WellBeing

October is Breast Cancer & Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Neither has any socioeconomic boundaries. Both can directly impact men & both impact not only the patient / victim… but also those around / close to them.

Awareness is appreciated…
Action makes a difference!

Even the smallest actions have a ripple effect.

Let’s never forget to ask
“How can I be part of the solution? How can I make a difference?”

“Which way does my ripple flow?”

I am elated to share that I am now a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida & open to referrals from that state! I'm already paneled with Aetna (United HealthCare, OPTUM, Oscar & Oxford in progress).

This is exciting for me not only as one who holds all 3 of my degrees from Florida State University (Bachelors & Masters of Science as well as an Education Specialist Degree) but as someone who's had very close family & friends living there my entire life. With my son studying to become a Doctor of Chiropractic in the state...it seems I will always have a connection.

What many of you may not know, is our license to practice ends at the boarders of the states in which we hold a license. In order to find a job in Virginia, I had to obtain my license before I moved. In order to maintain my clients in Louisiana, I've had to maintain my license there. In order to take weeks long trips to see my family & friends across the state of Florida, and continue to care for my caseload....I must be licensed IN THAT STATE to virtually see the clients in the states in which I AM already licensed via TeleHealth.

With years of dedication & hard work, thanks to NBCC Foundation , American Counseling Association, American Mental Health Association & others.... Congress passed the (link below) of which all states I wish to work in are a part. Yet, I can't participate until my "home state" is active.

***Here's where this makes "ACCESS TO CARE" a huge challenge***

* Not only is it costly to obtain our education, but graduates are only eligible for licensure following typically low paying internships while paying for Supervision for at least 2 years. Only then do they have the privilege to pay to obtain a license.

* Once licensed, we pay for regular renewals (annually or bi-annually) which we can only do if we've obtained all of our mandatory Continuing Education (also not free).

Believe me when I say I feel VERY strongly about Counselors being appropriately educated, licensed and maintaining continuing education. I am by no means complaining about that requirement....but I DO want to bring to light that we are some of the most grossly underpaid healthcare professionals who choose to continue to make significant investments in our profession in order to serve a population that society "talks the talk" about the importance of, with not "one eye blind" but more like 97% blindness to the woeful lack of return on investment for providers.... from that same society, corporate healthcare & managed care.

This is all to say.....I can now take an extended vacation for Thanksgiving to see my family & friends because I will be able to work on said vacation....but also:

I welcome referrals from the great state of Florida.

Please see the Counseling Compact website and see what the hold up is in YOUR state!

https://counselingcompact.gov/

Rock Bottom will teach you things Mountain Tops never will. 🙌

What have YOUR “rock bottoms” taught you?

Grateful for rock bottom and all it’s taught me. If you feel like you’re at rock bottom… keep climbing. One step at a time… it will make the mountain top view so much sweeter. And if you can grab someone else’s hand along the way up, it will make the climb so much sweeter too. 🏔️ ❤️💪

Today, we join the mental health community in mourning the loss of Dr. Tim Murphy. We are stunned and deeply saddened by his passing.

A clinical psychologist, former Member of Congress, and devoted champion for people living with serious mental illness and their families, Tim dedicated his career to improving access to treatment, advancing evidence-based care, and ensuring that mental health was treated with the urgency, dignity, and compassion it deserves.

As a member of the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance and the Schizophrenia Policy Action Network Board of Directors, Tim brought unwavering commitment, thoughtful leadership, and a deep belief that people affected by schizophrenia and psychosis deserve hope, opportunity, and quality care. His voice helped shape conversations that will continue to improve lives for years to come.

A leading partner for S&PAA's Total Cost of Schizophrenia research, Tim helped shine a national spotlight on the staggering human and economic burden of schizophrenia, providing data that continues to inform advocacy and policy.

Tim's leadership extended far beyond our organization. He was a driving force behind landmark mental health reform, including the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act and key mental health provisions incorporated into the 21st Century Cures Act.

"Tim believed that every person living with serious mental illness deserved dignity, timely access to evidence-based care, and hope. He never lost sight of the people behind the policy," said Tanya Trevett, S&PAA Board Member. "He taught many of us how to advocate with purpose, persistence, and conviction. His sharp wit made even the hardest conversations a little easier. I will always be grateful to have learned from him and worked alongside him. His legacy lives on through the people he helped, the policies he helped shape, and all of us who will carry his mission forward."

Tim often reminded our community and staff that behind every policy discussion is a person, a family, and a future worth fighting for. His legacy lives on in the countless individuals, families, advocates, clinicians, and policymakers he inspired.

"Tim was an extraordinary champion for people living with serious mental illness and their families. His leadership, partnership, and unwavering commitment to improving care and advancing policy have left a lasting legacy," said Kurt Talbot, S&PAA Board Chair. "We are grateful for all he did to advance our mission and for the countless lives he impacted."

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and everyone whose life was touched by his extraordinary compassion and service.

Rest in peace, Tim. Thank you for your leadership, your courage, and your steadfast commitment to our community. You will be deeply missed.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”.
~ Eleanore Rosevelt

Kaitlan Collins

If you catch yourself doing this, you should very quietly start backing away from this person very slowly, with the goal of establishing full no contact.

This is a huge red flag of a potentially dangerous individual.
Quote and Visual: (on Instagram)