Tag: Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health

  • Health Matters 7/23: Regaining Control with the Help of Self-Compassion

    Health Matters 7/23: Regaining Control with the Help of Self-Compassion

    By Sarah Carstens, LCSW, LCADC The COVID-19 pandemic has turned countless lives upside down. For women in particular, it has added numerous challenges and stressors to an already heavy load, while making their traditional social outlets less available. And it has taken a toll on their mental health. In fact, according to a study released…

  • Health Matters 7/7: Celebrating 50 Years of Mental Health Care in Central New Jersey and Beyond

    Health Matters 7/7: Celebrating 50 Years of Mental Health Care in Central New Jersey and Beyond

    By Peter Thomas, PhD When Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health first opened its doors in July 1971, the way mental health care was delivered was dramatically different than it is today. Treatment for behavioral health conditions, such as depression, anxiety and substance use, typically involved an extended stay in the hospital—normally at least a…

  • Health Matters: Music Therapy Strikes the Right Note

    Health Matters: Music Therapy Strikes the Right Note

    By Andrew Freedman, MTBC Whether you prefer silly love songs or like that old time rock ‘n’ roll, music has been proven to – in the words of singer Bob Seger – soothe the soul. In fact, music has such a powerful effect on mental health and well-being that it can help many people, from…

  • Health Matters 4/23: Pandemic Stress Leading People to Turn to Alcohol

    Health Matters 4/23: Pandemic Stress Leading People to Turn to Alcohol

    By Nicole Orro, LPC, LCADC Alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have increased as more people have turned to alcohol to cope with the stress and anxiety associated with the virus, according to recent surveys. And while with rising vaccination rates there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel, feelings…

  • Helping teens cope with feelings of isolation

    Helping teens cope with feelings of isolation

    By Jennifer Bordner, LPC, BCC Almost everyone has experienced a sense of isolation since the COVID-19 pandemic began over a year ago. Having to change everyday routines and limit social interactions, has taken a toll on just about everybody’s mental health. And that is particularly true for teens, who have experienced increased rates of depression,…

  • Health Matters 3/12: Granting Yourself Permission to Be Less Than Perfect

    Health Matters 3/12: Granting Yourself Permission to Be Less Than Perfect

    By Christine Isaac, L.C.S.W., L.C.A.D.C Feeling less than perfect these days? You’re not alone. Despite what the banana bread photos on social media might suggest, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic has been hard for just about everybody. Letting go of perfectionism, however, can help ease the stress and strain, not only now, but also in a…

  • HEALTH MATTERS 1/15: Telehealth Helps Individuals with Mental Health Disorders Stay Connected

    HEALTH MATTERS 1/15: Telehealth Helps Individuals with Mental Health Disorders Stay Connected

    By Jody Kashden, Ph.D. For people living with mental health disorders, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a unique set of challenges. Not only has the pandemic exacerbated feelings of fear and anxiety, but it also has disrupted how individuals connect with each other, including with their therapist. Maintaining a human connection, however, is critical to…

  • Health Matters 12/11: Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma

    Health Matters 12/11: Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma

    By Peter Maclearie, MSW, LCSW Psychological trauma – emotional damage that occurs as a result of a distressing event or series of events – can be caused by many things, from a sudden, unexpected incident such as the loss of a loved one, to long-term exposure to abuse. And while in some cases the origin…

  • Health Matters 11/20: Opening the Door to Communication with Young Children

    Health Matters 11/20: Opening the Door to Communication with Young Children

    By Chelsea DeMaio, L.C.S.W. Getting your children to talk to you can sometimes feel harder than getting them to eat their vegetables or brush their teeth. But creating an environment in which your children feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings is just as important to their well-being as helping them with their school…