Chris Tuell. EdD. LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, Clinical Director of Addiction Services at Lindner Center of Hope recently discussed addiction in the workplace with Local 12’s Liz Bonis. View the interview: Survey reveals rise in workplace substance use as coping mechanism
Lindner Center of Hope/University of Cincinnati researchers have received a $2.3 million grant to join the Breakthrough Discoveries for Thriving with Bipolar Disorder (BD²) Integrated Network, a collaborative research and clinical care model with a mission to improve care, interventions and outcomes for people living with bipolar disorder.
The BD² Integrated Network is a novel, two-pronged approach connecting bipolar disorder research and care. It combines a traditional longitudinal cohort study of 4,000 participants and a learning health network to iteratively improve outcomes for people with bipolar disorder. Clinical sites have accelerated recruitment, with more than 500 individuals already participating in the study.
The new institutions expand the BD² Integrated Network to 10 sites alongside the six inaugural sites: Brigham and Women’s Hospital-McLean Hospital, University of California Los Angeles, Johns Hopkins University, Mayo Clinic, University of Michigan, and UTHealth Houston.
Bipolar disorder is a highly complex and heterogeneous disorder and more than 70% of people with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed at least once. It takes seven years on average to diagnose bipolar disorder, and less than 50% of those who are diagnosed find an effective treatment. The BD² Integrated Network will propel clinical improvement in bipolar disorder treatment and diagnosis through the combined efforts of deep phenotyping, consensus guideline adherence and development, and integration of research and care across sites.
Susan McElroy, MD, Lindner Center of Hope Chief Research Officer, will serve as a site clinical co-lead. Francisco Romo-Nava, MD, PhD, Lindner Center of Hope Associate Chief Research Officer, will serve as a site research co-lead. Drs. McElroy and Romo-Nava will be working alongside other University of Cincinnati researchers.
“The BD2 Integrated Network is an unprecedented collaborative effort to advance the clinical care model of patients with bipolar disorder through research and innovation. The selection of the Lindner Center of Hope in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati to join this groundbreaking initiative honors the superb work being conducted here and the effort towards improving the lives of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder,” said Romo-Nava.
Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason, Ohio is a comprehensive mental health center providing exceptional mental health services and improving the health of our community. We achieve this through expertise, innovation, research, education, advocacy, and putting people first. We start by meeting individuals wherever they are on their journey and relentlessly pursue excellence in all we do.
Lindner Center of Hope offers patient-centered, scientifically advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization, residential services, and substance use disorders treatment for adults, outpatient services for all ages, and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnerships with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as their clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally, and internationally. Patients and families who may benefit from Lindner Center services may call (513) 536-HOPE (4673) for an initial assessment. Learn more at LindnerCenterofHope.org
Lindner Center of Hope has been approved by the Ohio Professionals Health Program as a provider in the OhioPHP Treatment Provider Network (TPN). The Lindner Center has been approved to provide the following services within the TPN: mental health evaluations and all associated treatment services provided by the facility. The certification is effective through February 10, 2027.
“Becoming a preferred provider in OhioPHP’s network is a testament to the exceptional care and dedication of our team. This recognition expands our ability to support healthcare professionals, reinforcing our mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care,” said Michael Groat, PhD, President, and CEO of the Lindner Center of Hope.
The Ohio Professionals Health Program, Inc. (OhioPHP) started as a group of physicians supporting their peers struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Today, OhioPHP assists hundreds of healthcare workers across the state with a wide range of concerns including stress, burnout, mental health, or substance use disorders and much more.
OhioPHP encourages healthcare professionals to improve their health and well-being through educational and confidential well-being programs.
Through certification with OhioPHP, Lindner Center of Hope becomes a noted resource for Ohio healthcare workers.
Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason, Ohio is a comprehensive mental health center providing exceptional mental health services and improving the health of our community. We achieve this through expertise, innovation, research, education, advocacy, and putting people first. We start by meeting individuals wherever they are on their journey and relentlessly pursue excellence in all we do.
Lindner Center of Hope offers patient-centered, scientifically advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization, residential services, and substance use disorders treatment for adults, outpatient services for all ages, and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnerships with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as their clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally, and internationally. Patients and families who may benefit from Lindner Center services may call (513) 536-HOPE (4673) for an initial assessment. Learn more at LindnerCenterofHope.org
A two-part clinical trial led by University of Cincinnati researchers at the Lindner Center of HOPE is testing the use of noninvasive electrical stimulation of the spinal cord as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD).
Led by UC’s Francisco Romo-Nava, MD, PhD, Associate Chief Research Officer, Lindner Center of Hope, the trial is funded by a grant of up to approximately $3.4 million from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Read More. https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2025/02/spinal-cord-stimulation-treat-depression.html
On Sunday, February 9, 2025, Lindner Center of HOPE hosted its signature fundraiser, Touchdown for HOPE, at The Bally Sports Club in The Great American Ballpark. The event brought together more than 225 enthusiastic football fans and supporters of Lindner Center of Hope, raising more than $170,000 through sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales—funds that will help advance mental health care in our community.
Guests, including employees, board and community members, enjoyed a tailgate and watch party, surrounded by big-screen TVs and an unlimited Touchdown buffet. The menu featured Cincinnati favorites alongside a nod to New Orleans with crab cakes, jambalaya, and beignets, creating a festive atmosphere worthy of game day.
Honorary Co-host Anthony Muñoz, former NFL offensive tackle, Cincinnati Bengal (1980-92), and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 1998), welcomed guests before kickoff. Muñoz praised Lindner Center of HOPE as having an “incredible team—one that’s changing lives off the field.” He commended the dedication of the Center’s employees and the generosity of donors, sponsors, and attendees who continue to fuel the Center’s mission of providing world-class mental health services.
Dr. Michael Groat, President and CEO of Lindner Center of HOPE, also addressed the crowd, expressing deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment of the Touchdown for HOPE committee. He commended the team for their commitment to the Center, making the event possible year after year, ensuring that more individuals struggling with mental illness receive the care and support they need.
Dr. Groat extended special recognition to the 2025 Team Captains—Scott Robertson, John Ryan, and David Tasner—for their leadership and dedication to making Touchdown for HOPE a resounding success.
Proceeds from Touchdown for HOPE will support Lindner Center of HOPE’s Transforming HOPE Capital Campaign, which aims to expand treatment units, enhance wellness facilities, and increase clinical staff. These advancements will allow the Center to meet the growing demand for mental health care and continue providing innovative, compassionate treatment to those in need.
Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason, Ohio is a comprehensive mental health center providing exceptional mental health services and improving the health of our community. We achieve this through expertise, innovation, research, education, advocacy, and putting people first. We start by meeting individuals wherever they are on their journey and relentlessly pursue excellence in all we do.
Lindner Center of Hope offers patient-centered, scientifically advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization, residential services, and substance use disorders treatment for adults, outpatient services for all ages, and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnerships with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as their clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally. Patients and families who may benefit from Lindner Center services may call (513) 536-HOPE (4673) for an initial assessment. Learn more at LindnerCenterofHope.org
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has awarded a $3.4 million grant to the Lindner Center of Hope’s Dr. Francisco Romo-Nava, MD, PhD. Dr. Romo-Nava is Associate Chief Research Officer at the Lindner Center of Hope and Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati (UC) Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience. This phased innovation R61/33 grant is titled “Modulating spinal interoceptive pathways to evaluate their role and therapeutic potential in MDD symptomatic domains” and will study a novel non-invasive form of spinal cord neuromodulation to study and treat major depressive disorder (MDD).
The multidisciplinary study team is led by principal Investigator and physician-scientist Dr. Romo-Nava and Co-Investigators Dr. Susan L. McElroy, MD, Chief Research Officer at the Lindner Center of Hope, Drs. Jeffrey Welge, PhD, and Dave Fleck, PhD at UC’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Dr. Oluwole Awosika, MD at UC’s Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, and Dr. Ishita Basu, PhD at UC’s Department of Neurosurgery. Dr. Martin Paulus from the Laureate Institute for Brain Research and Dr. Jeff Liu Chang-chia, PhD, from the University of Virginia, will be consultants on the study. Key team members at the Lindner Center of HOPE Research Institute are the lead research coordinator Georgi Georgiev, Research Nurse Nicole Mori, Biostatistician Thomas J. Blom, Dr. Anna I. Guerdjikova, Jakyb Stoddard, Aspen Madrid, and Genie Groff.
This study builds on a successful pilot clinical trial conducted by the research team at the Lindner Center of Hope and funded by a NARSAD Brain and Behavior Research Foundation Young Investigator Award (Dr. Romo-Nava), which also served as the basis for a USPTO patent (#10,857,356) issued for transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The intervention involved brief sessions where a mild and generally well-tolerated current is applied through the skin using an electrode placed at the level of the mid-back and another electrode placed over the shoulder. The pilot study showed therapeutic potential for this novel approach and was recently published at one of the top scientific journals in the field of psychiatry (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-023-02349-9).
This new R61/33 grant involves a project with two phases. During the first phase (R61 phase), the project will evaluate whether a non-invasive form of spinal cord stimulation at different doses can reach and modulate specific spinal interoceptive pathways among adults with MDD. These are neuronal pathways in the spinal cord that convey information about bodily states to the brain and are thought to be relevant for emotional experience and the concept of mood. This first phase will last two years and is expected to identify neurophysiological markers of target engagement that will inform on the optimal dose to modulate these spinal interoceptive pathways. Recruitment for the first phase is expected to start 12/2024.
If successful, the team will then conduct the second phase (R33 phase). This phase involves an 8-week double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this form of non-invasive spinal cord stimulation among participants with MDD. During this clinical trial the team will also aim to replicate the target engagement markers identified in the first phase and evaluate their relevance for treatment response. The second phase is expected to have a duration of three years.
When completed, the project is expected to generate important new knowledge on the role of brain-body interaction pathways in MDD and the potential of spinal interoceptive pathways as novel therapeutic targets. The results of this project will inform on the potential efficacy and safety of non-invasive spinal cord stimulation as a new tool to study and treat MDD and will guide future studies.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Jennifer Pierson
Sr. Director of Marketing and Outreach
Lindner Center of HOPE
(513) 536-0316
[email protected]
Lindner Center of HOPE Receives $1.25 Million Pledge from The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners
The Lindner Center of HOPE is pleased to announce a recent pledge of $1.25 million from The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners. This significant contribution will play a crucial role in advancing mental health research and providing vital support to patients in need.
As requested by The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners, $1 million of the pledge will be dedicated to the Center’s Research Institute, with the remaining $250,000 allocated to the Center’s patient financial assistance “Helping Hands” fund. The Helping Hands Fund was established by the High Hopes Auxiliary when Lindner Center of HOPE opened in 2008 and exists to provide financial assistance to patients in need.
In recognition of this extraordinary gift, The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners requested The Research Institute at Lindner Center of HOPE be named in honor of Susan L. McElroy, MD. Upon learning of this remarkable gesture, Dr. McElroy expressed her deep gratitude, stating, “I am overwhelmed and humbled by this gift. This support will greatly enhance our efforts in mental health research, improving the management, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses, and alleviating the suffering of countless individuals.”
The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners’ support not only aids our mission but also encourages other organizations and individuals to contribute to our cause. Their commitment to mental health is an inspiration to all who seek to make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental health disorders.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners,” said Dr. Paul R. Crosby, President and CEO of the Lindner Center of HOPE. “Their support will have a lasting impact on our community, and we are honored to be among the organizations they support.”
Connor Group managing partner Larry Connor said the pledge is a strategic investment that will help combat America’s mental health crisis.
“We’ve vetted programs across the country,” he said. “And we believe the work being done at the Lindner Center of HOPE, today and in the future, can be generationally transformational.”
About Lindner Center of HOPE:
Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason is a comprehensive mental health center providing patient-centered, scientifically advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization, residential services, and substance use disorders treatment for adults, outpatient services for all ages, and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, , and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnerships with UC Health and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as their clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally. Patients and families who may benefit from Lindner Center services may call (513) 536-HOPE (4673) for an initial assessment. Learn more at LindnerCenterofHope.org.
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About The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners:
The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners is the non-profit arm of real estate investment firm The Connor Group. It operates as a non-profit activist investor in programs that help pull kids out of generational poverty. It also has started three independent programs of its own, including The Greater Dayton School – Ohio’s first private non-religious school exclusively for under-resourced students.
For more information, please visit www.lindnercenterofhope.org or www.kidsandcommunitypartners.org.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment that is often misunderstood but has proven to be highly effective for certain mental health conditions. This article aims to clarify what ECT is, where to find ECT providers near you, and to highlight the availability of ECT therapy in Cincinnati and Ohio.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a psychiatric treatment where seizures are electrically induced in patients to provide relief from mental health disorders. It is typically used when other treatments, such as medications and psychotherapy, have not been successful. ECT has been found to be particularly effective for severe depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Read some FAQs on ECT from the Linder Center of HOPE.
ECT involves placing electrodes on the patient’s scalp and delivering a controlled electric current, which causes a brief seizure. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring the patient does not feel any pain.
The seizure activity is linked to brain chemistry changes that can quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental health conditions. ECT treatment does not cause any structural damage to the brain.
Despite its effectiveness, ECT is often surrounded by misconceptions. Many people associate it with outdated and barbaric practices due to its portrayal in the media.
However, modern ECT is a safe, well-regulated procedure with minimal side effects. Common side effects may include short-term memory loss and confusion, but these typically resolve soon after the treatment.
If you are considering ECT, finding the right ECT provider is key. An ECT center typically offers a range of services, including initial consultations, treatment planning, and follow-up care. It’s essential to choose a facility with experienced professionals who can provide personalized care.
When searching for ECT providers near you, consider the following factors:
If you or a loved one is struggling with severe mental health issues and other treatments have not been effective, ECT might be a viable option. To get ECT treatment, start by consulting with your primary care physician or a mental health professional to discuss your symptoms and treatment history. They can refer you to a reputable ECT provider near you.
Cincinnati is home to the Lindner Center of HOPE, a leading ECT provider.
Electroconvulsive Therapy is a powerful tool in the treatment of severe mental health conditions. If you or someone you know is facing severe symptoms related to mental health disorders or life-threatening cases of depression or bipolar disorder, contact the team at the Lindner Center of HOPE, located in Mason, Ohio (located between Cincinnati and Dayton, OH). Always dial 911 for emergencies.
By understanding what ECT is and knowing how to find the best ECT providers near you, you can make informed decisions about your mental health care. Whether you are in Cincinnati or elsewhere in Ohio, Lindner Center of HOPE’s ECT center is ready to help you on your journey to better mental health.
For existing patients, ECT treatment appointments are available Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. New patients require a consultation prior to ECT treatment. Call 513-536-HOPE (4673) or contact us online.
High Hopes, Lindner Center of HOPE’s fundraising auxiliary hosted An Evening of HOPE, May 30, 2024, at MegaCorp Pavilion raising $170,000 for the Center.
The event featured renowned speaker, Kevin Hines, a mental health advocate and survivor of a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge and a live auction.
Amy Russert & Blake Gustafson co-chaired the event.
All proceeds from the event benefit Lindner Center of HOPE’s Transforming HOPE Campaign. Funds enable the Center to add more treatment units, expand wellness facilities, add clinical staff, increasing the number of patients served, and lessen the suffering of people with mental illness.
Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason is a comprehensive mental health center providing excellent, patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, diagnostic and short-term residential services for adults, and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnership with UC Health as its clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally. Together Lindner Center of HOPE and UC Health offer a true system of mental health care in the Greater Cincinnati area and across the country. The Center is also affiliated with the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine.
Half Day Workshop Offered Education on Mental Health and Wellness to More Than 200
Lindner Center of HOPE hosted more than 200 community members at Community Education Day on Sunday, May 19, 2024 in acknowledgement of May Mental Health Month at Manor House in Mason. The half-day workshop offered an opportunity for community members to enhance their awareness of mental health and wellness.
Brandon Saho, Creator of The Mental Game Podcast, Cincinnati native and former sports reporter with WLWT-TV was the keynote speaker. Saho said goodbye to his dream job in 2022 to focus on his mental health. Saho says he was at his lowest. He was depressed and alone and he didn’t know how to live. Saho spent time as a patient at Lindner Center of HOPE and realized that he didn’t want anyone to struggle like he did, so he started The Mental Game podcast. Saho spends time talking with athletes, musicians, and celebrities with the goal of saving lives through these conversations.
Three sets of breakout sessions followed the keynote presentation. Attendees designed their afternoon according to their areas of interest choosing from varying topics such as: depression, empowered parenting, finding a therapist, addictions and more.
Just prior to the breakout sessions, attendees participated in a friendly farewell to Michael G. Leadbetter, MD. Dr. Leadbetter, retired plastic surgeon, will launch his year-long friendship bus tour of the United States June 2024 raising awareness around the importance of friendship and connection for mental wellness. The trip is in memory of Leadbetter’s wife, Debbie, his life partner for 49 years. The couple had planned much of the trip before Debbie passed, with the goal of visiting friends around the country, highlighting the significant role friends played in their lives and their mental wellness.
Community Education Day also offered a resource center for participants to gather information on other community services and offerings.
A resource center was offered at Community Education Day.
Breakout sessions filled out Community Education Day with opportunities to increase awareness and understanding.
Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason is a comprehensive mental health center providing excellent, patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, diagnostic and short-term residential services for adults, and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnership with UC Health as its clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally. Together Lindner Center of HOPE and UC Health offer a true system of mental health care in the Greater Cincinnati area and across the country. The Center is also affiliated with the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine.