Barriers to Insurance Coverage

adminCosts of Treatment, General, Mental Health, Policy, Self Care Leave a Comment

When patients have difficulty getting their insurer to cover the cost of our services, we recommend this service to help you navigate the maze of insurance company regulations: Cover My Mental Health is a non-profit that gives advice and encouragement to people at different stages of the process, including: No in-network care When a claim is denied Next steps: formal …

UCSF Psychoeducational Zoom Group for Adults with Bipolar Disorder – July 2025 Cohort

adminBipolar Treatment, GPS, GPS Update, Mental Health, Self Care Leave a Comment

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is pleased to announce the next session of its Psychoeducational Group for Adults with Bipolar Disorder, beginning July 1, 2025. This 8-session weekly Zoom group is designed to empower participants with a deeper understanding of bipolar disorder while equipping them with practical tools for long-term wellness. Group Details: This group offers an evidence-based …

UCSF Psycho-Educational Zoom Group for Adults with Bipolar Disorder – July 2025

adminBest Practices, Bipolar Treatment, General, Mental Health, Self Care Leave a Comment

Living with bipolar disorder can present unique challenges, and navigating those challenges often feels easier with support and solid information. That’s why we’re excited to share to you the upcoming UCSF Psycho-Educational Zoom Group for Adults with Bipolar Disorder, starting July 1, 2025! This activity under the Bipolar Disorder Program of the Department of Psychiatry is aimed at providing a …

Embracing Nature’s Wisdom: Four Seasons of Mindfulness Class Highlights

adminGeneral, GPS, Mental Health, Self Care, Treatments of Depression Leave a Comment

In a recent mindfulness class led by certified mindfulness meditation teacher Andrea Starn, participants embarked on a transformative journey through the Four Seasons of Mindfulness. Andrea, a licensed psychotherapist and a graduate of the intensive two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program led by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield, offered insights and practices that transcended traditional meditation, inviting participants to uncover …

Genetic Testing Could Revolutionize Depression Treatment

adminCosts of Treatment, Depression, Diagnosis, Major Depression, Mental Health, Testing, Treatments of Depression Leave a Comment

Depression is a debilitating mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are a variety of effective treatments available, many patients do not respond to the first antidepressant they are prescribed. This can lead to frustration, discouragement, and even worsening symptoms.  A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) suggests that genetic testing could …

Loneliness: A Silent Epidemic Plaguing the Nation

adminAnxiety, Depression, Major Depression, Mental Health Leave a Comment

In a groundbreaking move, the United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has issued a Surgeon General Advisory declaring loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection a public health crisis in the United States. This alarming announcement highlights the pervasive nature of loneliness in American society and its detrimental impact on our mental, physical, and societal well-being. The Magnitude of the …

UCSF Psycho-Educational Zoom Group for Adults with Bipolar Disorder – January 2024

adminBipolar Treatment, General, GPS, Mental Health, Self Care Leave a Comment

The Adult Psychiatry Clinic at UCSF has released the schedules of their Group Psycho-Education for Bipolar Disorder for January 2024. This activity under the Bipolar Disorder Program of the Department of Psychiatry is aimed at providing a community resource for individuals with bipolar disorder, mental health professionals and psychiatrists. Headed by Dr. Descartes Li, the program director, it is designed …

Depression, Anxiety May Be Early Signs of MS

adminAnxiety, Depression, Mental Health, Physical Conditions and Health Leave a Comment

Multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease, targets myelin sheath. This protective layer covers nerve fibers. Its damage can result in several symptoms; these include vision problems, fatigue, weakness, and numbness. Multiple Sclerosis is a disorder of the brain and spinal cord that significantly influences mental health. Most folks with MS, around 70%, struggle­ with depression at some point. Anxiety is …

Cannabis Use Psychosis

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Frequent cannabis use linked to increased risk of psychosis Studies in Europe and the USA have uncovered a clear association of frequent non-medical cannabis use, and use of high-potency (high THC) cannabis with psychotic disorders.  The American study found that: “Self-reported psychotic disorders were significantly more prevalent among participants with any nonmedical cannabis use than those without (2001–2002: 1.65% compared …

Digestive Diseases Linked to Loneliness and Depression in Older Adults

adminDepression, Mental Health, Physical Conditions and Health Leave a Comment

Loneliness and depression are prevalent mental health conditions that can greatly affect physical well-being. According to a recent study in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, older adults with digestive diseases are more prone to experiencing feelings of loneliness and depression compared to those without such conditions. According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, analyzing …