Here are some key content topics that may appeal to providers working with patients who have a dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders): 1). Display and distribute educational materials: Providers should ensure that their clinic or treatment program has materials that address both mental health and substance use disorders, not just substance use. These materials should be visible in waiting areas and distributed to patients and families. Emotional Intelligence skill enhancement materials should be included in this material. 2). Addressing both disorders in treatment plans: Treatment plans for patients with a dual diagnosis should routinely address both mental health and substance use disorders, even if one is considered the primary issue. 3). Discussing inciting events and coping strategies: Group therapy for dual diagnosis patients can explore the specific situations, feelings, or events that trigger substance use and help patients identify healthy ways to manage those triggers. 4). Incorporating mindfulness practices: Mindfulness techniques like meditation can help dual diagnosis patients develop self-awareness and healthier coping mechanisms. 5). Providing a supportive group environment: Group therapy allows dual-diagnosis patients to connect with others facing similar challenges and gain a sense of community. 6). Understanding the relationship between mental health and substance use disorders: Providers should be knowledgeable about the common risk factors and mechanisms that contribute to the high co-occurrence of these conditions. 7). Tailoring treatment approaches for dual diagnosis: Providers need to be skilled at modifying traditional therapeutic techniques, such as motivational interviewing, to better meet the needs of dual-diagnosis patients. The key is to take a comprehensive, integrated approach that addresses both the mental health and substance use components of a dual diagnosis rather than treating them separately. Providers should create a supportive environment with appropriate educational resources and emotional intelligence skill enhancement strategies.
George Anderson MSW, LCSW, BCD, CAMF’s Post
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With the escalating global demand for mental health services exceeding existing clinical capacity, could digital interventions be the answer? A study by ieso, a UK-based digital mental healthcare company, evaluated the effectiveness of its AI-driven, human-supported digital cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program and found it produces comparable outcomes to human-delivered CBT while significantly reducing the required clinician time. The 299 study participants used the program for a median of six hours over 53 days. There was a large, clinically meaningful reduction in anxiety symptoms for the intervention group that was statistically superior to the waiting control group, non-inferior to human-delivered care, and was sustained at one-month follow-up. 82% of participants with mild to severe anxiety who used the programme for up to nine weeks showed a clinically meaningful decrease in anxiety symptoms, including worry, sleeplessness and fatigue. Those with severe anxiety also saw marked improvements, and half experienced a reduction in symptoms within two weeks, on average. To help build trust in the program, a real-world treatment model was replicated, including user support services, clinician referral to the program, proactive symptom monitoring and clinician availability for collaborative decision-making with each participant. The engagement rate (78%) and time to reach “engaged” (~two hours of program interaction over two weeks) are comparable to engagement rates and time in therapy observed in NHS services for treatment of GAD (70%; 2022-2023). The program requires up to eight times fewer therapist hours per patient, with the average clinician time spent per participant being <2 hours. Read more: https://loom.ly/MkQ2qkE
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Today is an amazing day, as we announce that Resilience Lab Expands it's Care Delivery for Treatment-Resistant Depression and Other Moderate and Severe Mental Illnesses with the Acquisition of Options MD. Congratulation to both teams in achieving this important milestone to improve access to quality mental health for our clients. Resilience Lab, a clinician-driven, AI-supported provider of high-quality care and mental health access, announced the acquisition of Options MD, a leader in high-quality online psychiatric medication management for severe and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Severe and treatment-resistant depression is a serious and often overlooked mental health condition that contributes to high costs of care and high levels of patient disability. Resilience Lab will now offer integrated medication management and psychotherapy for moderate to severe mental illness (SMI), including mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, and ADHD. Options MD will operate as a Resilience Lab business unit under its own brand, providing immediate scaling and growth within the moderate to severe mental illness space. Resilience Lab also gains Options MD's proprietary clinical intake and AI decision support platform that offers intelligent differential diagnosis and treatment recommendations that improve diagnosis and help clinicians create the most effective care plan. The AI platform will be integrated inside Resilience Lab's care delivery software suite. Clients of Resilience Lab who may suffer from moderate to severe mental illness can now undergo an assessment and be referred to a specialized clinician for medication management, while Options MD clients can complement their treatment with a qualified therapist to accelerate their mental health recovery.
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Co-occurring disorders, often referring to the presence of both substance use disorders and mental health conditions, can be prevalent in Appalachia. Factors such as economic challenges, limited access to healthcare, and social isolation contribute to this phenomenon. It's crucial to address these issues through integrated treatment approaches that consider both substance abuse and mental health components to improve overall outcomes in the region. Treating co-occurring disorders typically involves integrated interventions that address both substance use and mental health issues simultaneously. A comprehensive approach may include: 1. Assessment: Thoroughly assess and diagnose both the substance use disorder and the mental health condition to tailor treatment plans. 2. Integrated Treatment Plan: Develop a personalized plan that integrates interventions for substance use and mental health, ensuring coordination between healthcare providers. 3. Psychotherapy:Individual and group therapy can help address both disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are commonly used. 4. Medication Management:Psychiatric medications may be prescribed to manage mental health symptoms, while medications like methadone or buprenorphine can aid in substance use disorder treatment. 5. Support Groups: Engaging in support groups, such as 12-step programs, can provide a sense of community and understanding. 6. Family Involvement:Including family in the treatment process can enhance support and understanding, contributing to better outcomes. 7. Holistic Approaches: Incorporating holistic practices like mindfulness, exercise, and nutritional counseling can improve overall well-being. 8. Continuum of Care:Ensure a continuum of care, including aftercare plans and ongoing support, to prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery. Tailoring treatment to individual needs is crucial, and ongoing evaluation and adjustments may be necessary for successful management of co-occurring disorders.
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ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R46.2 Strange and inexplicable behavior In medical coding, ICD-10-CM code R46.2 refers to "Strange and inexplicable behavior," meaning behavior that is unusual, erratic, or seemingly without a clear explanation, often appearing odd or bizarre to others and not readily understood by the observer; it encompasses actions that deviate significantly from typical social norms or expected behavior patterns. Key points about R46.2: Not a specific diagnosis: This code is used to describe a symptom or observation, not a diagnosed mental health condition; further evaluation is needed to determine the underlying cause of the strange behavior. Examples of strange and inexplicable behavior: Sudden mood swings without apparent triggers Unusual body postures or movements Inappropriate or bizarre verbalizations Engaging in seemingly random or purposeless actions Extreme changes in behavior without explanation Important considerations: Context is key: What might be considered "strange" behavior in one situation may be perfectly normal in another, so careful assessment is crucial. Differential diagnosis: When encountering R46.2, the healthcare provider should consider potential underlying causes like psychosis, neurological conditions, substance abuse, or other mental health disorders
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ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R46.2 Strange and inexplicable behavior In medical coding, ICD-10-CM code R46.2 refers to "Strange and inexplicable behavior," meaning behavior that is unusual, erratic, or seemingly without a clear explanation, often appearing odd or bizarre to others and not readily understood by the observer; it encompasses actions that deviate significantly from typical social norms or expected behavior patterns. Key points about R46.2: Not a specific diagnosis: This code is used to describe a symptom or observation, not a diagnosed mental health condition; further evaluation is needed to determine the underlying cause of the strange behavior. Examples of strange and inexplicable behavior: Sudden mood swings without apparent triggers Unusual body postures or movements Inappropriate or bizarre verbalizations Engaging in seemingly random or purposeless actions Extreme changes in behavior without explanation Important considerations: Context is key: What might be considered "strange" behavior in one situation may be perfectly normal in another, so careful assessment is crucial. Differential diagnosis: When encountering R46.2, the healthcare provider should consider potential underlying causes like psychosis, neurological conditions, substance abuse, or other mental health disorders
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You don’t have to be a therapist to sign this petition from the Psychotherapy Action Network (PsiAN) to the World Health Organization. Why might you consider signing? If you’ve ever sat with a therapist and processed the meaning of your life, worked with a therapist to connect the dots between your past and present, or had therapy as a place you could go to learn to deeply understand yourself and address and explore your feelings, then you can in all likelihood thank a psychodynamic therapist. Psychodynamic therapy is efficacious and evidence-based, but the World Health Organization (WHO) did not include it (or some other therapies) in its treatment recommendations, instead focusing on short-term symptom-focused approaches like behavior therapy and cognitive-behavior therapy. This matters because it’s likely that insurers and others can use this to justify not reimbursing for psychodynamic therapy. The link to sign is in Santiago Delboy’s post below. Linda Michaels #psychodynamictherapy #petitionforpsychodynamictherapy #worldhealthorganization
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published psychological treatment guidelines that predominantly endorse behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapies. This overlooks the significant evidence supporting other therapeutic approaches, including but not limited to psychodynamic therapy. Insurance companies, clinics, and policy makers may use these guidelines as a justification for denying coverage for all but the mostly short-term, structured and symptom-focused treatments. This could seriously impact people's access to other effective forms of mental health treatment. The Psychotherapy Action Network (PsiAN) has drafted a petition to the WHO, supporting a prior comprehensive letter to the WHO written by an international group of psychotherapy outcome researchers. The petition requests the WHO to include psychodynamic therapies in its guidelines and add psychodynamic researchers and experts to its guidelines development group. If you support mental health and believe that people deserve the opportunity to access a wide range of effective treatment approaches, please consider signing this petition. You do not need to be a therapist to sign. To read the petition, the letter from the outcome research experts, and to sign the petition, please click on the link below. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthaccess #psychotherapy #therapy
Letter to WHO: Help Preserve Access to Evidence-Based Therapy
docs.google.com
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Founder of the Lancaster School of Psychodrama and Experiential Psychotherapies
As a trainer in group psychotherapy, #psychodrama #psychotherapy and other experiential healing modalities, I firmly believe that people should have the right to select from a variety of therapeutic approaches. I signed this letter and hope you will too. #mentalhealth
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published psychological treatment guidelines that predominantly endorse behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapies. This overlooks the significant evidence supporting other therapeutic approaches, including but not limited to psychodynamic therapy. Insurance companies, clinics, and policy makers may use these guidelines as a justification for denying coverage for all but the mostly short-term, structured and symptom-focused treatments. This could seriously impact people's access to other effective forms of mental health treatment. The Psychotherapy Action Network (PsiAN) has drafted a petition to the WHO, supporting a prior comprehensive letter to the WHO written by an international group of psychotherapy outcome researchers. The petition requests the WHO to include psychodynamic therapies in its guidelines and add psychodynamic researchers and experts to its guidelines development group. If you support mental health and believe that people deserve the opportunity to access a wide range of effective treatment approaches, please consider signing this petition. You do not need to be a therapist to sign. To read the petition, the letter from the outcome research experts, and to sign the petition, please click on the link below. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthaccess #psychotherapy #therapy
Letter to WHO: Help Preserve Access to Evidence-Based Therapy
docs.google.com
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Medication Management: Polypharmacy is often required, but this increases the risk of drug interactions and side effects. The patient may require mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproate), antipsychotics (e.g., quetiapine, olanzapine), anxiolytics, and possibly medications for substance use disorder. Treatment Approach: 1. Psychotherapy: - Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):Particularly effective for managing BPD, DBT can also help in addressing impulsivity and emotional dysregulation that overlap with bipolar disorder. - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):Effective for both GAD and depression, CBT can help the patient develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce catastrophic thinking patterns. - Substance Use Counseling:Motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral approaches are beneficial in addressing the underlying issues driving substance use. 2. Lifestyle Interventions: - Sleep Hygiene: Regular sleep patterns are crucial for stabilizing mood in bipolar disorder. - Exercise and Diet: Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can have positive effects on mood and anxiety levels. - Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Techniques such as meditation or yoga may help in reducing anxiety and improving overall emotional regulation. 3. Integrated Care Approach: - Collaboration between psychiatrists, psychologists, addiction specialists, and primary care providers is essential. - Regular monitoring for medication adherence, side effects, and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Prognosis: The prognosis in such a complex case depends heavily on the patient’s adherence to treatment, the ability to manage comorbid conditions, and the strength of the support system. While challenging, with a comprehensive and integrated treatment plan, significant improvements in the quality of life and mood stability can be achieved. Regular follow-up and adjustment of the treatment plan are necessary to address the evolving nature of the patient's conditions. #mentalhealthadvocacy #mentalhealthawareness #bipolardisorder #complexcomorbidities #psychoeducation #psychotherapy #treatmentplan #biopsychosocialmodel #holistictreatment
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It's "Meet the Team" Monday. Get to know the faces behind the care at our hospital. _____ Hello, my name is Tiffany, I am a mental health social worker at Deakin Private Hospital. I work closely with patients to assess their social, emotional, and environmental needs, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources and support systems. This includes group psychological education, offering individual counselling, and connecting patients with community services. Our multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals collaborate to ensure comprehensive and integrated care. We address our patient's needs, as a team creating a stable and supportive environment that contributes to the overall smooth operation of their experience. ❓ How do you collaborate with colleagues as a Mental Health Social Worker to ensure every patient gets excellent treatment? 📣Collaboration is essential in providing excellent patient care. I work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, psychologists and nurses. We hold daily and weekly meetings to discuss each patient’s case, share insights, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of a patient’s health are addressed, from psychological to medical and social needs. By maintaining open communication and a mutual respect for each team member’s expertise, we can deliver cohesive and effective care, enhancing each patient’s overall treatment experience. ❓ Share a recent moment where teamwork as a Mental Health Social Worker made a difference in patient care. 📣Recently, we had a patient who was experiencing severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) alongside substance abuse issues. The complexity of the case required a coordinated effort from our entire team. During our interdisciplinary meetings, we developed a comprehensive treatment plan that included trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy, medication management, and support from social services for housing and employment assistance. My role was to provide the psychological treatment, to assist the patient to begin processing their trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Working collaboratively with the client, as a team we were able to support the patient to begin to improve their mental health and overall quality of life. This experience highlighted the power of teamwork in addressing complex cases and achieving positive patient outcomes.
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Overcoming the Stigma: Embracing Therapy as a Tool for Personal Growth ❌ Seeking therapy is a sign of weakness People think that those who seek therapy are unable to manage their lives. This is mostly observed in cultures where resilience and independence are on a very high pedestal. ✅ Truth: Seeking therapy requires strength to confront personal challenges Often a considerable amount of strength is needed to face one’s vulnerabilities, understand and recognise the need to take help and consistently aspire to change. ❌ Fear of being judged Individuals avoid therapy due to fear of judgment from therapists or peers. ✅ Truth: The fundamental process of therapy includes non-judgment. Therapists provide non-judgmental support, creating safe spaces for open discussion. Clients are encouraged to express themselves freely without fear of criticism or condemnation. ❌ Perception of therapy as a last resort: Some believe therapy is only for severe mental disorders. ✅ Truth: Therapy is versatile. Therapy caters to various challenges that life offers ranging from facing a problem to fostering personal growth. It serves as a proactive tool for enhancing overall well-being, not just a reactive measure for crises. ❌ Concerns about confidentiality Sharing personal details with a stranger can be daunting. ✅ Truth: Confidentiality is one of the crucial fundamentals of this service. Ethical therapists adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines, ensuring privacy and trust. Establishing trust through confidentiality is paramount in the therapeutic relationship. ❌ Assumption of "snapping out of it" A prevalent belief that individuals can simply choose to be happy, is a big problem that comes in the way of considering therapy. ✅ Truth: Emotions and mental health challenges are complex; Therapy offers specialized techniques and insights. Therapy provides tools and strategies for addressing underlying issues rather than dismissing them with simplistic solutions. ❌Therapy is"just talking" Some view therapy as equivalent to chatting with friends, parents, or a mentor. ✅ Truth: Therapy is systematic and scientific. Therapy involves evidence-based techniques and specialized insights beyond casual discussion. Therapeutic interventions are tailored to each individual's unique needs and goals, going beyond mere conversation.
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