Spending time in nature–casually referred to as “nature therapy”–has many positive mental health outcomes. Each year, new studies emerge highlighting how people can nurture their health by spending increased time in nature, getting exposure to sunlight, and bringing natural elements (like house plants) indoors.

If you have ever been stressed and found yourself feeling calmer after a walk outside, then you know from personal experience how nature can help reduce tension and lift your mood. Here is a brief glimpse into the ways that nature “therapy” is great for mental health for people of all ages.

Humans Are a Part of Nature: It Makes Sense That We Need It

While it is easy to feel–and be–disconnected from nature, people are a part of nature. Historically, most of human life was spent outdoors, which means that our brains and bodies are naturally adapted to life outside.

Humans shifted from hunter gatherer lifestyles, to agrarian systems with farming and more permanent settlements, and in more modern times, we spend time in office buildings, indoor shops, and the confines of apartments and houses.

From a “big picture” historic perspective, humans are used to a lot of time in nature, but modern humans now spend 90% of our time indoors. That is a sharp decrease from what we were accustomed to by design.

Eco-psychology studies the link between nature and health

People in cities that have little green space often deal with cognitive fatigue. This is where eco-psychology comes in: how can we design cities that center our basic need for nature?

Ecopsychology has helped people consider how to better design their homes, office spaces, backyards, and more, to be reflective of nature. Studying the link between nature and health has also helped reveal that plants and green space help reduce stress. Even spending some time in a backyard or “pocket park” can produce positive outcomes.

Children also need nature for overall, strong mental health

Bringing family or friends to a park is an easy way to be outside, get some movement, take a break from screens, and experience a mood boost. Many studies suggest that children with attention deficit disorders may experience reduced symptoms when they consistently spend more time in nature.

If you have a child in your life and you can consider a weekly trip to a regional or city park, a local school garden, or even a local, favorite tree, you are helping your child stay healthy on many levels. Kids often know how to explore nature and can remind adults too, when we forget or when it’s been a while.

Simply feeling connected to nature is good for children, teenagers, and adults.

Nature Therapy can Improve Quality of Life

Many types of therapy can help people realize big epiphanies like, “I want to have more energy in my life,” or “I want a job that allows me to spend my weekends in nature, with no need to check email.”

There is also an abundance of nature-based activities, from hiking to looking for rainbows after a good rain. Maybe make a list of three activities in nature you miss doing or that you are curious to try. Can you try one this week? Therapists can also help you set healthy lifestyle goals and spend more time in nature.

North American Mental Health Services has offices in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister to work with a therapist in person. Online therapy is available through HomePsych.

The post Nature “Therapy” is Good for Mental Health appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

What is a mental illness stigma? The word stigma refers to a trait that elicits social disapproval. Stigmas are often assigned to people with mental illness and can also affect people who break any kind of taboo (American Psychological Association).

Certain illnesses that have a negative perception, or stigma, attached to them, can make people feel especially isolated and excluded from the people who do not manifest that stigma. A stigmatized illness like schizophrenia, for example, is more likely to be met with judgment, distancing, and social isolation, than an illness such as cancer.

Here are three types of stigma and ways that they impact people who experience mental illness. We also explain key ideas for people who want to challenge stigmas and work toward a more understanding, compassionate world.

1. Public Stigma Occurs When People View a Trait or Disease as “Bad” or “Wrong”

Public stigmas manifest when groups of people believe that some traits are more desirable or “normal” than other traits. Because some stigmas are visible, such as having a visible disability, many people who have stigmas need to negotiate an ableist world that directly and indirectly challenges their worth. There are stigmas against people with mental health conditions, although that is slowly changing.

Erving Goffman conveys the social ramifications of stigma in his 1986 classic, Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Goffman’s sociological review of stigmas explores how public stigmas and stereotypes differ across cultures and throughout history.

Public stigmas can have harmful ramifications when they cause people to associate negative feelings and behaviors with an entire group of people, and then create policies to oppress that “othered” group. For example, if there is a public stigma for people struggling with drug addictions, and there is a stereotype of “drug addicts being bad or dangerous,” then city-wide officials who abide by those beliefs might be less likely to allocate funding for rehabilitation programs or transitional housing.

2. Self-stigma Can Happen When People with Stigmas Internalize Shame

There can be a harsh cycle of self-loathing for people who internalize the judgment they receive and in turn, blame themselves for their difference rather than question socially reinforced hierarchies.

You can recognize self-blame and shame when people make comments like, “I don’t deserve to get better” or “I am a burden to myself and society.” Rather than recognizing the complicated interplay of social and political spheres, people with self-stigmas are more likely to blame themselves.

Because of self-stigmas, people are more reluctant to ask for help, due to a myriad of reasons, including a possible belief that they don’t deserve different treatment from society.

3. Structural Stigmas Exist in the Policies that Marginalize People with Stigmas

Let’s focus on mental illness. Structural stigmas for mental illness can be seen when workplace policies discriminate against people for having a mental illness, but not against people for having a “body” illness. Both types of discrimination are not always legal, but they can happen in covert ways that are difficult to track.

Structural barriers can be embedded in healthcare policies, employment and income options, housing options, education systems, criminal justice policies, immigration policies, reproductive rights, and more. For example, many people with schizophrenia who are trying to secure a job or housing feel that they cannot disclose that information because they would “never be hired” on account of their illness–even if they manage their illness with therapy and psychiatry. People who have been incarcerated and have mental illness may face double discrimination for breaking two social taboos at once. Landing a job while having a stigmatized identity can be difficult.

Exploring Stigmas: Raising Awareness is the First Step

One way to expand your awareness of stigmas is to ask yourself any of the following questions. Note or record your thoughts and over time, as you learn more about public stigmas, self-stigmas, and structural stigmas, see how your answers adapt.

Questions that explore stigmas:

• What do I define as a ‘normal’ body?
• What counts as a ‘normal’ occupation for me?
• What do I consider a ‘normal’ living situation?
• What is a ‘normal’ problem to have or show in society?
• Where did I absorb my ideas of “normal?”

People are most likely to empathize with people we can relate to, so try to not blame or judge yourself for whatever biases arise. Instead, ask where they may come from, these subtle messages that some lives matter more than others.

For example, if you feel more empathy toward a woman who lives in a house and is a teacher who is having a bad day, than, say, a woman without a house who has schizophrenia and is also having a bad day, you may want to ask–from a place of curiosity, not blame–why that is. Stigmas often relate to a bigger personal and social question: how do we decide who gets empathy? The book Misery and Company by Candace Clark offers more insight around this complicated question and its real-life ramifications.

More Ways to Learn about Stigmas

Remember that stigmas change over time. For example, in the 1950s, people who went to therapy risked being stigmatized. Now, social norms have shifted so that among some cultures, it’s seen as an asset if you prioritize your mental health and have a therapist for added support.

Here are three additional ways you can take your knowledge of stigmas to the next level.

1. Host a book club with Erving Goffman’s sociology book, Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Gather to discuss how your idea of stigmas has changed after reading this book, if applicable.
2. Ask yourself if you have ever felt the impact of a public, self, or structural stigma. Write your personal story down and if you feel safe, share your story with a friend, colleague, therapist, or someone you know. One way of reducing the harm of stigmas is to talk openly about how stigmas have personally impacted our life; of course, this also puts the burden of change on the person already impacted by the stigma, which is not ideal.
3. Call out stigmas when you see them, especially if the stigma does not directly target you. You can be a mental health ally when someone says a harmful comment at work, for example, that makes fun of people with mental illness. There are ways to handle this in a way that makes the person who made the comment feel open to learning, such as waiting for a private moment to pull them aside and tell them how the comment affected you.

Can Therapy Deepen My Awareness of Stigmas?

Therapy can help people assess the beliefs and values that inform how they live and how they value the people around them. Therapists and counselors can also help people gain tools for how to manage a stigmatized illness and have compassion for themselves, rather than internalized shame.

We encourage residents in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister to request an appointment to work with a NAMHS therapist in person or inquire about our online therapy care.

The post Mental Illness Stigmas appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

It’s great that people get support when they need it, and you can also choose therapy when you’re doing fine.

In other words, everyone can benefit from heightened self-awareness, communal awareness, and communication skills. Maybe you or your family have habits you would like to change together. Maybe you want to improve your communication skills with coworkers or partners. Therapists can help.

Can Online Therapy Help Me with Communication?

Increased self-awareness and advanced communication skills help people navigate the easy and the hard parts of life. Online therapy gives people tools to practice self-care, set boundaries, communicate their needs, and prioritize healthy relationships.

Despite what the movies show, therapists do not only support people when they are in the depths of despair–although they can and do support people in crisis. Therapists also help people work toward their goals and practice breathing, mindfulness, and other stress management techniques.

Take the time to find the right therapist. Some therapists offer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Others specialize in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or other approaches. Do a bit of research and find what works for you.

Therapy Near Me: How to Find a Therapist

At HomePsych, our  online therapists make online therapy easy and accessible. Request an appointmentto begin.

The post Therapy Helps Individuals, Couples, and Families Thrive appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

With teletherapy, people can receive the support they need from their home, their workplace, or whichever environment they prefer. Here are three benefits of teletherapy. We’ve also added details about what to expect from online sessions.

1. Teletherapy Saves You Time By Eliminating Commutes

Before Covid-19 and the lockdown, online therapy did exist; the pandemic simply increased the necessity and availability of remote therapy options. Research confirms that teletherapy is an effective option for receiving mental health support. It also reduces the physical barrier of getting to and from therapy, making this option more accessible for people with disabilities.

With teletherapy, you can plan to have your appointments anywhere you have cellular data or wifi, depending on if you prefer video or phone appointments. Some people enjoy walking while they are on the phone with their healthcare professional. Other people prefer talking in their parked car or a private room with headphones on, to maximize privacy. Online therapy makes that possible.

Either way, with in-person therapy and online therapy, it may take a few sessions to get to know your teletherapist provider and feel comfortable. The first session, for example, is often an introductory call to get to know what’s on your mind and what is bringing you stress, joy, confusion, etc., in your life.

You Can Still Receive Psychiatric Support Via Teletherapy

Online therapy means less time spent commuting and more flexible scheduling–all while receiving the same, effective treatment as in-person psychiatry. Teletherapy can include psychiatric care, such as prescriptions and medication management. Make sure your support team consists of licensed professionals who are qualified to help.

For online psychiatry appointments, you can expect the same level of care that you would have with an in-person appointment. This means that your healthcare providers are there to listen to you and provide expert advice that centers on your needs. At HomePsych, we can connect you with licensed psychiatrists who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and adjust medications depending on their efficacy.

Depending on your situation, you may prefer in-person appointments, which can be more effective for people navigating substance use disorders, severe depression, and schizophrenia. You can always be transparent and ask your support team if they think online therapy or in-person therapy is best for you; during that conversation, you can also express your needs, concerns, and questions about online versus in-person therapy, so you can make an informed decision.

Teletherapy Can Reduce The Delay In Getting Care

Another benefit of online therapy is that it can reduce the time it takes to match people with the licensed team of professionals they need. At HomePsych, we can get you an appointment within 7–10 days. You can get started by contacting us.

Many healthcare providers are leveraging the tools available with virtual care and increasing the number of people they can support. This is important since during the pandemic, and to this day, people need mental health support. Before solidifying your teletherapy appointment, make sure you understand what your insurance plan does and does not cover.

In general, teletherapy has reduced the average wait time, especially as more and more healthcare providers increase their online availability and train their staff with the logistics of communication and online portals.

Get Professional Support With Talk Or Online Therapy

Teletherapy helps people understand what they need and make the lifestyle changes they want. At HomePsych, we make it easy to find compassionate, licensed therapists who accept online appointments.

Start feeling better today and discuss your mental health situation with someone who can help you plan the next steps.

The post 3 Benefits Of Teletherapy: What To Expect from Online Therapy appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

As you explore your options for mental healthcare, make sure you understand the similarities and differences between therapists and counselors.

Therapists and Counselors Often Prioritize Talk Therapy

From general mental health guidance to specialized support for mental illness, therapists and counselors may offer talk therapy as part of a treatment plan. People throughout the United States depend on talk therapy to achieve mental health goals.

To make your mental health a priority with clear direction, scheduling regular meetings with a professional can be a great first step. Since the pandemic, online talk therapy has helped more people access therapy at their convenience. Besides physically being in the same room as your therapist, online therapy also offers the same benefits as regular talk therapy.

Training and Licensing Differ for Therapists and Counselors

The details are confusing but here is the main point: training and licensing are different for therapists and counselors. Certifications and licenses vary per state. Research your state’s requirements; or if seeking online therapy, check the various state requirements of your potential therapist or counselor.

During an initial meeting, you can also ask therapists or counselors what their licensing and training entailed. As far as education requirements, counselors and therapists both hold master’s degrees. Keep in mind that vague titles like “life coach” are different and operate in an unregulated field.

Among licensed professionals, not all therapists will meet your needs, the same way that not all bosses or coworkers meet your needs. Keep looking until you find a match that feels right for you.

Take a Mental Health Step

Start feeling better today by working with a Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister. Remember that teletherapy is an option that many people use as part of their mental healthcare.

The post Therapists vs. Counselors: What is the Difference?  appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

Self-care is the practice of tending to one’s daily needs. In therapy, many clients and therapists discuss self-care and explore strategies to prioritize it for one’s mental wellness.

Many people reject self-care, not as a deliberate choice, but at a subconscious level based on low self-esteem, self-worth, or unprocessed trauma. Therapy helps people recognize their internal roadblocks to self-care. If you want to feel empowered and more closely with your values, it might be time to find a therapist who supports you.

By taking care of yourself, you can also take better care of those you love. If you feel like you do not deserve self-care or that “self-care is selfish,” we hope this article offers a fresh perspective.

Self-Care Lesson from Therapy #1 – It’s Okay to Enforce Boundaries

Expressing boundaries is integral for self-care. Establishing a boundary is not the hardest part of this process; enforcing the boundary is. One reason for this is that sometimes, people may  make you feel bad for setting a boundary, especially if they are not used to you doing that. They will adjust with time, especially if they are a mutually supportive friend, partner, etc., who values your wellbeing.

Chances are you have seen people express boundaries before. Has a relative ever said something like, “No phones at the table” or “No cursing in the house?” This type of boundary functions like a rule or “social norm” and they are often expressed by someone with authority, such as a parent or guardian. When you tell someone a boundary, you are communicating a rule that is important to you. If the power dynamic in the relationship is not equal, you may be met with resistance.

Maybe you have a friend who you enjoy spending time with, but if you spend too much time with them, you feel completely exhausted. It could be time to establish a “time boundary” with that person. Common questions about setting this type of boundary include, “How do I express a boundary without hurting my friend’s feelings?” or “Why do I feel guilty when I express a boundary?” Therapists offer guidance for questions like this, as the possible answers are worth exploring together.

Take a moment to consider where you could benefit from more boundaries, such as certain friendships, workplace dynamics, and family members.

Self-Care Lesson from Therapy #2 – Prioritize Healthy Relationships

Self-care is not only about the relationship with yourself, but also about the relationships you value around you. Each person has to manage how much time they devote to various relationships, including familial, romantic, platonic, and coworker relationships.

Do you have a friend who you wish you connected with more often? What stops you from initiating more hangouts with them? Some people feel that they do not deserve mutually supportive, platonic friendships. Other times, loving people devote their free time to someone who does not return any love and support.

Increased self-awareness and advanced communication skills help people navigate these more difficult conversations so that they can mend frayed dynamics and prioritize healthy relationships. Setting any type of goal requires accountability. Therapists can provide healing and hold you accountable too. They are there to listen and help you find hope.

Self-Care Lesson from Therapy #3 – You Are Allowed to Seek Joy

Lots of people need reminders that they are allowed to seek joy and feel loved. There are many reasons why different people have a hard time accepting self-love and joy, but a common factor is unprocessed trauma around abuse. Therapists can help survivors of abuse find and prioritize joy again, but it is important to find the right therapist.

When people experience domestic abuse, it can alter their beliefs about what they do and do not deserve. 30% of women and 25% of men experience intimate partner violence during their life; when this happens, it can make survivors anxious, depressed, and more.

If you are a survivor or if you are someone who has a hard time allowing yourself to seek joy, try to avoid blaming yourself and seek professional support from a licensed therapist. Remember that you deserve joy and love.

Therapy Near Me: How to Find a Therapist

Online therapy gives people tools to practice self-care, whether that means setting boundaries, prioritizing healthy relationships, or seeking joy.

At HomePsych, our online therapists make online therapy easy and accessible. Request an appointment to begin.

The post Self-Care is Not Selfish appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

When new relationships emerge, many people experience excitement and increased anxiety. Some anxiety makes sense and may be unavoidable whether the relationship is platonic, romantic, or professional. But if uninhibited, fear can overtake joy. Therapy can help!

Online therapy gives people tools to label passing thoughts and fears as transitory without letting the thoughts overwhelm them.

Here are a few tips to keep “new relationship anxiety” at bay.

Common Anxieties Many People Share in Relationships

It is vulnerable to share time, hobbies, and your body with someone new. It also hurts to be rejected. As a subcategory of fear, anxiety serves a purpose and “wants” you to take action and prevent harm.

Common anxieties in new relationships may stem from questions like, “Does this person enjoy spending time with me? Does this person like me? Does this person want to continue this connection? Are they attracted to me?” These questions are understandable.

It makes sense that while bonding with someone, people want to make sure the connection flows both ways. Some of the above questions do not warrant any action: they are passing thoughts that may diffuse with time. If these questions occasionally occur, you can disregard them. If these thoughts are frequent, you may be experiencing high anxiety.

High anxiety robs people of the present moment. It can cloud one’s mind with endless concerns and in extreme form, cause panic attacks. Having a therapist can help reduce anxiety and help you recognize thought biases.

With Anxiety, Some Thoughts Are Simply Not True

Every day, the human brain processes 70,000 thoughts using over 100 billion neurons. With these numbers, it makes sense that of these 70,000 thoughts, there will be occasional distorted thoughts. Distorted thought patterns obscure the truth and do not always serve the person producing the thought.

How do distorted thoughts relate to anxiety experienced in a new relationship? Here is one example: imagine a new romantic relationship between two people, one of whom does not respond to texts quickly. If one has cumulative experiences of rejection, the neutral observation of “this person is not responding within five minutes of my text” might morph into catastrophizing.

Catastrophizing is a common thought distortion where one imagines the worst-case scenario. Maybe while waiting for the text reply, the person with high anxiety assumes, “this person is no longer interested in me. I should end things before they do.” While the latter may not be true, if one starts to believe that thought, it will influence the course of the relationship.

Thinking “outside the box” can help when anxious thoughts happen. In this case, what are other reasons that person might not be texting back quickly?

Mindfulness Activity for Anxiety: Picturing Thoughts as Clouds

Picture each thought as a cloud passing through your mind, carrying a statement. In the same way you might watch the clouds while lying on a field of grass, you can watch your thoughts float across your mind. In other words, do not accept every thought as a fact, just watch it move across your mind and diffuse into the air.

Remember that it is not possible that every thought–of the 70,000 thoughts per day–is based on objective truth. Thought distortions are biases that turn an observation into a perceived “truth” based on someone’s prior experiences and anxiety. Remember that it takes time to develop long-term trust in any new relationship.

At HomePsych, our online therapists make online therapy easy and accessible. Request an appointment to begin.

The post Anxiety In New Relationships appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

Mental health refers to emotional, psychological, and communal well-being. With this definition, a mental health goal could be, “I want to be more present with my time” or “I want to recognize when I am anxious and take care of my needs better.”

We hope these tips from our NAMHS therapists help you reach your mental health goals. For professional advice, we recommend you find an online licensed mental health professional who can bring hope and healing into your life.

1. Ground yourself with facts about mental health

Once you have your goal, or as you make your goals, conduct a little research on mental health. This research may help you contextualize your mental health situation so you feel less alone and more inspired.

For example, if you are navigating mental illness, know that 1 in 5 people in the United States experience mental illness, according to the CDC. Hopefully, this reminds you that you are not alone and that there may be insight available from other people who also experience struggles similar to yours. Many people express feeling empowered the more they learn the facts.

2. Create specific and small “action items”

It may be tempting to make a goal such as, “be happier.” But this goal is vague and lacks a clear action. Without a clear step, there may be little progress toward this goal. The idea of being happier is fine, but it lacks a plan.

If this is your goal, make it more specific. You can begin by making a list of five activities that make you feel content, calm, safe, or happy. Once you make this list, stick it on your fridge or desk–somewhere you can see it every day. Add a sticker or check mark each time you do one of the activities. When the paper is filled with stickers, it’s time to make a new list. You can repeat the activities or find a new hobby waiting for your discovery.

The psychology of reaching goals is fascinating. Don’t underestimate how a tiny action may accumulate into significant shifts in your life, especially when it comes to mental well-being.

3. Get professional support with talk or online therapy

The human brain is complicated and life is complicated. Finding compassionate, licensed therapists is possible. At HomePsych, we make it easy to understand your options given your location, your medication needs, and your insurance.

You deserve to feel better. Get started today and discuss your mental health goals with a professional who can help you measure and achieve your goals. NAMHS has in-person therapy in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister and online therapy care available via HomePsych.

The post 3 Steps To Achieve Your Mental Health Goals appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

The initial resistance to self-care may result from living in a country with movies that posit romantic love as supreme. While romantic love is wonderful, and many people crave companionship, romantic love is not a substitute for self-love.

Here are a few tips from one of our online therapists to put your self-care first, with your personalized spin on it.

Tip #1 – Find your top self-care activities

Self-care helps people cope with stress by offering sensory breaks and rejuvenation. Many activities can qualify as self-care, depending on the interests of the individual or group seeking relaxation. For some people, self-care might mean pampering themselves with a warm bath and scented candles; however, self-care is not limited to warm baths.

Self-care can be as simple as taking your lunch break outside or in a nearby park, with a view of nature. Other habits that can count as self-care include: making time for activities you love, saying “no” to group events that no longer interest you, finding a spiritual practice, or reading a book at night instead of scrolling through your phone. If you have a planner or notepad, start making a list of activities that make you relaxed, content, or joyful. Put the list where you can see it as a reminder of your options. When you have a 5-minute or a 5-hour time slot with no plans, do one of the activities on your list. To help you track your consistency, put a sticker or a tally to track how often you choose self-care.

Anyone can practice self-care. For more introspective self-care, which can include being more kind toward oneself or negotiating a guilt complex, having a therapist helps keep the practice consistent. With the trend of online therapy and teletherapy, more people are making therapy a part of their self-care routine.

Tip #2 – Remember that Romantic Comedies Are Not Realistic

Each year, romantic comedies bring joy to millions of people. From When Harry Met Sally to The Big Sick, there is no shortage of movies where single people become happier when united with a lover. Movies shape our cultural expectations even when we do not expect them to do that.

Take a moment to reflect on a movie about romantic love: what is the main message? Many movies follow a Cinderella plot where a lonely, sad person is promised an exciting life with a new, dashing person. But what about the people who do not find that person? Or people who do find that person and marry, but slowly feel miserable? Self-care can help people whether they are in a relationship or not.

When we remember how to love ourselves, we also remember how to love people in our life more deeply. If you have ever been stressed and low on sleep, or grumpy because you did not get time to relax on your break, then you know from personal experience what happens when your self-care routine falters.

Tip #3 – Know When to Give Your Brain a Break

As we encourage in many of our blogs, people understand when someone with a broken leg needs crutches. There is no stigma for having a broken leg and needing support. Yet when it comes to the brain–a key organ in our body–needing support, many people feel the internalized stigma of seeking medication. Luckily, this stigma is changing as people share their mental health journey more with each other.

If you have experienced high anxiety or depression–or any other mental health challenge–for a long time in your life, maybe it is time to consider medication. Needing medication does not mean you have somehow failed; some brains need more support, the same way an injured leg might need crutches.

Celebrities like Selena Gomez and Kristen Bell, who both navigate mental illness, have shared how taking medication changed their life for the better. When big names like Gomez and Bell share their mental health journey with the public, it helps decrease the stigma around mental illness. Online psychiatry has made it even easier to manage medication with a licensed professional who cares about your well-being.

At HomePsych, we make medication management easy. Our team can also answer questions about medicine, side effects, affordability, and dosage.

Make Self-Love and Self-Compassion Your Priority

Making habits that encourage self-love is a great step to feeling better. If you are making a goal for your self-care journey, make sure to keep it measurable and relevant to your lifestyle. If you do not have a budget for a monthly spa pass, consider instead finding a public park within your hometown, where you can make an effort to walk three times a week, or perhaps sit on a bench without the distraction of your phone.

Therapists can also help you lean into self-love at a deeper level by helping you understand your triggers or thought patterns. Knowing yourself is a key part of feeling compassion for yourself, and for all of the experiences you have had to navigate thus far.

At HomePsych, our online therapists make online therapy easy and accessible. Request an appointment to get started.

NAMHS has in-person therapists in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister.

The post How to Prioritize Self-Care in a World of Romantic Love, Therapists Tips appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.

While many people in therapy switched to in-person appointments as soon as they could again, other people chose to stick with teletherapy. This article explores why some people made the switch and what keeps them going to appointments.

Research Supports That Teletherapy is An Effective Option

Teletherapy has several decades of research that suggest it is a viable option for people, compared to in-person therapy. The practice of teletherapy itself is even older than the research since it’s been available as long as phones have been available.

Dr. Jeanine Turner is a professor in communication technology whose research focuses on multicommunicating, telemedicine, and distance education. Dr. Turner reports that Covid-19 changed the necessity of teletherapy on a large scale: healthcare professionals and patients embraced online therapy amidst lockdown restrictions.

Now, research confirms that online therapy gives people the tools they need to survive and thrive. Dr. Batastini, a licensed psychologist, offers recent research that suggests in-person and virtual teletherapy produced the same outcome for patients.

Pros and Cons of Teletherapy

Every online healthcare provider has different attributes, but the pros and cons of teletherapy are similar across many places. We offer an in-depth review of the pros and cons of online therapy for people who would like to read more.

To summarize, the benefits of teletherapy include a decreased commute time, effective treatment, and a reduced delay in receiving the services people need. The biggest potential downside of teletherapy is the coverage: make sure to review insurance providers and payment options before you begin.

Learn if online therapy is right for you so you can feel good about your decision.

Online therapy options near you

At HomePsych, we make it easy for you to receive high-quality care. Request an appointment to begin.

The post Teletherapy Is More Than A Trend: Many Prefer Online Therapy appeared first on North American Mental Health Services.