United States
I’m a behavioral health clinician and public health advocate with a passion for bridging gaps in access and quality of care. My work spans addiction treatment, mental health, crisis intervention, and digital health. I received my B.A. in Media Arts from Montana State University and later completed my graduate studies in Addiction Counseling there as well. I work with clients individually and in groups as a clinician, behavioral health advisor, and recovery advocate.
I am deeply committed to reducing the stigma that surrounds addiction and mental health conditions, and I recognize the complex emotional and environmental factors that contribute to substance use disorders and behavioral addictions.
I recently completed my Master of Public Health degree from Eastern Washington University to enhance my ability to address these issues on a larger scale.
I am particularly interested in an integrated approach to treatment and recovery that encompasses health education, compassion, community support, and greater access to health services for everyone.
Substance Abuse Insurance Laws Insurance regulations treat mental health and substance abuse services as essential health benefits. Affordable Care Act (ACA): The ACA, also referred to as Obamacare, made affordable health insurance available to people through tax credits that lower the cost of premiums for people within 100%-400% of the federal poverty level.1 The ACA [...]
It's natural to feel resentment during alcohol recovery, as difficult emotions emerge at this time. Learn the causes of resentment and how to overcome it.
Fading Affect Bias is a phenomenon that makes it easier to forget about negative impacts. Read more about how FAB can impact the alcohol recovery timeline.
Early recovery can be a difficult adjustment period. These 4 nutrition tips for early recovery can help you keep healthy and sober.
Learn more about the scientific link between alcohol use and depression and how to achieve recovery from both with the help of supervised treatment.
Co-occurring disorders can impact your relationship with alcohol. Learn how co-occurring disorders are diagnosed and the available treatment options.
Can women benefit from any program that utilizes evidence-based treatment approaches? Read on to learn more about women-only rehab programs.
Fentanyl is a main contributor to the rise in drug-related overdose deaths. Get all the facts and statistics surrounding this dangerous drug.
Stigma, discrimination, and other factors may present barriers to treatment for the LGBTQ community. Learn about LGBTQ rehab programs.
Read on to learn more about marijuana, the side effects of marijuana use and some of the common signs of marijuana addiction, as well as treatment for it.
It's natural to feel resentment during alcohol recovery, as difficult emotions emerge at this time. Learn the causes of resentment and how to overcome it.
Co-occurring disorders can impact your relationship with alcohol. Learn how co-occurring disorders are diagnosed and the available treatment options.
Fading Affect Bias is a phenomenon that makes it easier to forget about negative impacts. Read more about how FAB can impact the alcohol recovery timeline.
Learn more about the scientific link between alcohol use and depression and how to achieve recovery from both with the help of supervised treatment.
Learn about addiction, what constitutes behavioral addiction, the different types of behavioral addiction, and addiction treatment options.
Some people with PTSD also struggle with addiction, but there are PTSD and addiction treatment programs available.
If you use temazepam, it's important to understand the effects. Learn the potential short- and long-term effects of temazepam use and misuse here.
Combining alcohol and oxycodone can cause enhanced sedative effects, increasing the risk of injury or life-threatening respiratory depression.
Mixing LSD and alcohol isn't safe because the effects of combining drugs. Learn the effects, dangers, and how to find treatment.
Are rehabs pet-friendly? It depends. Find pet-friendly drug and alcohol addiction treatment facilities. Compare rehab centers and learn more.
Unfortunately, substance misuse among pharmacists doesn't just affect their health and well-being, it can lead to dangerous consequences for others, too. On-the-job mistakes could jeopardize a patient's health or life.2 The good news is that most states have programs assisting pharmacy professionals who have substance use disorders, and most pharmacists who complete a treatment program [...]
This page will inform you of the prevalence of substance use disorders among nurses, some of the causes and risk factors, and the consequences nurses may face because of their addiction. This page will also provide information about the warning signs to look for and where to find treatment if you or someone you know [...]
Psychosis is a frequent complication associated with methamphetamine use. 1 The following information is designed to educate readers about the prevalence of meth-induced psychosis, which can affect up to an estimated 40% of people who use the drug. 1 It will also help illuminate the warning signs and various symptoms of meth-induced psychosis, as well as how to treat this often-terrifying phenomenon.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a form of psychotherapy that is effective in treating a range of mental health issues including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. 1 CBT emphasizes changing negative thought patterns to change behaviors, as well as developing and implementing healthy coping skills into one's life.
Suboxone has been shown to have a similar efficacy rate as methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorders. Because it is less habit-forming, it is a sought-after medication for the treatment of opioid addiction.2 What is Suboxone? Suboxone is a prescription medication often used to help people stop using opioids like heroin.
First responders are usually the first ones on the scene when there is an emergency or disaster and they are often the first to assist others in emotionally and physically hazardous situations. 1 However, many first responders may find themselves struggling with substance misuse or co-occurring mental health disorders related to the stressors they experience in their work.
Addiction is a disease that can drastically alter one's brain chemistry, and may increase the risks of one engaging in potentially destructive behavior. 1 Some of those decisions can result in a person's involvement with the criminal justice system, perhaps because of illegal, drug-seeking behaviors or impulsive decisions such as drinking and driving.
Xanax is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat specific anxiety disorders such as panic disorder. Alprazolam in the generic name for Xanax, and this specific prescription medication belongs to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines, or "benzos."
Alprazolam, more commonly known by its brand name Xanax, is a prescription benzodiazepine (or "benzo") used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. 1 It is the most widely prescribed benzo. 12 Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal, even when used as directed.
Medicaid can be an extremely useful method for paying for drug and alcohol treatment, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and more. To learn more about how Medicaid may help you or a loved one pay for inpatient or outpatient drug and alcohol treatment, continue reading.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the theme of this issue. Also, featuring summer camp listings and much more...