Pharmacists aren’t the bad guys, but the pharmacies they work for can take advantage of you when you have to pay the “cash” price (the full retail cost) for your prescriptions. When your prescriptions are lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged, your insurance company often won’t cover the replacement costs, which leaves you covering the whole tab. This article addresses how to protect yourself when paying for your prescription medications without insurance.
Read More2022 was the third year of The Psychiatry Resource. This article summarizes the milestones, surprises, and metrics over the past year, and includes goals and ideas for 2023 at PsychiatryResource.com.
Read MoreWhat is really happening behind the scenes at insurance companies to block patients from more expensive (and sometimes more effective) medical treatments? This article discusses the need for transparency and reform of the involvement of “hired gun” physicians in routine denials of medical coverage.
Read MoreGod does not want you to die by suicide. This article discusses the biblical and theological truth that we are called to persevere in difficult times, even during depression, anxiety, and other serious life events. There are basic steps that you can take to stay safe if you are feeling suicidal.
Read MoreTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, one of the most effective treatments for major depression, has been FDA approved for adults for 14 years. The FDA has not yet approved TMS for adolescent depression even though they approved a TMS device for migraine headaches in children. This article reviews research that shows TMS for adolescent depression to be safe, feasible, and effective.
Read More2021 was the second year of The Psychiatry Resource. This article provides a recap of the highs and lows. It shows what things stayed the same, which areas required change, and where priorities shifted at PsychiatryResource.com.
Read MoreScreening kids for depression (and sustained sadness) and connecting them with mental health services is an effective step in preventing suicide in youth. This article reviews recent research that supports this intervention and includes other data that shows this approach to be logical, strategic, and a high-yield use of suicide prevention funding.
Read MoreThe Covid-19 pandemic has fueled racism directed at Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) people, and people of color continue to battle against structural racism, cultural appropriation and cultural insensitivity. This article addresses the reasons why Kung Fu Psychiatry is changing its name to The Psychiatry Resource.
Read More7 million Christians in the US experience major depression each year. While attendance of religious services might be protective, it is not protective enough. This article discusses research on Christians with depression, the impact of stigma and how I calculated the number of depressed Christians.
Read MoreIn 2020, I launched my Kung Fu Psychiatry blog, published 43 articles and 31 book reviews and spent more money than my blog earned. This article addresses the highs, the lows and the lessons learned from my first year blogging on KungFuPsychiatry.com.
Read MoreThe Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act (SBHPA) was a major step toward mental health parity in the US. Before its passage, many Americans, especially those with ERISA-based health plans, were not protected by federal and state mental health parity laws. This article describes the history of mental health parity and what people can do to advocate for themselves.
Read More50% of lifetime mental illness starts by age 14 and 75% of lifetime mental illness starts by age 24. It has been conclusively proven that mental illness is a disease of youth, yet the FDA has done little to approve mental health treatments for youth. This article addresses some of the enormous missteps by the FDA and what they – and you – can do today to improve the mental health of children.
Read MoreThis article has been archived as it is no longer has current information due to the passage of the Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act (SBHPA) on 12.27.2020. For an up-to-date article on mental health parity and the SBHPA, please see my article titled, “The Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act (SBHPA): An Enormous Step Forward in Mental Health Parity.”
Read MoreMental health stigma exists. Many people fear labels or how they will be viewed if those labels are applied to them. It's a real concern, but things are getting better. Consider the 2018 changes at a national level in the US allowing for treatment of symptoms rather than classified psychiatric diagnoses. That's one step in the right direction. Mental health parity is the next step needed.
Read MoreA correct psychiatric diagnosis is critical to depression and anxiety getting better faster. This article includes a story about a person who had an incorrect psychiatric diagnosis throughout his lifetime, showing how the wrong diagnosis can lead to the wrong treatment. A thorough approach is one of the best means of obtaining a correct diagnosis and getting the right treatment.
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