Top of Mind

OCD Treatment: Evidence-Based Approaches That Support Long-Term Recovery

Being diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can feel overwhelming. Many individuals and caregivers are left with questions about what effective treatment looks like, how long it takes, and whether symptoms can truly improve. The good news is that OCD is a highly treatable condition when care is grounded in evidence-based approaches. This article focuses specifically […]

OCD Symptoms: Understanding Obsessive and Intrusive Thoughts

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. While many people use the term casually, OCD is far more than being organized or detail oriented. For individuals experiencing OCD symptoms, the condition can feel overwhelming, persistent, and deeply distressing which often interferes with daily life, relationships, […]

OCD Screening: Understanding When an Assessment May Be Helpful

Many individuals who experience intrusive thoughts or repetitive behaviors question whether what they are noticing could be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Because OCD symptoms can be misunderstood or minimized, people often delay seeking clarity, sometimes for years. OCD screening is an important early step for individuals who suspect they may be experiencing OCD symptoms. […]

What Causes OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition that affects individuals across all ages and backgrounds. While symptoms of OCD are often visible and disruptive, the underlying causes are not always easy to identify. Research consistently shows that OCD does not stem from a single source. Instead, it develops through a combination of biological, […]

A Mental Health Check-In for the New Year: A Gentle Way to Reset Without Pressure

By Stacey L. Spencer, Ed.D. A Mental Health Check-In for the Start of the New Year The beginning of a new year is often framed as a fresh start, an opportunity to reset, refocus, and improve. Everywhere you look, there are messages encouraging productivity, motivation, and transformation. But for many people, January does not feel […]

The Power and Peril of AI as Mental Health Coach: What Consumers and Clinicians Need to Know

Molly Pachan, PhD How AI Is Changing Mental Health Care Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, shop, and even date. Should it guide our mental health? As a licensed clinical psychologist, a psychodynamic psychotherapist, and a student of the University of Cincinnati’s Lindner College of Business Certificate in Artificial Intelligence, I have been seeking […]

Signs of Depression: When to Consider a Depression Screening

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, yet many people live with symptoms for months or even years before seeking help. Because depression can affect thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical health, recognizing the signs of depression early is an important first step toward recovery. A depression screening does […]

TMS Therapy for Depression: An Evidence-Based Option for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Major depressive disorder is a serious and often debilitating condition that affects millions of adults each year. While many people find relief through antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, others continue to struggle despite multiple treatment attempts. For individuals living with persistent symptoms, TMS therapy for depression offers a non-invasive, evidence-based option that may help restore function […]

Screening for Anxiety in Children and Teens: What Parents Need to Know

Anxiety in children and teens is more common than many families realize. While occasional worry is a normal part of development, persistent or intense anxiety can interfere with a child’s ability to learn, socialize, and enjoy daily life. Early identification through mental health screening plays a critical role in recognizing concerns and connecting young people […]

Sleep and Mental Health: Sleep Hygiene and the Need for Quality Rest

By Anna I. Guerdjikova, PhD, LISW, CCRC Director of Administrative Services, Harold C. Schott Foundation Eating Disorders Program University of Cincinnati, Department of Psychiatry, Research Assistant Professor The Connection Between Sleep and Mental Health Sleep and mental health are deeply connected, yet many people underestimate how much quality sleep influences emotional well-being. We spend about […]

ECT Therapy: Understanding Electroconvulsive Therapy for Severe Depression and Mental Illness

For individuals living with severe mental illness, or for caregivers searching for effective treatment options, ECT therapy can feel overwhelming or misunderstood. Electroconvulsive therapy has long been surrounded by outdated myths, yet today it is one of the most researched and effective treatments available for certain psychiatric conditions, particularly treatment-resistant depression. At Lindner Center of […]

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for Adolescents

When an adolescent struggles with severe depression or another mood disorder that does not improve with medication or psychotherapy, families and clinicians may consider electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as an option. Though often misunderstood, ECT is a safe, effective, and evidence-based procedure that has helped patients of all ages regain stability and quality of life when […]

Understanding Anxiety in Children and Teens: Signs, Disorders, and When to Seek Help

Anxiety in children and anxiety in teens are among the most common mental health concerns parents and caregivers encounter today. While worry is a normal part of growing up, persistent or intense fear that interferes with daily life can signal something more. Understanding the signs of anxiety in children, knowing what types of disorders typically […]

TMS Therapy for Adolescents

For many adolescents, depression can feel like a heavy weight that just won’t lift. While therapy and medication often provide relief, some teens continue to struggle with lingering symptoms that affect their mood, motivation, and overall well-being. When traditional treatments don’t bring improvement, TMS therapy for depression may offer new hope. At Lindner Center of […]

When to Consider Inpatient Treatment for Teens and Young Adults

Understanding When Hospitalization May Be Needed For many families, deciding whether a teen or young adult needs inpatient mental health care can feel overwhelming. Emotional changes, academic pressures, and social challenges are all normal parts of adolescence, but when symptoms escalate, become unsafe, or interfere with daily functioning, it may be time to consider a […]

How Mental Illness Stigma Is Slowly Decreasing

Understanding Mental Illness Stigma When it comes to mental illness stigma, there is an overriding tendency within human nature to fear what we don’t understand. Throughout history, this “fear of the unknown” has shaped public perception toward individuals who experience mental illness. Assumptions and judgments are often formed about people with mental health issues without […]