealth services becomes an attractive solution as provider organizations are held to access-to-care metrics in value-based reimbursement contracts (see Telehealth Gains Popularity—Telehealth Budgets Don’t). And since the feds have… Read More

Crossing The Social Determinants Divide

Article December 9, 2019
A recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that social determinants are a major impediment to managing care for high-cost Medicaid beneficiaries. The biggest impediments include a… 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

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

The 68%

Article October 7, 2019
What’s in a percentage? 5%—The proportion of the population using 50% of health care resources 10%—The proportion of the population with an addiction 20%—The proportion of the population with a… Read More

The Top Health Plan Digital Health Tools

Article September 30, 2019
Provider organization executive teams will face some important decisions over the next five years regarding tech investments. The issue is that there are so many tech products—and every organization (no… Read More

Addiction By The Numbers

Article September 23, 2019
How should addiction treatment programs be evaluated? That was the focus of the session, Quality Measurement In Addiction Treatment: Advancing Adoption Of Best Practices, at The 2019 OPEN MINDS Management… Read More

How Do You Measure Access?

Article September 16, 2019
Why is access such a major priority for health plans? Improving access to care promotes better consumer engagement, increases consumer satisfaction, and results in better positive clinical and financial outcomes.… Read More

The Four-Part Checklist For VBR Success

Article August 26, 2019
Many executive teams of specialty provider organizations are working to iron out preferred relationships with health plans – relationships that are most often anchored in some type of pay-for-performance or… Read More

Is ‘Harm Reduction’ On Your Radar?

Article August 5, 2019
In 2016, when Donald Trump chose Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate, it unexpectedly brought harm reduction to the forefront of the news. In 2014, the state of… Read More

Do You Have A SDH Screening Tool?

Article July 15, 2019
Depression, alcohol dependency, risk of suicide, childhood trauma — clinical professionals and provider organizations employ a variety of assessment tools and standardized questions to screen consumers for the drivers of… Read More

Moving Health Care From Beds To Wellness

Article June 24, 2019
One of the big cultural changes happening in health care is moving from “volume” to “value” in reimbursement. The volume of services is still the focus of provider organization management… Read More

The Neurobiology Of Endocannabinoids

Video June 17, 2019
Hear from Chloe Liu, Ph.D., a Medical Science Liaison with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., as she examines the historical research discoveries and underlying neurobiological mechanisms of the endocannabinoid… Read More

The Neurobiology Of Opioids

Video June 10, 2019
Hear from Chip Meyer, Ph.D., a Medical Science Liaison with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., as he examines the historic medical utilization and underlying neurobiological mechanisms of opioids. Explore… Read More

Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ)

Downloadable Resource May 28, 2019
The Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ) is a 26-item instrument designed to identify patients on a continuum from low to high risk for opioid misuse. The original study which validated the… Read More

Opioid Clarity?

Article May 27, 2019
The number of deaths due to opioids has shown no signs of diminishing—drug overdose deaths involving prescription opioids rose from 3,442 in 1999 to 17,029 in 2017 (see National Rate… Read More

What’s Wrong With Patient Portals?

Article May 6, 2019
Patient portals aren’t getting the traffic that they should. That was my takeaway from the report, “HHS Should Assess the Effectiveness of Its Efforts to Enhance Patient Access to and Use… Read More