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The ‘Q’ in LGBTQ: Queer/Questioning
Most people are familiar with the term LGBT—lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. The acronym increasingly includes the letter Q, LGBTQ, referring to queer and/or questioning individuals. The terms queer and questioning are important because they encompass a larger number of individuals who identify as having same-sex attraction and behaviors.
Support for Mental Health in the Workplace: Employee Perspective
An estimated one in five working age adults lives with a mental health condition, yet more than 60 percent do not receive treatment. When employees do receive effective treatment for mental illnesses, it also leads to increased productivity, lower absenteeism, and decreased disability costs. Many companies are increasingly providing resources and programs to support employee mental health and well-being. So how do employees think their employers are doing with these efforts? That is the question
Kickoff of APA’s “Looking Beyond Series” Explores the Social Determinants of Mental Health
The social determinants of health and mental health were the focus of a recent APA Mental Health Equity Fireside Chat hosted by APA’s Division of Diversity and Health Equity and moderated by Division Chief and Deputy Medical Director Regina James, M.D.
Lessons from Rapid Expansion of Telemedicine During the Pandemic
Widespread lockdowns earlier this year in response to COVID-19 pandemic led to the rapid use of telehealth. A recent study in the Journal of Adolescent Health focused on one health clinic in California serving adolescents and young adults as they rapidly transitioned to telehealth. As was the situation across the country, the clinic went from 0 to almost all (97%) of patient visits occurring via telehealth within a month.
Building Knowledge and Understanding to Help Prevent Suicide
Each year more than 45,000 lives are lost to suicide in the U.S. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adults 35 to 54 years old and the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults aged 10 to 34 years. (1) But there is hope. New research is helping us understand who is at greatest risk—and this understanding will help psychiatrists and the mental health field at large save lives.
Examining Mental Health Courts
People with mental illness are more likely to be arrested, to be denied or unable to pay bail, and to have lengthier stays in jails compared to those without mental illness. An estimated 2 million people with serious mental illnesses are incarcerated each year. One approach increasingly being used to help address the problem is mental health courts.
Exploring a Strengths-Based Approach to Neurodiversity
April is Autism Acceptance Month, drawing attention to the needs and concerns of people on the autism spectrum and other neurodiverse individuals. A new book, “Neurodiversity: From Phenomenology to Neurobiology and Enhancing Technologies,” explores a strengths-based approach to a broad array of neurodiversity.
July Issues of American Psychiatric Association Journals Highlight Neuroscientific Advances in Treatment; Provision of Care Among Underserved Populations
The July issues of two of the American Psychiatric Association’s journals, The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services are available online, as is Volume 75, Issue 2 of The American Journal of Psychotherapy.
Confronting the Challenge of Mental Health Stigma: A New Report and a New National Initiative
In a report issued Oct. 9, The Lancet Commission on Ending Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health issues a call to action to “act now to stop stigma and to start inclusion.” The report summarizes extensive research around the world, highlights the results of an international survey, and provides recommendations for actions by a range of stakeholders.
Ramaswamy Viswanathan, M.D., Is Named APA President-Elect
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) members have chosen Ramaswamy Viswanathan, M.D., DrMedSc, DLFAPA, as the medical society’s next president-elect. The results were released today but are not official until the APA Board of Trustees confirms them at its March meeting.
Dr. Petros Levounis Takes Office as APA President
Petros Levounis, M.D., M.A., an internationally renowned addiction expert and advocate of LBGTQ+ mental health, began his term as president of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) at the 2023 APA Annual Meeting in San Francisco. Levounis, who is married to actor and filmmaker Lukas Hassel, is currently professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and associate dean at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He is also the chief of service at University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, and
Hispanic Heritage Month: Talking about Music, Music Therapy and Sharing Experiences in an Inpatient Setting
During Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15) we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from the Caribbean, Spain, Mexico and Central and South America. I would like to start this article by noting that I am not an expert in music therapy, so my perspective is quite narrow. However, I will share some background, history, my own experience and resources to hopefully spark some ideas for you to incorporate music from this rich and diver