BestNotes Awarded Best Mental Health Software
Digital.com has awarded BestNotes as one of their “Best Mental Health Software” for 2021. The full list can be seen here: https://digital.com/mental-health-software/
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School Programs, Medical Marijuana Debates, and Other Idaho Behavioral Health News
Like other parts of the country, Idaho has faced increased mental health and substance misuse challenges during the last year. Here we look at a few recent stories of behavioral health in Idaho. Behavioral Health Services Fragmented, Uneven in Idaho Schools A new survey of Idaho schools, conducted by Education Northwest with support from the…
Have Eating Disorders Increased During the Pandemic?
Previously we’ve examined how behavioral health issues, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, have increased during the COVID-19 public health emergency. One behavioral health concern that has received less attention, however, is the variety of eating disorders that can affect people of all ages. Eating disorders can take many forms and show many different symptoms.…
Is COVID-19 Linked to Later Mental Health Issues?
By now you have seen that behavioral health needs have skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve already talked about how substance use and mental health issues like anxiety and depression are on the rise. These issues occur whether or not individuals were exposed to the novel coronavirus or developed COVID-19. Newer research, however, suggests a…
How Does ADHD Affect Sleep in Adolescents?
Individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), from childhood to adulthood, often experience sleep difficulties and disorders. These include shorter sleep time, difficulty falling or staying asleep, racing thoughts, and bursts of energy at night. Other issues include sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. Possible causes of sleep problems associated with ADHD include: Disruptions to the parts…
OxyContin Maker Pleads Guilty to Three Criminal Charges in Opioid Crisis
OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma pleaded guilty in November to three criminal charges, in a virtual hearing with a federal judge in Newark, N.J., as part of a criminal and civil settlement between Purdue and the Justice Department. Purdue made numerous admissions during the hearing, including that it hindered efforts by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration…
How to Approach Adolescents With Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse Needs
Substance use, including alcohol and illicit drugs, has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people who already struggled with substance use have faced social isolation, financial distress, limited healthcare access, and anxiety symptoms. This can increase their use of drugs or alcohol as a way to cope. Addressing substance misuse in adolescents Unfortunately, this trend…
Drug Decriminalization, Rising Overdose Deaths, and Other Addiction-Related News in Oregon
In November 2020, Oregon residents approved a measure to decriminalize all drugs. However, this was not the only drug and addiction-related story from Oregon. Here are the major substance use and addiction stories out of the state. Oregon’s Drug Decriminalization Started in Portugal Fifty-eight percent of Oregon voters in November 2020 approved Measure 110, which…
New Bill for Audio-Only Telemedicine Could Further Encourage Telehealth Growth
U.S. Reps. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Tony Cardenas (D-Calif.) in December introduced the Permanency for Audio-Only Telehealth Act to permanently expand Medicare coverage for audio-only telehealth visits. Until telehealth restrictions were relaxed during the COVID-19 public health emergency, it was difficult or even impossible for behavioral health clinicians to conduct telephone-only visits. Protecting client privacy…
Fatal Overdose Increases, Finding Psychiatric Beds, and More Ohio Behavioral Health News
States across the U.S. are seeing increased behavioral health needs and rising drug use as Americans struggle with the mental-health impact of social isolation, financial struggles, and other anxieties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest behavioral health stories out of Ohio show how this state has been affected, and how it is responding. Ohio…