Many communities across the United States have observed a surge in the use of certain synthetic drugs, leading to an increase in related fatalities and arrests. These substances are often produced illicitly to mimic other counterfeit of prescription drugs. It may also be used in combination with other drugs. U.S. officials respond to drug trafficking…
Recent years have seen rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), with AI programs, such as chatbots, becoming so advanced that they can often convincingly imitate human speech. How far can we take this technology? Does it have a future in more people-centric fields, such as behavioral health? Supporters suggest that behavioral health can use AI…
Many Texas residents lack behavioral health services, while mental health symptoms and substance misuse persists across the state. However, novel programs and new funding may help address these concerns. Here’s the scoop on some of these developments. Texas Lacks in Mental Health Treatment for Children According to a report from Mental Health America, Texas ranks…
Finding and keeping the right employees is a challenge for any industry. Here are some ways to make sure you hire the right candidate for your behavioral health organization. Know what you want. For recruiting new team members, “I’ll know it when I see it” is not enough! Take time to decide exactly what you…
Like other chronic physical health conditions, diabetes brings a higher risk of mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. It can also complicate the management of other behavioral health conditions. According to the CDC, 37.3 million people in the United States have diabetes, more than 11 percent of the population. With so many people…
Colorado residents with behavioral health needs are facing geographic isolation, a shortage of services, and other challenges. While there is some good news, more work needs to be done. Here are some major stories coming out of this state. Colorado Mental Healthcare Improves, But Resources Are Still Lacking Colorado ranked number 45 among 50 states…
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex behavioral health condition that is difficult to treat. Fortunately, new research has shed light on possible future treatments. Substance Use Could Be Reduced With Ketamine Although nearly one of every five drug overdose deaths in the United States involves cocaine, the FDA has not approved a treatment for…
As medical professionals try to stay compliant with increasing regulations and avoid legal violations, many are left at risk of “moral injury.” Although it is often mischaracterized as burnout, moral injury is a deeper concern than just exhaustion and lower productivity. What is moral injury? Moral injury originally applied to veterans who struggled to come…
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) launched California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) in January 2022. This initiative intends to improve outcomes for Medi-Cal enrollees, who often have complex health and social needs. Individuals with needs such as mental health conditions, hunger, and homelessness often lack help because different providers and social services…
Disordered eating is a difficult issue with many complex factors. People of all ages may exhibit some kind of disordered eating. Behavioral health providers and families should take care to avoid stereotypes and be aware of how different types of disordered eating may appear in a wide range of clients. Here are some things to…