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…
New Research Offers Insights on Eating Disorder Treatment Eating disorders rose significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, among other mental health concerns. Because they often accompany other behavioral health conditions, it is important for all behavioral health clinicians to be aware of eating disorder risks and signs. New research and other findings continue to shed light…
When it comes to providing excellent behavioral healthcare, privacy is non-negotiable. However, establishing a truly private therapy environment includes many small details that can be overlooked. Here are the key elements and best practices that therapists should include in their practices. Following HIPAA Requirements Following federal and state guidelines should be your highest privacy priority,…
Clinicians and healthcare practices often struggle to follow regulatory requirements. This creates additional challenges for health providers, patients, and payers already trying to manage costs. According to MGMA’s 2022 Annual Regulatory Burden Report, 89 percent of survey respondents (which included group practice executives) saw their practice’s overall regulatory burden grow in the past 12 months. Here…
The hormone cortisol, produced in the adrenal glands, is important for many bodily functions. It helps regulate blood pressure, inflammation, blood sugar levels, and the appropriate use of nutrients. However, cortisol is probably best known as a “stress hormone” that helps regulate mood, fear, and fight-or-flight response. Like many other necessary hormones, cortisol can create…
South Carolina has seen a growth in behavioral health concerns, while its residents struggle to find appropriate services to address those concerns. Here are some of the ways that the state is working to close that gap. Medical University is Seeking More Psychiatry Beds The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is pursuing additional psychiatric…
Social media has revolutionized entertainment, business operations, and even healthcare. However, experts have warned of numerous drawbacks and trade-offs that come with the use of social media. Anxiety over current events With social media, news travels faster than ever. As platforms compete for views (and ad revenue), users are bombarded with news stories from around…
Ohio is seeing a surging demand for behavioral health services, straining the state’s public and private resources. At the same time, there are opportunities to meet these needs in a variety of ways. If you are a behavioral health or substance abuse treatment provider in Ohio, here is a roundup of related news stories. Ohio’s…
Getting a better night’s sleep often means understanding what is preventing sleep, and how to overcome it. If you or your clients struggle with insomnia, here are three common sleep difficulties, and recommended therapeutic techniques that may help. (Much of this information comes from the self-help workbook, Quiet Your Mind & Get to Sleep, by…
When you think of a behavioral health client with an eating disorder, what comes to mind? Most people picture a teenage girl, perhaps a college student in her 20s. First of all, this image is not entirely inaccurate. More women than men are diagnosed with eating disorders, especially anorexia and binge eating disorder. The Centers…