The BestNotes blog has been exploring different types of therapy used by addiction treatment and behavioral health providers. This time, we’re looking at motivational interviewing (MI). Motivational Interviewing Overview MI is a type of counseling that helps individuals resolve conflicting beliefs or feelings that have prevented healthy behavioral changes. It can be applied to individuals…
As awareness increases and stigma decreases, more people in need are seeking behavioral health services. At the same time, the number of behavioral health clinicians and other resources have not been keeping up with demand. Many areas of the country, especially rural locations, continue to be underserved. The healthcare industry has been leveraging newer technologies,…
While medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has been found effective for prescription painkiller addiction, new research also shows that it continues to be underused. Medication-Assisted Treatment Works for Prescription Painkiller Misuse and Addiction The FDA has approved the drugs naltrexone, buprenorphine, and methadone for use in MAT. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration…
In response to the national crisis surrounding prescription painkiller misuse, over two thousand U.S. states, counties, and cities have initiated lawsuits against entities involved in the manufacturing or distribution of these medications. This year has seen a number of pivotal legal decisions and settlements, with significant developments taking place in Ohio. Here are some key…
As a behavioral health provider, you know that addiction treatment is one of the most complex services in your field. Not only do different patients have different needs, but each type of substance can have varying effects. With so many factors involved, it can be hard to determine the best treatment approach for each patient.…
As mental health awareness grows and organizations seek to reduce stigma, one historically overlooked group is getting more attention. Recent months have seen a growing number of farmers and other agricultural industry workers seeking help for mental and behavioral health issues. Farming carries mental health risk factors It’s no surprise that agriculture has long been…
Behavioral health and addiction treatment providers know that different therapies help different conditions and populations. The BestNotes blog has been looking at some common therapy approaches used in a behavioral health or addiction treatment practice. What is exposure therapy? Exposure therapy (ET) can be used to help people confront and even overcome their fears. Trying…
It’s no secret that the healthcare industry is undergoing significant changes, and bracing for even more. Many of these changes are led by technology, such as EHRs and artificial intelligence. This new technology often leads to changes in industry and regulatory standards. Ongoing issues, such as rising healthcare costs and the national opioid crisis, are…
What kind of addiction issues is North Carolina dealing with, and how are they addressing it? Here is a roundup of some of the latest addiction news making headlines around the state. Opioid Overdoses Declining in North Carolina For the first time in 5 years, North Carolina is seeing fewer unintentional deaths from opioid overdose.…
There’s no doubt that there are many advantages to electronic health records (EHRs). They can help providers get the most accurate information about patients, securely share health data, improve documentation, reduce medical errors, and improve prescribing. Unfortunately, this handy technology has also seen its share of complaints. For example, EHRs help create enormous volumes of…