As psychiatric clinicians, we’re trained to assess symptoms and offer care based on what we hear. Yet, when it comes to LGBTQIA+ patients, many providers miss critical parts of the story, not out of malice, but due to a lack of training and awareness. This isn’t about shame; it’s about growth. LGBTQIA+ patients face unique […]
Author: Laura Baker, PMHNP-BC
Cultural Competence Unlocks Better Mental Health Outcomes
We don’t all walk into psychiatric care with the same background, the same trust in the system, or the same access to resources. And yet mental health care has often been built on assumptions that ignore those differences. That is not just outdated thinking. It creates real harm. Cultural competence is not a bonus skill […]
How to Find the Right Mental Health Therapist for You
Therapy can be life-changing, but let’s be honest, starting the process can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve been thinking about it for a while, wondering if it’s really for you. Or maybe someone mentioned it and you shrugged it off, unsure how talking to someone could make a difference. You’re not alone in that hesitation, and […]
How To Stop Negative Thinking With Simple CBT Methods
Negative thoughts can feel automatic, shaping how we see ourselves, others, and the world. When left unchecked, they can create a cycle of self-doubt, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. These patterns can become so ingrained that they feel impossible to change. But here’s the good news: the way you think is not set in stone. Cognitive […]
The Psychological Toll of Political Uncertainty and How to Cope
Political uncertainty can be exhausting. When the future feels unpredictable, it’s easy to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or even powerless. The constant news cycle, debates, and uncertainty about what’s coming next can take a real toll on mental health. For some, this stress shows up as racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, or a constant need to check […]
How to Stay Hopeful When the Future Feels Dark
The world can feel overwhelming. With so much uncertainty, crisis after crisis, and headlines that seem to confirm our worst fears, it’s easy to fall into despair, exhaustion, or a sense of helplessness. When problems feel too big and solutions feel too far away, many people struggle to stay motivated or hopeful about the future. […]
How to Create Change Without Burning Out
Political turmoil can be exhausting. For many, the return of Donald Trump to the national spotlight brings up feelings of fear, anger, and uncertainty. The instinct to fight back: to organize, protest, stay informed, and remain constantly engaged, feels urgent. But relentless engagement comes at a cost. Activism fatigue is real. The pressure to “do […]
Tips to Overcome the Fear of Your First Psychiatric Appointment
Taking the step to schedule a psychiatric appointment is a courageous move toward improving your mental health. Yet, it’s normal to feel apprehensive about what lies ahead. You might wonder: What will they ask me? Will I receive a diagnosis immediately? How can I communicate everything I’ve been feeling? Understanding what to expect and taking […]
How To Recognize Depression That Defies The Norm
When most people think of depression, they imagine persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in daily activities. While these are hallmark symptoms of depression, they don’t represent every individual’s experience. For some, depression manifests in entirely different ways, ways that can be misunderstood, dismissed, or even overlooked by healthcare providers. If you’ve noticed […]
How to Improve Teen Mental Health Outcomes with Early Diagnosis
Adolescence is a critical developmental window, one in which young people are particularly vulnerable to the onset of mental health conditions. Research indicates that half of all mental health disorders begin by age 14, yet adolescents are often underdiagnosed or diagnosed only after their conditions have significantly progressed. For pediatricians, child psychiatrists, and other healthcare […]