Outside the Box

Transgender

The Mental Health Impact of Anti-Trans Legislation

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on May 15, 2023

The mental health impact of anti-trans legislation for youth and families affected can lead to anxiety, depression, and suicide.

The mental health impact of anti-trans legislation for youth and families affected can lead to anxiety, depression, and suicide.

Therapy

Broaching Religion and Spirituality: An Untapped Resource

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on April 25, 2023

Why do psychologists infrequently choose to incorporate spirituality or religion in treatment conceptualization and planning?

Why do psychologists infrequently choose to incorporate spirituality or religion in treatment conceptualization and planning?

Pregnancy

The Importance of Mental Health Exceptions in Abortion Restrictions

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on March 27, 2023

Excluding mental health conditions as an exception to state abortion bans will lead to downstream mental health and financial consequences for individuals and society.

Excluding mental health conditions as an exception to state abortion bans will lead to downstream mental health and financial consequences for individuals and society.

Pregnancy

Postpartum Challenges, Especially if Pregnancies Are Forced

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on March 3, 2023

Mental health and related concerns arise during and after pregnancy for many parents, but what happens to well-being when abortions are wanted but denied?

Mental health and related concerns arise during and after pregnancy for many parents, but what happens to well-being when abortions are wanted but denied?

Stress

Self-Care: A Band-Aid for a Deeper Wound?

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on February 16, 2023

To avoid a mental health crash since COVID, should we reduce our standards for productivity as we navigate a new era?

To avoid a mental health crash since COVID, should we reduce our standards for productivity as we navigate a new era?

Trauma

Alternative Advocacy: Getting Psychologists in the News

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on February 15, 2023

What are the consequences to our mental health when news is delivered without compassion?

What are the consequences to our mental health when news is delivered without compassion?

Law and Crime

Forced Choice and No Voice: Mental Health and Abortion Laws

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on January 24, 2023

The reversal of Roe v. Wade has largely impacted BIPOC women more than other groups. Psychologists can educate themselves on abortion laws and advocate for healthcare protection.

The reversal of Roe v. Wade has largely impacted BIPOC women more than other groups. Psychologists can educate themselves on abortion laws and advocate for healthcare protection.

Pregnancy

Mental Health Consequences of Abortion Laws for Survivors of Rape and Incest

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on November 22, 2022

Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, many states are enacting legislation that bans abortion, with some including exceptions for rape or incest.

Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, many states are enacting legislation that bans abortion, with some including exceptions for rape or incest.

Pregnancy

Navigating the Overturning of Roe v. Wade in Integrated Behavioral Health

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on October 25, 2022

Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, behavioral health providers must be informed and prepared to provide family planning-related resources.

Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, behavioral health providers must be informed and prepared to provide family planning-related resources.

Trauma

Trauma and Its Widespread Impact on Black Communities

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on August 31, 2022

Black communities with few economic resources are disproportionately exposed to life-threatening traumatic events, which can lead to chronic physical and/or mental illness.

Black communities with few economic resources are disproportionately exposed to life-threatening traumatic events, which can lead to chronic physical and/or mental illness.

Health

Getting Honest About Mental Health and Gun Violence

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on July 26, 2022

Given the cycle of horrific tragedies related to gun violence in our community, we must take an honest look at the impact of the association between mental health and gun violence.

Given the cycle of horrific tragedies related to gun violence in our community, we must take an honest look at the impact of the association between mental health and gun violence.

Environment

Gun Control and Climate Change: Is It Really "Too Late"?

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on June 22, 2022

Gun violence and the climate crisis cause serious harm, disproportionately affecting children and communities of color. But psychology has much to offer in helping us understand and mitigate both.

Gun violence and the climate crisis cause serious harm, disproportionately affecting children and communities of color. But psychology has much to offer in helping us understand and mitigate both.

Gender

Why Should a Black Woman Sit on the Supreme Court?

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on February 25, 2022

Why is it foreign to consider Black women for Supreme Court Justice appointments, when Black women have historically rallied behind others for equal rights and justice?

Why is it foreign to consider Black women for Supreme Court Justice appointments, when Black women have historically rallied behind others for equal rights and justice?

Suicide

Black Death: The Epidemic Experienced by Black Children

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on February 17, 2022

Black children between the ages of 5 and 12 are dying by suicide at twice the rate of White children in the same age group.

Black children between the ages of 5 and 12 are dying by suicide at twice the rate of White children in the same age group.

Education

Mental Health Parity for All

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on February 10, 2022

Federal law requires mental and physical health to be covered equally. Not all states are enforcing this law in the same way.

Federal law requires mental and physical health to be covered equally. Not all states are enforcing this law in the same way.

Education

Behavioral Health Professionals as Community Advocates

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on January 19, 2022

Behavioral health professionals often believe that community advocacy is too difficult an undertaking. However, they can be very effective in this role.

Behavioral health professionals often believe that community advocacy is too difficult an undertaking. However, they can be very effective in this role.

Relationships

Maybe We Should Talk Politics at Thanksgiving?

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on November 22, 2021

In the current reality of increasing social and political isolation, we encourage you to have difficult yet meaningful conversations with people whose beliefs differ from your own.

In the current reality of increasing social and political isolation, we encourage you to have difficult yet meaningful conversations with people whose beliefs differ from your own.

Education

Racial Injustice in America: Where Are We Now?

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on October 12, 2021

The murder of George Floyd raised American consciousness regarding racial issues. But over a year later, have we moved in the right direction?

The murder of George Floyd raised American consciousness regarding racial issues. But over a year later, have we moved in the right direction?

Coronavirus Disease 2019

COVID-19 Brings Mental Health Into the Spotlight

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on September 27, 2021

COVID-19 has helped make mental health a mainstream conversation. Now is a great time for all of us to contribute to this positive change.

COVID-19 has helped make mental health a mainstream conversation. Now is a great time for all of us to contribute to this positive change.

Suicide

Protecting Trans Students Is a Matter of Life or Death

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on June 25, 2021

Trans youth are at heightened risk of suicide, depression, and other mental health challenges—and being victimized by peers and teachers can increase their risk.

Trans youth are at heightened risk of suicide, depression, and other mental health challenges—and being victimized by peers and teachers can increase their risk.