Struggling with Screen Time: A Look at Internet Use Disorders

• Addiction, Patients and Families

Internet use disorders are a growing concern in today’s technology-driven society, marked by excessive and compulsive use of the internet, leading to negative consequences in various aspects of an individual's life. Online activities of concern include overuse of social media sites, gaming, gambling, problematic use of online pornography, and other digital platforms. This is a global phenomenon affecting individuals of all ages

The Collaborative Care Model to Optimize Patient Outcomes in Mental Health Care

In our second episode, our invited panelists Dr. Maga Jackson-Triche, Madhuri Jha and Kristin Kroeger continue their conversation from the online webinar on the collaborative care model to discuss the reasons for the emergence of the model and its increasing adoption in primary care settings, the economic impact of mental health inequities on health care costs, the true meaning of equity and more.

APA/APAF Announce 2024 Awardees of MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program

Today the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the APA Foundation announced 10 new grantees in the Moore Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program, for a total of $100,000 disbursed. Established in 2021, the grants support community organizations that have undertaken innovative awareness programs and/or have provided services to improve the mental health of young people of color.

Top Executives from Sixteen Major Mental Health Organizations Applaud CDC for Adding Mental Illnesses to its List of Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19

Top executives from sixteen of the nation’s leading mental health advocacy organizations applaud the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for adding mood disorders, including depression, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders to its list of underlying medical conditions associated with higher risk for severe COVID-19.

To Combat the Mental Health & Substance Use Public Health Crisis Employer, Physician and Policy Groups Partner

Rates of suicide and drug-related deaths are at record levels. This crisis is being exacerbated by inadequate access to care for mental health and substance use for Americans across the country. To realign market forces to focus on a more sustainable approach and ensure affordable access to high value, effective treatment, a group of influential non-profits announced a partnership to implement The Path Forward for Mental Health and Substance Use.

Update on Developments with Ryan Haight and Online Prescribing

Those of us involved in Telepsychiatry have been living with the Ryan Haight Act (RHA) since 2009. During this time, it has been more or less successful in achieving its original goal of reining in rogue internet pharmacies.

Is the Over-Organization of Youth Sports Taking Away from Their Benefit?

• Patients and Families

Although sports undoubtedly contribute to the positive health and well-being of student athletes, recent cultural changes in youth sports including overtraining, early sport specialization, and increased parental pressure are contributing to burnout and pushing student athletes out of sports.

Suicide and Self-Harm: Cultural Connections May Help Protect Hispanic/Latino Youth

• Diverse populations, Suicide and self-harm, Teens and young adults

Suicide is a growing concern among the Hispanic/Latino population, especially among youth. Research finds that aspects of Hispanic/Latino culture and their associated familial and community connections may help in preventing suicide

Decriminalizing Mental Illness and Promoting Mental Health Equity 

• Diverse populations, Serious mental illness, Teens and young adults, Trauma

A poll commissioned by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that only 1 in 5 Americans believe that those in jails and prisons are getting the mental health care they need while 75% believe mental health support should be provided for incarcerated people. 

Mental Health Equity on a Global Scale: An Interview with Dr. Pamela Collins

• Diversity News and Updates

There are more universals in the global fight to achieve mental health equity than there are differences, according to Dr. Pamela Collins, the Director of the Consortium for Global Mental Health at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Addressing the Public Mental Health Challenge of Climate Change

• Patients and Families, Public awareness, Trauma

For most Americans, the face of climate change is extreme weather and natural disasters. More than 40% of Americans live in a county impacted by a major natural disaster in the last year. In the last seven years, natural disasters cost the United States more than a trillion dollars in damage and more than 5,000 lives were lost.

Personal Perspectives on Family Engagement and Support

Ken Duckworth, M.D., chief medical officer, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) leads a deep discussion with individuals who reflect on their years of lived experience with serious mental illness (SMI) and the critical role family members played in their journeys.