Mental-health conditions, from substance misuse to depression, have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. But are there mental health risks to contracting the virus itself? Research is still ongoing, but there is evidence that COVID-19 infections could be linked to some mental health symptoms. For example, a 2020 study from Wuhan, China, found that about one-third…
Mental health and substance misuse concerns have resonated across the United States, including BestNotes’ home state of Idaho. Check out this news roundup of some of the top behavioral health-related stories affecting the state. Contaminated Counterfeit Drugs Increasing in Idaho Idaho law enforcement agencies are warning the public about a rising supply of pain medications,…
Like all other healthcare specialties, behavioral health is constantly evolving with new discoveries and information. Here are some of the top trends impacting the field of behavioral health today. 1. Artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an important tool for organizations that collect and analyze enormous amounts of data. Information generated by social media…
In a previous blog post, we talked about the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries with your clients. This can help you stay compliant with behavioral health standards and protect both you and your clients. However, boundaries don’t just apply to client relationships. Healthy boundaries with employers, employees, and partners are also valuable. They help differentiate…
When you think of virtual reality, what comes to mind? Consumers may imagine interactive video games, or mind-bending movies like The Matrix. But healthcare professionals have been watching virtual reality (VR) move far beyond entertainment. In fact, the global healthcare VR market was $885.7 million in 2020, and is projected to grow to $11.7 billion…
As many Americans struggle with mental health, new reports show that eating disorders in particular increased in the last year. Unfortunately, many people are not getting the treatment they need. Ongoing waiting lists and backlogs have delayed treatment for people with eating disorders. Because eating disorders often accompany other physical and mental health conditions, long-term…
Working as a behavioral health clinician is rewarding but emotionally exhausting. This can lead to serious burnout, which can harm relationships, physical health, and the future of your career. Practicing healthy boundaries is important for managing your career responsibilities. Here’s how to recognize and keep healthy boundaries with your behavioral health clients. What do healthy…
Are you a behavioral health provider operating in Florida? Here is a quick roundup of some of the mental health and substance use treatment news emerging from the Sunshine State. Florida Receiving Funds in National Prescription Painkiller Lawsuit Florida will receive over $1.3 billion from pharmaceutical distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson, in a national…
As healthcare becomes increasingly digital and moves to value-based care, data is playing a greater role. Behavioral health facilities must use data to demonstrate their value, meet accreditation requirements, and make better treatment decisions. This can be a challenge for organizations that are not used to collecting, analyzing, and reporting on data. Before you can…
Monitoring a patient’s treatment response has become standard practice for physical health conditions. For example, medical providers use regular blood tests to track how a patient responds to their diabetes medication. Progress monitoring is less common in behavioral health. However, the shift to value-based care has put pressure on many behavioral health providers to monitor…