Behind the Miracle

New Frontiers in Brain Stimulation

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 01:00:00 -0500

In this episode Alex Danvers talks to Michelle Chacon about new developments in TMS research, and updates to the Sierra Tucson TMS program. They cover theta burst, or Express TMS; moving beyond depression to treat other conditions; and some exciting new developments in the research that may soon be in the clinic!

Harm Reduction in Addiction

Fri, 17 May 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Dr. Luke Peterson and Addiction Nurse Kristina Cabalfin have created a new program at Sierra Tucson to help people survive addiction. They provide patients with naloxone to block the effects of opioids, which can save lives. Dr. Alex Danvers talks to them about the work they do educating Sierra Tucson patients about naloxone, harm reduction, and the often negative stereotypes people hold about this approach to treating addiction.

Men, Meaning, and Mental Health: A Conversation with an Existential Psychologist

Fri, 03 May 2024 01:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we will hear from associate counselor Chris Bradshaw, who will be leading a discussion focusing on men's mental health.

Freedom from Chronic Pain

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Dr. Maureen Schwehr is here to help you overcome your chronic pain. Dr. Schwehr has long taken an integrative, mind-body perspective on medicine, so it is no surprise that she's adding a new tool to her arsenal for treating chronic pain: Pain Reprocessing Therapy. In this episode, Dr. Alex Danvers discusses with her the way that dealing with trauma and perceptions can help people overcome long term pain that comes from brain processes--not necessarily physical damage to the body.

Breaking Through Depression with IM Ketamine

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Dr. Irfan Fauq is bringing intramuscular ketamine treatment to Sierra Tucson! In this episode, Dr. Alex Danvers interviews Dr. Fauq about how he's been using esketamine treatment to benefit mood disorder patients at ST, why he's so excited about bringing intramuscular injections of ketamine here, and how this treatment changes his approach to difficult, previously treatment-resistant forms of depression.

Full Spectrum Mental Health Care

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Drzewiecki, Chief Clinical Officer at Sierra Tucson, talks about the integrative care model that he champions for mental health treatment. He discusses the way that specialty therapy is integrated with group therapy, one-on-one therapy, and medical care to create great patient outcomes. He also discusses why Ted Lasso has been such an inspiration to him and the clinical staff, and how he helps therapists grow throughout their career.

Recovery Inside and Out

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0500

In this episode Kory Silva talks about his experience in leadership at Sierra Tucson, and how his perspective has been shaped by his own journey of recovery. Kory is one of several Sierra Tucson staff members who might be described as “wounded healers”—mental health professionals who have struggled with their own mental health to arrive at a place of healing. He talks about his personal experiences of growth, and how that helps him save lives at Sierra Tucson.

How Your Family Can Impact your Recovery Journey

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Dr. Vicki Loyer leads a discussion on Family Wellness Week at Sierra Tuscon, and the positive impact the support of friends and loved ones can have on a patient's journey.

Quality, Compliance and Safety in Healthcare

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 01:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Ed Hill and Lorraine Madrid lead an interactive discussion focused on quality and compliance, and what makes it different in healthcare compared to other industries.

Eating Recovery

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 01:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we will hear from Larisa Biznichuk, Director of Secondary Eating Recovery Services, and Jessica Griffith, an eating recovery dietician. They will lead an interactive discussion focusing on eating recovery, and the many ways they help clients and patients form healthy diet and eating habits.

Existential and Humanistic Psychology

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 01:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we will learn about existential-humanistic psychotherapy and somatic experiencing from Christopher Bradshaw and James Davis, and how these experiential approaches to therapy benefit clients at Sierra Tucson.

Meeting Our New CEO

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we will learn all about the new CEO and Chief Executive Officer at Sierra Tuscon, Derek Price.

HR 101 in Behavioral Health

Fri, 05 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode,HR Director Cherie Peltz and HR Manager Molly Lounsberry lead an interactive dsicussion focusing on on their roles when it comes to treating behavioral health.

Being Your Most Authentic Self in Residential Treatment

Thu, 04 May 2023 01:00:00 -0500

In this episode, counselor Kory Silva and activity therapist Carly Button lead an interactive discussion focusing on what it means to be authentic and how they can help residents to be successful in their treatment.

Residential Experience at Sierra Tucson

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Resident Experience Coordinator Joan Barber and Integrative Service Consultant Uziel Garcia lead an interactive discussion focusing of their roles, and on the services provided to patients at Sierra Tuscon.

What are Treatment Outcomes?

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 01:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Dr. Alexander Danvers and Psychometrist Adrian Dinkins lead a discussion on how data is being collected and interpreted, to develop and refine treatment plans for clients at Sierra Tuscon.

Why Equine Therapy Works

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 01:00:00 -0500

Equine-assisted therapy (also sometimes referred to as “equine therapy”) is a form of experiential adventure therapy in which residents interact with horses under the guidance and supervision of qualified professionals.

By taking the therapeutic experience out of the traditional office environment, and interacting with a powerful yet sensitive animal, equine-assisted therapy allows residents to gain insight into emotions, relationships, and patterns of behavior.

Learn more about Equine-assisted therapy

Adventure Therapy in Nature

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 01:00:00 -0500

Adventure therapy is a form of experiential psychotherapy in which participants complete challenging activities within a safe and closely supervised environment. Ropes courses, problem-solving activities, outdoor experiences, and trust-based activities are all examples of adventure therapy.

CAP – Comprehensive Assessment Program

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0500

The Comprehensive Assessment Program (CAP) at Sierra Tucson is designed to provide an inclusive and in-depth psychiatric, psychological, and medical assessment. CAP’s intensive assessment evaluation includes recommendations for treatment and referral upon completion.

Technology Addiction, Gaming, and the Risks

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Gaming, social media, and the internet have offered new ways to be close but also provided a multitude of ways to detach and dissociate from others. Let’s examine the benefits and the risks of the digital age, not just in our relationships, but also how to know when we may have a problem with “technology addiction, such as gaming” and how to address issues related to technology use.

TMS: Non-invasive Treatment for Depression

Mon, 16 May 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Internationally renowned as a pioneer in innovative treatments and integrative therapies, Sierra Tucson offers NeuroStar TMS Therapy® (transcranial magnetic stimulation) for treating depression. This treatment is non-invasive, FDA-cleared, and safe.

The Role of Integrative Therapies in Mood and Trauma Treatment

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

The word ‘integrative’ in integrative therapies refers to creating a whole, cohesive treatment plan, and bringing together the cognitive, behavioral, and physiological systems within an individual. An integrative approach to therapy looks at the whole person, and combines mainstream therapies with complementary and alternative therapies to bring healing to all areas of one’s life.

Let’s find out why an integrative approach to mental and behavioral health is so important and effective and how integrative therapies are being utilized in the treatment of mood and trauma.

Treating Licensed Professionals & Their Unique Challenges

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

There are many unique challenges that licensed professionals face – personally and professionally. When these individuals struggle with substance use disorders or mental health issues, their treatment plan must not only address their individual needs, but those of their licensing board.

Sierra Tucson’s Self-Medication Nation Survey

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Sierra Tucson recently conducted its Self-medication Nation Survey and found some stunning results. Some of the results demonstrated that during the Pandemic, employees viewed alcohol, drug use as a benefit of work-from–home and the concern is they may very well bring those drug habits back to the workplace and employers need to be prepared. To find out more survey results and what it all means, we have Sierra Tucson’s Chief Medical Officer and Director of Mood Program, Dr Jasleen Chhatwal.

Ins and Outs of Outpatient Treatment

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Mental health care exists in many forms, including outpatient care. During outpatient treatment, individuals receive a variety of mental health services within a clinical setting rather than being admitted to a residential treatment center or a hospital. Learn more about its benefits.

Relationship Success or Distress: What Makes the Difference?

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 01:00:00 -0500

We know that healthy relationships are so crucial to mental health and wellbeing, and yet in the United States approximately 50% of marriages end in divorce. One therapeutic approach to increasing relationship success is Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy.

Harm Reduction Strategies

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 01:00:00 -0500

Per the World Health Organization, there is no generally accepted definition of harm reduction; however, it is known to cover a set of activities that are intended to minimize the negative physical and social impact incurred by the behaviors related to substance use. Learn more here.

Does Meaning Matter

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 01:00:00 -0500

Do you ever just look around and ask yourself “why?” or wonder what your journey is all about? Does meaning serve a purpose in our daily lives? What does it mean to understand or have meaning in what we do? How can this focus on meaning have an impact in one’s recovery? What I may find meaningful may differ greatly from what is meaningful for you, and that’s the point. Finding meaning on an individual level at any specific moment can provide significant value to your quality of life. Let’s find out more with Sierra Tucson Psychiatrist, Jack McClane.

The Plight Of The Veteran: Honoring Our Heroes Is The First Step

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 01:00:00 -0500

Perhaps it is timely that we recently honored our Veterans, because today our guest, Bill Reynolds: Director of Military and First Responder Trauma Recovery Program at Sierra Tucson, will provide helpful information on current treatment options for PTSD, identify available resources for our veterans, and helps us better understand how we can help to a veteran in need.

Bill Reynolds is a U.S. Navy-trained physician assistant and served on active duty for 30 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in 2012. He has been a PA for more than 20 years and has extensive experience in family medicine and psychiatry. Having worked extensively with service members suffering from post-traumatic stress and addiction, he brings unique experience as he cares for our military and first responders

Escape From Pill Island: Things You Can Do To Help Your Patients Get Off Opioids And Live Better Lives

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0500

You would think that people who have been prescribed opioids for chronic pain would have severely painful physical pathology, but this is probably more the exception than the rule.

In the United states, we have been prescribing opioids as a psychotropic medication for the last 25 years, and now we have 100s of thousands, if not millions of America, being prescribed opioid pain medication “for pain” who are looking for a way off the medication. Our healthcare system struggles to help them do this safely.

Benzodiazepines? Effective Medicine or Scary Drug

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0500

You may have heard of Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, or Lorazepam. These are benzodiazepines and are prescribed for anxiety. Are they effective medicine or a scary drug? Do the calming benefits of these drugs outweigh the risks? Here to tell us more is Dr Eric Hansen from Sierra Tucson.

The Very Things That May Help Us, May Also Hurt Us – A Closer Look at Defense Mechanisms

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 23:00:00 -0500

Everyone uses defense mechanisms. When we use them unconsciously, it is to protect ourselves from negative thoughts or feelings. So you might ask “Isn’t it a good thing to have defense mechanisms?” To answer this question and more is Tom Cleereman, Director of Outpatient Services at Sierra Tucson.

LGBTQIA+ Allies and Understanding Those Who Are Non-Binary

Sun, 27 Jun 2021 23:00:00 -0500

Through education we put ourselves in a much better position to become an ally to those who are non-binary. Why would you we want to do this? To answer that question and more, we have David Cato, Clinical Director at Sierra Tucson. He is a certified Transgender Care Therapist and knows how important it is to consider the gender spectrum during treatment.

Navigating Measurement-Based Care

Mon, 03 May 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Measurement-based care is a much needed paradigm shift in the behavioral health field that involves the systematic collection of data to monitor treatment progress, assess outcomes, and guide treatment decisions, from initial screening to completion of care.

Maternal Mental Health

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

The birth of a baby is usually a time of immense joy, but some women experience mental challenges before, during, or after pregnancy.

Is it Baby Blues or Post-Partum Depression?

Trauma-Informed Care and Why It Makes all the Difference

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 01:00:00 -0500

The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs reports that about 6 of every 10 men (or 60%) and 5 of every 10 women (or 50%) experience at least one trauma in their lives. Camille Drachman, Director of Clinical Education & Specialty Programming at Sierra Tucson explains, for those seeking or providing treatment, why trauma-informed care makes all the difference.

Family Dynamics and The Importance of Boundaries

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 01:00:00 -0500

Mike Gaziano shares his insight on healthy family dynamics and the importance of boundaries.

Own Your Mental Health

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 01:00:00 -0500

Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal discusses mood and anxiety and shares tips on how to own your mental health.

Alcohol Abuse Disorder-What You Need To Know

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Dr. Donnie Sansom discusses alcohol use, what are the underlying causes that create this disorder and how do we address them.

Trauma-Informed Care and the Role of Integrative Services

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0500

David Cato discusses trauma-informed care and the role of integrative services.

The Gut, Brain, Trauma Connection

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Maureen Schwehr discusses trauma and the gut to brain connection.

How Do We Care for our Healthcare Workers? They are Our Heroes

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Camille Drachman discusses how Sierra Tucson cares for their own healthcare workers.

Coping with Coronoa Virus While in Recovery

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Listen in as Bennet Davis, MD discusses the best ways to cope with Coronoa Virus while in recovery.

Removing the Stigma from PTSD

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Trauma is not a disorder, but a normal adaptation and response of the nervous system to psychological trauma.