Top of Mind

Five Important Considerations for Adolescent Mental Health

By Lauren Neiser, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC           We as humans, from a biological perspective, are meant to be vulnerable and connected beings. We aren’t the strongest or fastest species, and yet humans dominate the animal kingdom. We do this because of our ability to have and express our emotions and thoughts […]

Medications in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: A Current Overview

By John Hawkins, MD, Director of the Bipolar Disorders Clinic and Staff Psychiatrist           Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. The episodes can include periods of unusually elevated or irritable mood (mania […]

Understanding Grief and Its Impact on Mental Health

National Grief Awareness Day is August 30th. Grief is a natural and powerful response to loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or significant life changes. While grief is a normal part of life, it can deeply affect your mental health and emotional well-being. What Is Grief? Grief […]

What Is Residential Treatment and When Is It Necessary?

What is Residential Treatment? A loved one is experiencing mental health problems – or perhaps you are dealing with mental illness yourself.  As you look into treatment options – outpatient, inpatient, etc., one option that may be recommended is a residential treatment center. Residential treatment is a specialized form of inpatient care. It typically includes […]

Levels of Care in Psychiatry

By Amanda Porter, PhD, APRN Lindner Center of Hope           Mental health care is not one-size-fits-all. Just as physical health conditions vary in severity and treatment needs, psychiatric disorders require different levels of intervention depending on the individual’s condition, risks, and functional impairments. The levels of care in psychiatry provide a […]

Understanding the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies: Support for Individuals, Families, and Therapists

By Nancy Ferguson, MSW, LISW-S Telehealth Outpatient Therapist, Lindner Center of Hope Losing a beloved pet is a profound and painful experience. For many, a companion animal is not just a pet—they are a source of unconditional love, a dear friend, or a member of the family. Yet, despite the importance of this kind of […]

Feeling Lost After College? How to Navigate Young Adult Life Transitions and Cope with Post-Grad Stress

Amber Walczyk, MS/LPCC       Graduation represents a significant life milestone. Whether it’s earning an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or a more advanced degree, it often represents the culmination of a journey that began in early childhood. While this represents a finish line, it is also the start of a new chapter that can be […]

Perinatal OCD: Understanding and Managing OCD During and After Pregnancy

Jennifer B. Wilcox-Berman, PsyD         Anyone who has ever had a baby knows that it comes with many emotions, from pure joy to fatigue and feeling overwhelmed. Anxiety is a common feeling experienced by parents as they learn how to navigate new parenthood. At times, new mothers (and new fathers) experience significant […]

Obsessively Good: Understanding Scrupulosity OCD and How CBT Can Help

By Lindsey Collins Conover, PhD, Lindner Center of Hope Jennifer has always cared about doing the “right” thing, but she has recently started wondering if her actions are good enough. This has led her to doubt her, previously habitual, actions and second-guess every move she makes. “Was I kind enough when the cashier asked if […]

Supporting Teen Mental Health: A Comprehensive Guide for Families and Professionals

By Stacey Spencer, EdD Lindner Center of Hope, Staff Psychologist       Adolescence is a critical stage in human development, marked by rapid physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Understanding and supporting teen mental health is essential for parents, caregivers, and professionals working with adolescents. This guide provides practical insights into the challenges teens face […]

How Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy Helps You Stop OCD Compulsions and Take Back Control

By Whitney Peters, MS, LPCC Lindner Center of Hope, Outpatient Therapist What Is ERP Therapy for OCD? Exposure and Response Prevention therapy, or ERP, is widely recognized as the gold standard treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Backed by decades of research, ERP has consistently proven to be more effective than other therapeutic approaches, especially talk […]

How to Stop Being Your Own Worst Critic: The Power of Self-Compassion for Mental Health

  Breaking Free from Self-Criticism: How Self-Compassion Improves Mental Health By Elisabeth Renner LPCC-S Lindner Center of HOPE What Is Self-Criticism and Why Is It Harmful?  Many of us are far more critical of ourselves than we would ever be toward a friend or loved one. That inner voice can be relentless, replaying mistakes, pointing […]

Finding the Right Mental Health Rehabilitation Center: What You Need to Know

  Mental health rehabilitation centers provide structured, long-term treatment for individuals facing serious mental health disorders. These centers focus on recovery beyond crisis intervention, offering the tools and environment needed to regain stability, function, and independence. From severe depression to complex disorders like schizophrenia and co-occurring diagnoses, mental health rehabilitation centers support a wide range […]

Depression Treatment: How to Achieve Full Recovery and Wellness

Understanding Modern Depression Treatments Decades ago, depression treatment options were extremely limited. Patients had access to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), lithium, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and off-label stimulants. While these treatments helped many, they often came with significant side effects, and we lacked the evidence-based therapies available today. Thankfully, advancements in mental health […]

Finding the Right Mental Health Treatment Center: A Comprehensive Guide

Seeking help for mental health concerns is a courageous step, and finding the right treatment center can make a significant difference in recovery. With various treatment options available, understanding the types of facilities and their offerings is essential. This guide will walk you through the different types of mental health treatment centers, how to choose […]