Mental Health Research / 25.11.2024

 If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Handling High Patient Demands   Mental health practices are seeing more new patients than ever before. Growing awareness of mental health issues has encouraged more people to seek help, but this increase has created challenges for providers. Many practices are now dealing with long waitlists and overworked staff, which can affect the quality of care and overall patient satisfaction.   To manage these issues, mental health professionals need clear strategies. These approaches must ensure that new patients get the help they need while practices run smoothly. Read on!

Why Patient Demand Is Rising

The demand for mental health services has grown for several reasons. More people now recognize the importance of mental health, and the stigma around seeking help has decreased. At the same time, global challenges and daily stress have caused more individuals to face anxiety and depression.   In smaller communities, a lack of an available health professional adds to the problem. For example, a single counselor in a town may receive far more appointment requests than they can handle. This creates delays for patients and stress for providers. Understanding the reasons behind this increased demand is key to finding solutions. (more…)
Mental Health Research, Psychological Science / 05.10.2024

  As mental health awareness grows, more people are seeking professional support for emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. However, finding the right counselor involves more than just scheduling an appointment—it’s essential to understand the credentials of the professional you are trusting with your care. Mental health counseling credentials provide insight into a counselor's education, training, and qualifications. These credentials contribute to clients receiving the best care possible, establishing trust and confidence in the services provided. The Importance of Mental Health Counseling Credentials Credentials serve as a clear indication that a mental health professional has undergone the necessary training and education to guide clients through their mental health challenges. For clients, knowing that a counselor holds the appropriate credentials is a key factor in building trust. It reassures them that the counselor is qualified and capable of handling sensitive mental health issues. Moreover, licensed professionals adhere to a strict code of ethics, making sure that they maintain confidentiality, obtain informed consent, and provide competent care. These ethical standards help protect clients and hold the counselor accountable in their practice. Credentials reflect a commitment to professionalism, and clients should always consider them when choosing a mental health professional. When searching for a counselor, you might come across different credentials, such as LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor). Understanding the differences between these qualifications is important. For example, when comparing LCSW vs LMHC, it's helpful to know that while both are licensed and qualified counselors, their training and areas of expertise may differ. This distinction can influence the type of care you receive based on your specific needs. Ultimately, choosing the right credentialed professional can help you find the best possible support during your mental health journey. (more…)
Author Interviews, Infections, JAMA, Pediatrics / 27.08.2014

Dr. Ralph Joseph Diclemente PhD Behavoral Sciences & Health School Of Public Health Emory University Atlanta GeorgiaMedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Ralph Joseph Diclemente PhD Behavoral Sciences & Health School Of Public Health Emory University Atlanta Georgia   Medical Research: What are the main findings of the study?  Dr. DiClemente: In our study of 701 African American girls we observed significant and durable reductions in laboratory-confirmed sexually transmitted infections (50% reduction in chlamydial infections and a 60% reduction in gonorrhea) among girls in our intervention group relative to the comparison condition over a 36-month follow-up period.  In addition, we observed significant increases in condom use during sex and reductions in sex while using drugs or alcohol.  The key finding is the durability of the results - 3 years in the life of an adolescent is a long period. (more…)