Promising Changes in Washington State

Recent judicial law has put an end to boarding involuntary patients in ER - detained, but not receiving treatment. Now, there's more accountability when people are not detained.

House supports judicial review of mental-health decisions | Local News | The Seattle Times

Things seem to be getting better for crisis mental health services in Washington. I hope we can come up with the money to support these initiatives. More so, I hope we can (re)develop services to reduce mental health crisis altogether.

Recommended Podcast Episode

I wanted to listen to the whole show before sharing. It's fair warning that it might be triggering for someone in early recovery.
The conversation between Ira and his father was heart touching, and I thought did a fair job of presenting the subtle impacts of marijuana addiction. Pains from addiction can be deep and profound, even when there's no overt, violent, or obvious abuses or neglects.

This American Life - "I Was So High"

Continuing Educaction

The Matt Adler Suicide Assessment, Treatment and Management Act of 2012 has gone into effect this year. Looking forward to seeing what this initiative brings for Washington clinicians and more important Washington consumers and communities. I'm enrolled for my continuing education class.

Working with Suicidal Clients 2014 Workshops

Veteran's Day

Of course, thanks to all service members today for your work, efforts, and sacrifices. The protection and safety you provide does not go unnoticed. I hope that you feel protected and safe in life, too.

The Affordable Care Act

It’s still uncertain what the Affordable Healthcare Act will bring once in place. Washington State finished its vetting process for insurances companies on the state exchange. And many will have subsidies available to cover the cost of healthcare for themselves and their family.

King County has provided this website full of information regarding the act and exchange:

http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/coverage.aspx

In addition this calculator is helpful in providing information regarding your own eligibility for subsidies and the likely cost of healthcare plans:

http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/

California bans gay-to-straight therapy - The Seattle Times

It's always aggravating when a handful of people besmudge the reputation of a profession. There's an unfortunate and necessary reality that professionals rely on regulating and credentialing organizations as well as state and national legislation. I encourage anyone looking into psychotherapy to look into their rights as a client and check the credentials of their therapist.
It's horrible to know that vulnerable young people who find themselves in already unsupporting environments, will find themselves faced with even more painful adversity by way of alleged "helpers."
California bans gay-to-straight therapy

National PTSD Awareness Day 2012

The U.S. Senate designated June 27th, 2012 as National PTSD Awareness Day.

You can find more information about PTSD and treatment at the following sites:

United States Department of Veteran Affairs

American Psychological Association

Psychology Today