977 Results
Mental Health Parity: New Proposed Rule
On July 25, 2023, the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services released a proposed rule intended to strengthen enforcement of the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and improve patients’ ability to access care for mental health and substance use disorders (MH/SUD). At the same time, the agencies also released a Technical Release, seeking feedback on data requirements related to network composition and a possible enforcement safe harbor; a second Report to Congr
More Evidence of the Benefits of Trees in Urban Areas
Previous research has tied people’s exposure to natural environments, such as urban green spaces, to better health and mental health. A new study looks at whether a specific type of green space— trees, grass or low-lying vegetation— provides benefits.
Americans Note Overwhelming Positive Mental Health Impact of Their Pets in New Poll; Dogs and Cats Equally Beneficial
The findings of the latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Healthy Minds Monthly Poll are clear: in addition to feeling like part of the family, Americans’ furry friends offer many mental health benefits.
APA Congratulates Its Members Elected as Officers to the Executive Committee and Board of the World Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) today announced that three of its members have been elected to leadership positions at the World Psychiatric Association (WPA). Two will join the Executive Committee for six-year terms as officers of the WPA: APA Past President Paul Summergrad, M.D., will serve as the WPA Secretary for Finances; and Edmond Pi, M.D., who previously served as the WPA USA Zone 2 Representative and vice chair of the APA Scientific Program Committee will serve as WPA Secreta
New Poll: Small Acts of Kindness Make Most Americans Feel Better
As the holiday season approaches, most Americans say that small acts of kindness make them feel better, and that is true for both giving and receiving those acts. And acts of kindness were happening: in the past three months, 93% of Americans reported having done something kind, including 69% who had said hello to a stranger, 68% who reported holding a door open for someone, and 65% who had given someone a compliment. Among other options surveyed:
More Benefits of Exercise: Preventing and Treating Anxiety
There are many reasons we should all be getting out to exercise– improved sleep, increased energy, reduced risk of chronic disease and more. Preventing anxiety is one more reason to keep up your exercise routine, according to new research published in June in the journal Depression and Anxiety.
The 2024 Mental Health Services Conference
Save the date to gain new skills through in-depth training at 2024 The Mental Health Services Conference, September 26-28 in Baltimore, MD.
Parental Leave Brings Mental Health Benefits, Especially for Mothers
Along with all the excitement and anticipation, becoming a new parent comes with a great deal of change and potential stress, such as the challenges of childrearing, financial pressure and career uncertainties. This elevated stress can contribute to mental health problems, including peripartum depression. New research published in the Lancet finds that access to employer-provided parental leave may help protect mothers’ mental health in the months after childbirth.
Service Dogs Can Be Invaluable in Helping People with PTSD
​​​​​​​Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects an estimated one in seven adults at some time in their lives and it affects a large proportion of military members and veterans. In addition to the variety of effective treatments available, people often also use complementary interventions, such as the use of trained PTSD service dogs. These service dogs perform specific tasks that help address PTSD symptoms, such as applying pressure to alleviate anxiety and nudging to interrupt flashbacks
Teens and Digital Technology During the Pandemic
A new report from Common Sense, Tweens, Teens, Tech, and Mental Health: Coming of Age in an Increasingly Digital, Uncertain, and Unequal World, addresses the connections between teens’ use of digital technology and mental health. It acknowledges the critical importance of digital connection for teens, especially during the pandemic, and provides guidance on identifying youth who might be at risk for potential harmful effects of social media use.
A Few Phone Calls From Trained Volunteers Can Make a Difference for People with Depression
New research finds that volunteers who make a few empathetic phone calls can significantly improve others’ loneliness and depressive symptoms among adults. This type of program could help address the significant shortage of mental health professionals and improve mental healthcare, the study authors suggest.
Early Discount Deadline is February 12
If you like saving money on education, make sure you take action by Wednesday, Feb. 12. That is the early deadline for discounted registration rates for the in-person 2025 APA Annual Meeting.