Westat’s Post

Family and Domestic Violence- How to assess and what to do next- here’s the summary and the presentation. 🙏 to Michelle Miller and Richard Majda social work managers #NMHS- it was great to put this together for our mental health clinicians with you both. https://lnkd.in/gGgfAZ8j

I'd not heard the term "the wrong pockets problem" before, but knew instantly what it was referring to. The financial benefits of prevention are reaped by often unrelated late-intervention services, which creates a powerful disincentive to invest in preventative services. An example is that parent-infant psychotherapy has a Return on Investment of 1:13 - a whopping great return for preventative spend - but the beneficiaries (police, acute hospital services, specialised behavioural support in schools) feel zero incentive to invest that far upstream. This article lays out four ways we could address behavioural and mental health problems, identifying the "wrong pockets problem" as a barrier. https://lnkd.in/g_QC_b-j

Last year my friend Ray MacNeil invited me to co-author a book chapter with him on how complexity might inform our approach to addiction and mental health policy. At first I felt out of my depth with the subject matter, but it turned out to be a fun learning experience! This week we finally received word from Springer that it has been published. Here is the abstract: The authors explore the nature of mental health and addictions through a complexity lens. Observations are offered on the entangled nature of one’s mental health and addictions. The separation of mental health versus addictions treatment services in modern healthcare systems is also explored. The structure of many mental health and addictions treatment systems seems to be inconsistent with what we understand to be the complex phenomenon that they intend to address. This, even after several decades of debate about this inconsistency. The authors offer suggestions from complexity theory that may assist practitioners when considering the challenges and complex nature of mental health and addictions treatment system management. https://lnkd.in/dmKXJknN

🌐 Global Online Speed Networking Event Recap 🌐 We’re pleased to share the success of Hazell Forums' first-ever Global Online Speed Networking for Mental Health Professionals, held on Thursday 26th September 2024! 🙌 A diverse group of professionals from all over the world joined us, and the level of engagement was truly inspiring. Over 488 matches and 244 unique conversations took place, with participants connecting and sharing insights across mental health, addiction, and wellbeing fields. 🌱 Here’s a glimpse at the incredible range of professionals who took part: - Coaches supporting individuals transitioning from residential treatment, facilitating breathwork, and systemic addiction care 🌍 - Therapists specialising in addiction, childhood trauma, codependency, and complex PTSD from the UK, US, Spain, and beyond 💬 - Psychologists working on ADHD, trauma, eating disorders, and health psychology 🧠 - Business owners providing addiction recovery management services and global mental health strategies for adults and adolescents 🌎 - Other professionals, including a GP and psychiatrist, bringing expertise in child and adolescent psychiatry and general practice 🩺 It was amazing to see such a wide spectrum of expertise and passion for mental health and addiction care come together. This event wasn’t just about networking—it was about building a stronger community for professionals committed to making a difference. 💡 If you couldn’t make it this time, don’t worry! We’re already planning more of these events and opportunities. Stay tuned for what’s coming next, and thank you to everyone who made this event such a success! #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #Networking #MentalHealthProfessionals #HazellForums #SpeedNetworking #GlobalConnections

Kudos to Dr. Abe Oudshoorn for addressing the historical reminder of involuntary treatment. #consumersurvivors have worked tirelessly to support community members forced into treatment. The violence of #forcedtreatment cannot be emphasized enough to anyone who hasn’t experienced it. (And if you had success through en/forced treatment that’s amazing it turned out well for you, truly—and we know what works for one doesn’t work for all #bothand not #eitheror). These experiences are not silos and the solutions shouldn’t be either (treatment centres, supportive housing, livable income, access to physical and mental health care). Until our #governments and the people in power accept that we can’t “solve” one without solving the others, we’ll continue with piecemeal, bandaid solutions to great systemic injustices that continue perpetuating unlivable conditions, disenfranchised communities, and discord among the masses. *edit to add there’s nothing compassionate about forcing anyone to do anything*

Last week we welcomed the passing of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) (Improving Mental Health Outcomes) Bill. With the amendment unanimously passed by MPs, it is now up to the Minister for Mental Health to produce a mental health and wellbeing strategy within 12 months. We look forward to working with the Minister and officials on the strategy, to focus effort toward improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes for people with experience of mental distress and addiction. It’s important for people with lived experience of mental distress and addiction, the broad mental health workforce, and voices of communities to be sought out, heard, and represented in the new strategy. We see an opportunity to bring together cross-government action on mental health through this strategy, something that we will be calling for and contribute to. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gh2fgme4

Stress is a sneaky little devil that knows how to wreak havoc on our mental health. It can manifest in various ways, each one leaving its mark on our well-being. From sleepless nights to racing thoughts, stress can turn our lives into a chaotic rollercoaster. Luckily, innovation is on our side! Telepsychiatry and teletherapy are revolutionizing the way we receive mental health care, making it more accessible, convenient, and cost effective than ever before. If stress is causing you anxiety and depression, sleep dysfunction, unhealthy coping mechanisms, or social isolation, consider Rogers Behavioral Health Virtual Programming. #telehealthformentalhealth rogersbh.org

Join Julie A. Carbray, PhD, and Arwen Podesta, MD, as they delve into the complex relationship between substance use and mental health in this insightful video discussion.

At Tabvuma Mental Health, we envision a world where people with diverse and intersecting experiences achieve and sustain optimal mental wellbeing. A recent article by Danielle L. Currin, and Erica D. Marshall-Lee highlights the crucial role of considering identity and culture in mental health interventions, reinforcing the core of our mission. The article reminds us that traditional evidence-based interventions, including digital solutions, were primarily developed through a Western lens. This often overlooks the unique needs of people from racial, cultural and ethnically diverse experiences. This reality drives our commitment at Tabvuma Mental Health to contribute to the growing body of culturally adaptive mental health evidence and support services. Join us in our mission to make mental health services accessible and beneficial for people with diverse and intersecting experiences. https://lnkd.in/gaStXx_D

The power of peer support in mental health care is so valuable. Check out this new fact sheet from SAMHSA to learn more!