In recent years, the use of animals in therapeutic and support capacities has gained significant traction. Whether it's a dog helping someone navigate a busy street or a cat providing comfort during tough times, animals have proven to be indispensable allies for many individuals. However, there's often confusion surrounding the terms "therapy dog", "service animal", and "emotional support animal." Let's delve into the differences.

Neuropharmagen® enables providers to identify the safest psychotropic medication protocol for patients based on their genetic markers and other relevant factors. Finding the right medication for mental health conditions can often be challenging for patients and providers. Being able to quickly discern specific treatments and dosage amounts for antidepressants and other psychoactive drugs may increase a patient’s adherence and chance for a positive outcome.

Sweetgrass Psychiatry is proud to offer an educational mindfulness course about how teens and parents of teens can manage anxiety using evidence based mindfulness techniques. This educational group is specifically for teens and their parents to help foster improved communication and a positive, healthy relationship. Using an evidence-based combination of intentional focusing, nervous system regulation and self compassion, participants will be equipped with realistic skills to more effectively handle the stress in their lives.

Men suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are diagnosed at half the rate of women but die by suicide 3 to 4 times as frequently (Swetlitz, 2021). Researchers argue that one of the key reasons behind this phenomenon is how societal gender processes affect how men and boys present depression and that “male-typical” symptoms of depression should be incorporated when assessing a diagnosis (Swetlitz, 2021). This literature review will cover the background and significance of MDD, how it affects young adult men, and how counselors can appropriately support this population. It will also focus on the role of other identity layers, such as culture, race, and economic status, in young adult men with MDD. In the results, one will find several critical influences behind why gender-role cultures create a bias toward men being underdiagnosed with depression. This will also cover how men suffering from this disorder can present in ways that might not be seen as a traditional diagnosis for MDD.

One of the most effective ways to treat depression and anxiety is through psychotherapy. Research continues to show that it is not the type of therapy that matters most in treatment outcomes - it is the relationship you build with your therapist. I compare finding your therapist to like dating - it has to be a “fit.”

Sometimes we may find that our thoughts feel overwhelming, we get wrapped up in them, or that they may tend to dictate how our day goes. We may find that our thoughts change the ways we behave, which may lead to a cycle of negative behavior or feelings. Uncomfortable thoughts may be seen in people experiencing anxiety, depression, and a variety of other mental health concerns. It is possible to find detachment from our thoughts with the practice of cognitive defusion.

Behavioral Activation (BA) is a therapy skill that can be done with or without Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of therapy highlighting how thinking, behavior, and feelings are all inter-related and directly involved with one’s mental health. BA specifically focuses on the behavior portion involved in our mental health.

At Sweetgrass Psychiatry, we know panic attacks. This is one of the most common issues that we see and treat. Panic attacks can be debilitating and lead to panic disorder. It is extremely important to receive treatment and the necessary coping skills to combat panic attacks.