The Mental Health Connection
Amidst the sweltering heat that summer can bring, we need to find respite and stay cool. Fortunately, across Southern California, there are cool zones that provide relief. These designated areas offer a sanctuary from the scorching temperatures, allowing us to seek comfort in the summer heat.
Go to Find a Cool Zone for a San Diego area interactive map, Find a Cool Center for sites around California, or call 2-1-1 to locate a Cool Zone near you.
We’re also introducing a new section of our newsletter this month—“Resources.” Within this section, you will discover valuable organizations and events that could benefit some of your patients and others facing similar circumstances.
Also, as announced in last month's newsletter, we are introducing our "Private Billing" service, dedicated to handling the billing process for your personal clients not referred by Help Therapy. We have limited openings, so contact us if you have any questions or need further information about our new Personal Billing Only service.
Annette Conway, PsyD
CEO and President
Help Therapy
July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Month/BIPOC Mental Health Month Bebe Moore Campbell fearlessly challenged the status quo by shedding light on the unique struggles faced by people of color and advocating for their voices to be heard. She advocated for creating spaces that offered hope and healing, where those who had been unheard and untreated could access inclusive and equitable resources for support and mental health care.
Continuing her advocacy, July is recognized as the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The ultimate goal is to improve access to mental health treatment and services while promoting public awareness of mental illness.
The theme of this year’s BIPOC Mental Health campaign is Culture, Community, & Connection. Visit Mental Health America for more information.
Aging Legislation to Reintroduce CONNECT for Health Act to Expand Telehealth Services
Including the CONNECT for Health Act provisions in the 2023 fiscal year government funding bill has temporarily extended access to expanded telehealth services. However, these provisions are set to expire in 2025.
A bipartisan group of 60 senators has reintroduced the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, signaling a significant step towards expanding telehealth services in the U.S.
The CONNECT for Health Act, S. 2016, aims to:
Enhance Medicare coverage for telehealth
Ensure the permanence of COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities
Improve health outcomes
Facilitate easier patient-doctor interactions
If this legislation is enacted, several critical changes to telehealth services will result:
Removal of Geographic Restrictions: Originating locations for telehealth consultations would be expanded to include healthcare facilities and patients' homes.
Access to Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics: Patients in underserved areas can access care remotely.
Inclusion of Telemental Health Services: The requirement for in-person visits for mental health services will be lifted.
Waiver of Telehealth Restrictions during Emergencies: Patients can continue to receive healthcare services even during times of crisis.
Improved Data Collection: Data on telehealth use, impacts on quality of care and opportunities for further improvement in supporting both patients and healthcare providers will be collected.
The proposed legislation highlights telehealth's invaluable role in delivering patient-centered care in this digital age. The inclusion of remote mental health services will expand the reach to many who would otherwise have difficulty receiving needed therapy.
Mitigating Surgical Risks: The Role of Pre-Surgical Mental Health Screenings Pre-surgical mental health evaluations can significantly improve post-surgical recovery. Patients who receive appropriate mental health evaluations and support before surgery are better equipped to manage the challenges they may face during recovery. In addition to physical benefits, pre-surgical mental health screenings are vital in enhancing overall patient satisfaction and well-being. Surgery can be a daunting experience, and patients may have concerns or fears that can affect their emotional state. Mental healthcare professionals can address a patient's emotional state by providing a platform for open discussions about these concerns. This comprehensive approach fosters trust, reduces anxiety, and ensures patients feel heard and understood throughout their surgical journey. Surgical procedures are not only physical interventions but also involve the overall well-being of patients, including their mental health. Psychological factors can significantly influence surgical outcomes. Mental Health Factors Affecting Surgery Anxiety and stress are crucial factors affecting how patients respond to surgery and recovery. It is natural for patients to feel anxious before undergoing surgery, but excessive anxiety can have detrimental effects on the body. Prolonged stress can lead to elevated stress hormone levels, impairing the immune system and hindering the body's healing ability.
Provider Spotlight
Carol Snowdeal, LCSW
Carol has over 20 years of experience helping others heal from life challenges and emotional struggles and to make healthy life changes. She also has helped patients with addiction and recovery for 15 years.
Her specialties include self-esteem issues, behavior modification, anger management, stress management and anxiety and depression treatment.
Carol uses a variety of therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness Therapy, to help her patients improve their emotional health and live better lives.
Carol offers convenient telehealth sessions.
This Month’s Tip Mindfulness for Better Mental Health Practicing mindfulness cultivates a state of focused attention on your feelings, thoughts and surroundings with non-judgmental awareness in the present moment. Benefits of Mindfulness:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Increased self-awareness
Increased self-compassion
Improved emotional regulation
Improved focus and concentration
Better sleep quality
Reduced chronic pain
Increased overall well-being
Breathwork, yoga, and meditation are forms of mindfulness practices, all of which have proven benefits for our mental health. While these practices differ, they all work together to promote mindfulness.
Breathwork involves intentionally controlling your breath to calm your mind and body.
Yoga is a physical practice that combines movement with breath.
Meditation involves sitting in stillness and observing your thoughts without judgment.
Mindfulness-based therapy is a type of therapy that incorporates mindfulness practices into the treatment process. Mindfulness therapy differs from traditional therapy in that it focuses on the present moment and encourages you to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. It also emphasizes the importance of non-judgment and self-compassion. Mindfulness-based therapy is effective for a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Learning mindfulness techniques empowers you with coping skills and strategies to manage your thoughts and feelings and improve your mental health.
Events
Birth Trauma Awareness Week
July 16-22, 2023
See BTA for more information.
International Self-Care Day
July 24, 2023
See National Today for more information.
National Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Day
July 24, 2023
See WNDII for more information.
World Day Against Trafficking Persons
July 30, 2023
See UN for more information.
Veterans Village of San Diego Stand Down 2023
Each summer, Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) hosts a Stand Down—a 3-day encampment designed to guide homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness to services that remove barriers caused by medical, legal, mental health, and substance use concerns.
This year's event is held July 20-22 at Pechanga Arena.
Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL)
Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL) offers two programs, the Survivor Support Program and the Suicide Awareness & Prevention Program.
SOSL has various resources, including a SOSL Support Packet, a supportive newsletter and an insightful book called Beyond Surviving.
In addition to these resources, SOSL organizes monthly support groups in San Diego County and Riverside County. These support groups are safe spaces where individuals and families can freely express themselves, find comfort, connect with others who understand, and discover helpful resources and hope.
The Survivor Support Program and the Suicide Awareness & Prevention Program are available nationwide, so no matter where you are, you can reach out.
This 501(c)3 non-profit organization has two crisis lines:
San Diego County Access and Crisis Line (888) 724-7240
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)
Partner with us!
Are you a psychologist, LCSW or LMFT? We’re always looking for exceptional mental healthcare providers. Visit helptherapy.com for more information and fill out the quick and easy application.
Do you have something to share?We’d love to hear about your successes and accomplishments! Have you:
Written an article?
Given a presentation?
Have a client success story?
Contact us at info@helptherapy.com.
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