At least 50 percent of the two million Americans that suffer from severe mental health illnesses also abuse drugs or alochol.”* This statistic is likely not a surprise to those whose loved one is mentally ill. What is important to know is that substance abuse makes it very difficult for mental health providers to make [...]

A few weeks back I had the pleasure to attend the ATCPCC in Santa Barbara, CA with my associate Aubrey. Although I have attended something quite similar in Vero Beach, FL this by far exceeded my expectations. It’s a unique concept that enables organizations that specialize in areas such as addiction treatment; eating disorders, mental [...]

We just returned from a successful luncheon in both Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tennessee.  There was a good response from the local mental health professionals and programs.  Pasadena Villa in collaboration with Center for Professional Excellence, Recovery Ranch, River Oaks Hospital, The Menninger Clinic and Willingway Hospital sponsored the event.  Everyone was able to spend some [...]

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder currently affecting a little more than 1% of the worldwide population. Those who suffer from it often have difficulty discerning between reality and fantasy. They often hallucinate and withdraw themselves from social interactions. Their thoughts are frequently disordered and illogical. Those who live with the disorder face the risk of [...]

On Wednesday, July 21 in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Thursday, July 22 in Knoxville, Tennessee; Pasadena Villa in cooperation with Center for Professional Excellence, Recovery Ranch, River Oaks Hospital, The Menninger Clinic and Willingway Hospital will be sponsoring a luncheon for local mental health professionals.  We will be presenting our different programs and the clientele we [...]

For so many parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, the most daunting day ahead of them is that day on which their child moves out of the house, out of the immediate grasp of their parents’ helping hands, to live on their own. Often accompanying the fear of that day is the question of [...]

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric illness that causes severe changes in one’s mood within a quick span of time. There are several different types of the disorder, all causing severe and sometimes life threatening effects if left untreated. It is also commonly known as manic-depressive disorder.  Approximately 5.7 million Americans live with some form of [...]

Recently, actress Glenn Close spoke out against letting words over power us. Words like depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
This is a cause close to her heart. Close’s sister has bipolar disorder and her nephew has schizo-affective disorder. She refers to her sister and nephew as her heroes because of the struggles they face and overcome [...]

Living on your own is hard enough without the added difficulty of dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome[1] . According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, Asperger Syndrome is “an Autism Spectrum Disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to function in society”. Estimates suggest that two out of every 10,000 children suffer from Asperger Syndrome, with the distribution being three boys for every girl.

This four-page paper provides a discussion on the topic of mental health and the insurance industry. The writer uses several jumping off points to explore the benefits and the process for receiving mental health care nationwide and then focuses on some of the problems and issues that are key to the state of Arizona. There [...]