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…
The physical needs and challenges of pregnancy get a lot of attention. However, addressing mental health needs during pregnancy is just as important. Here are some ways to help your behavioral health clients throughout their pregnancy. Make prevention a priority. Most providers warn pregnant women to keep an eye out for postpartum depression (PPD) after…
There’s big behavioral health news in Oregon, from the legalization of mushrooms to massive behavioral health funding. Here’s a quick roundup of some of these important stories. Magic Mushrooms Now a Legal Option in Oregon As of January 1, 2023, adults aged 21 and older can legally use psilocybin, the psychedelic compound of magic mushrooms,…
After giving birth, between 10 percent and 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression (PPD), though the prevalence may be 20 percent or more. Without treatment, PPD—also known as maternal depression or peripartum depression—can negatively affect mother-baby attachment, child care, and child development. The right treatment for PPD may look different for each client. Here’s…
Despite advancements in healthcare IT, many providers, especially those in behavioral health, struggle to communicate with each other and share important health data. California’s Health and Human Services (CalHHS) Data Exchange Framework aims to change that by boosting the secure exchange of health information among entities across the state. What is the CalHHS Data Exchange…
Arizona lawmakers, advocates, and non-profit organizations are taking steps to address a variety of behavioral health concerns affecting the state. Here’s a roundup of significant stories to keep behavioral health providers in Arizona in the loop. Arizona House Committee Adopts Recommendations for Teen Mental Health The Arizona House Mental Health Ad Hoc Committee in December…
For behavioral health and addiction treatment providers, a new electronic health record (EHR) system is a big investment. Not only does it carry a financial cost, but it requires significant time and staff effort to learn and implement. Here’s how to make sure you get a good return on investment (ROI) with your new EHR,…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that, as the world’s population ages, this could increase the behavioral health conditions common among older adults. According to WHO, about 15 percent of adults aged 60 and older have a mental disorder. Behavioral health providers are in a position to provide much-needed help to older Americans. Here…
In November 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced new changes to the rule known as 42 CFR Part 2. Originally drafted in 1972, Part 2 aims to protect the confidentiality of addiction treatment records, which could shield clients from bias related to substance use disorder (SUD). This is meant to…