Behavioral Health Resources
We are all in this together.
Comprehensive websites, Books & self-help:
Information on a wide array of mental health issues across the lifespan
Expert web-based advice column for college students and beyond
Free mental health screens provided by the esteemed Jed Foundation
Resources for diverse identities: Therapy, podcasts, helplines, organizations
https://jedfoundation.org/our-work/resources-for-diverse-identities/
Harvard’s Health positive psychology & wellness platform
Best practices in Telehealth by the American Psychiatric Association
“Untangling: How You Can Transform What’s Impossibly Stuck”, by Barbara McGavin & Ann Weiser Cornell. If you’ve: tried everything you can think of to fix them, but nothing’s worked; felt painfully pulled in different directions by feelings that often contradict each other…you have what we call a Tangle. And trying harder, pep talks, pushing through, having more discipline, and making resolutions won’t help. What will help? Let us show you how to enable what is hopelessly stuck to shift spontaneously, organically, and in ways that are surprisingly better than anything you’d imagined.
https://focusingresources.com/learning/untangling-how-you-can-transform-whats-impossibly-stuck/
“The Way Home: Discovering the Path to Your Truth, Nature, and Inner Treasures”, authored by our own, Vlada Zapesotsky. This beautiful book illustrates “the existential and metaphorical journey Home to our TrueSelf” through her creative application of the concepts of Psychodrama.
https://www.amazon.com/Way-Home-Discovering-Nature-Treasures/dp/1986792854
How to become a “supercommunicator”: Proven strategies to foster bonding and agreement - The Wall Street Journal https://apple.news/ADTlFR7oJQVuah5DK1I7sxg
ANXIETY, STRESS & Adaptation
The perfectionist’s guide to losing control: Award-winning stories brimming with humor and empathy about the author’s clients. It’s a clarion call for women to dare to want more without feeling greedy or ungrateful; an illustration of how to exchange superficial control for real power.
Resources for college students
Meditation Apps
Calm - https://www.calm.com
Term Percent Happier - www.tenpercent.com
Breethe - www.breethe.com
Pema Chödrön, a contemporary American spiritual author shares wisdom for overcoming by difficulties. Chödrön discusses leveraging painful emotions to cultivate wisdom, compassion and courage, practices for reversing habitual patterns and dealing with chaos.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/687278.When_Things_Fall_Apart
Dr. Susan Campbell provides tools for managing emotional reactivity organized around 5 steps to “trigger mastery”. She asserts that deeply buried emotions need to be compassionately witnessed and embraced in order to experience the inner freedom and choice.
https://susancampbell.com/product/from-triggered-to-tranquil/
Nervous System Regulation and Somatic (body-based) Practices
These practices may be integrated into therapy or self-care aimed at ameliorating a wide array of concerns including PTSD or C-PTSD, anxiety, mood swings, anger/irritability, and depression.
>Grounding Techniques
Strategies that help you connect with the present moment, the effect of which is reduced anxiety, and feeling more stable during overwhelming emotions or experiences. It often involves somatic or bodily practices to help us to drop from an anxious or obsessive mind or split automatic traumatic response, into our body in the present time.
“Root Grounding Meditation”, Jen Boudreau - https://motivationinspirationandlife.wordpress.com/2014/06/29/root-grounding-meditation/
“Guided-Meditation for Grounding”, Jason Stephenson - https://youtu.be/hL-FiMYY_34?feature=shared
“For Courage Confidence and Inner Power Before Sleep”Jason Stephenson - https://youtu.be/yCKo7ObYnLg?feature=shared
“Awakening the Fullness”’ Tara Brach - https://youtu.be/pMFOHpLETAY?feature=shared
>Somatic experiencing therapy
Somatic experiencing® (SE™) therapy developed by Dr. Peter Levine is an evidence-based body-focused therapy aimed at treating trauma and stress-related disorders.
The “Voo technique”, a component of SE, is a simple physical shift that can stimulate a calm state of mind. This technique (akin to taking a deep sigh or gargling) stimulates the vagus nerve, which is the primary cranial nerve providing body feedback to the brain.
The Voo Sound for Healing Trauma by Peter Levine with Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, LMFT
Treating Trauma: 2 Ways to Help Clients Feel Safe, with Peter Levine
>Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal Theory emphasizes the role of the nervous system in regulating our emotional, cognitive, and physical domains of functioning. Following prolonged periods of stress or one or more traumatic events, people naturally enter one of the following survival states: Fight (agitated/aggressive), flight (avoidant/fleeing), lethargy/apathy (low/depressed), freeze (shutdown after overwhelm/dorsal vagal collapse), or fawn (people pleasing/dissociative). Polyvagal techniques can help you shift out of survival mode into states of calm (ventral vagal/paraympathetic) or active alertness (calm sympathetic).
>Eye-Movement Desensitization (EMDR)
EMDR, developed in the 1980’s by Francine Shapiro, PhD, is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD and individuals experiencing distress from traumatic memories, which is supported by the WHO and the U.S. Dpt. Of Veteran’s Affairs. The treatment focuses directly on the memory, and is intended to change the way that it is stored in the brain, thus reducing or eliminating the distressing experience or associated problematic behaviors. It can assist people in working through the traumatic memories, sensations, and emotions associated and reclaim a healthier life. While there has been controversy around the mechanism of action of EMDR While some likened the eye movements to pseudoscience and asserted that the only efficacious aspect is the gradual exposure to the traumatic memory, there is mounting evidence to the contrary, underscoring the efficacy of the bilateral eye movements as well. There is also emerging support for bilateral stimulation as a neuroscience-based method to improve emotion regulation, generally speaking.
The neurobiology of how EMDR how one of its key techniques work to help reconsolidate and integrate traumatic memories.
https://www.drpassaro.com/blog/the-neurobiology-of-how-emdr-works/
>Emotional freedom technique
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or Tapping is an evidenced-based practice that can alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety quickly. It employs light self-applied acupressure along with the power of self-talk as well as bilateral stimulation.
>The Feldenkrais Method
Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais provides a somatic practice that can help regulate the nervous system and stimulate neuroplasticity. It emphasizes the inextricable link between mind and bodily sensations, and takes as its premise that heightened awareness of one’s organized, slow and gentle movements “rewires” the brain and integrates the mind-body nexus in a manner that can augment feelings of safety. Three cornerstones: 1) Body scanning 2) Slowing down 3) Oscillations that parallel cellular frequencies and emulate a rocking rhythm that down regulates the nervous system
https://feldenkrais.com/stress-management-building-your-resiliency-practice-by-fritha-pengelly/
https://d1aettbyeyfilo.cloudfront.net/restandrestore/22837987_1632611603613Bonus-Opening_closing_hands.mp3?lid=959 https://helloinnerlight.com/somatic-healing-meditations/release-stress-and-tension-feldenkrais-exercise-for-deep-relaxation
DEPRESSION, BiPolar Disorder & SUICIDE
Call #988 for support and referrals (988lifeline.org). This is not intended for emergencies. In an emergency, call #911 for immediate response.The 988 counselors can provide support and schedule a Mobile Crisis Unit to conduct a “Wellness Check” (which may be dispatched within 1-3 days). The team is comprised of mental health professionals who go to a person’s home, conduct a brief safety assessment, contact EMS for hospital transport as needed, provide short-term support, and outpatient referrals.
Suicide hotlines, essays on suicide and tools for self-expression (scroll to the bottom for articles)
The Trevor Project for LGBT youth
Trans Lifeline: Call 1-877-565-8860
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+) Helpline: Call (1-866-488-7386), chat online, or text START to 678 678Book: “I Don't Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression”
https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Want-Talk-About-Overcoming/dp/0684835398
Book: The Dance of Anger: A Woman’s Guide to Changing the Pattern of Intimate Relationships”
A guide for caretakers and loved ones of individuals with depression; how to talk with and support them meaningfully
In her alternative approach to depression, Dr. Kelly Brogan illuminates the physiology that may underlie some cases in woman. Brogan asserts that depression is, “a signal that the interconnected bodily systems are out of balance” with inflammation at the root.
https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Your-Own-Depression-Reclaim/dp/0062405578
Bipolar Disorder: An overview of symptoms and treatment
10 books on living with bipolar that can help you and your loved ones navigate the challenges and changes that arise in diagnosis and treatment.
https://www.bphope.com/bipolar-buzz/new-must-read-books-on-bipolar/
Speaks to the role of sleep in depression and stands as an overall good sleep resource:
IV Ketamine for Treatment RESISTANT depression, Bipolar disorder, Suicidality, and PTSD
Consultation with yours doctor along with a cost-benefit analysis are strongly advised when deciding upon your treatment plan and which medication(s) should be first or second line options. Reported advantages of IV ketamine include a more rapid response than treating antidepressant medications alone for some people, and it works on different areas of the brain—the NMDA receptor, rebalancing glutamate and GABA versus the SSRI’s action in increasing serotonin along with a weak affinity for affecting norepinephrine and dopamine. Moreover, when IV ketamine is used in combination with other medications, it can ameliorate symptoms significantly for some with otherwise treatment-resistant conditions. Downsides of Ketamine may include its cost (it is considered an experimental treatment that is not recognized by many insurance companies), and its side effects that for some include dissociation. Any potential for abuse of ketamine should also be wisely considered.
NY Ketamine Infusions - Glen Brooks, MD | NYC, Long Island, Westchester | (917) 261-7370 | https://nyketamine.com/
The science behind Ketamine (IV infusion) for Depression.
https://nyketamine.com/the-science-of-ketamine-for-depression/
A study involving 74 participants has demonstrated significant promise for IV ketamine in treating severe depression and bipolar disorder.
https://neurosciencenews.com/ketamines-depression-psychopharmacology-22582/
Increased dissociative symptoms associated with ketamine IV treatment can predict a greater antidepressant effect in individuals with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, according to this study in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Effects of 1-dose IV Ketamine infusion on suicidal ideation shows short-term improvement,
https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17040472
Treatment with Ketamine IV infusion significant ameliorative effect on symptoms of chronic PTSD and comorbid depressive symptoms. Of note; studies of the efficacy of Ketamine treatment on PTSD have shown mixed and inconclusive results.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/1860851
Sexual Assault and violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), chat online, or text START to 88788
Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat onlineA SAFE Hospital is a designated place for survivors of sexual assault or rape to receive comprehensive medical and support services (see below for a list of SAFE NYS-based hospitals). They provide medical care and forensic examinations in a private setting with mental health support, and coordinate interdisciplinary efforts such as with law enforcement as appropriate.
https://profiles.health.ny.gov/hospital/designated_center/SAFE+Designated+Hospital
About dating, healthy intimate relationships, and personal safety
A foundational book on the mind-body connection in relation to healing trauma.
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind & Body in Healing Trauma, Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD
Rupi Kaur wrote and illustrated her first poetry collection, milk and honey, focusing on love, loss, tragedy, and triumph. In Home Body, Kaur shares, “a reflective and intimate journey visiting the past, the present, and the potential of the self – reminding readers to fill up on love, acceptance, community, family, and embrace change.”
This book provides a synthesis of the work of researchers and thought leaders in the field of trauma, attachment, and psychotherapy.
We believe you: A feminist book list for survivors of sexual assault on sexual violence culture, consent, masculinity, and reclaiming your power
A sex-positive guide for female survivors of sexual assault—heterosexual, bisexual, lesbian, coupled, and single—who want to reclaim their sex lives. It is unique in it’s encouragement of woman to embrace sex on their own terms rather than mere reassurance that it’s okay to say “no” (also essential).
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Healing-Sex/Staci-Haines/9781573442930
An updated book by Dan Allender, who brought Christians and significant others to the table to acknowledge, understand, and help victims heal from “the evil” of childhood sexual abuse. He encourages survivors to learn to love boldly in defiance of the trauma. Allender raises the concept of a “good God” thus, takes a religious perspective. https://www.divinetruthchristian.com/product/9781600063084
Two books authored by the developer of Somatic Experiencing (SE), Dr. Peter Levine. Levine normalizes human reactions to trauma and explains that we have an innate capacity to heal. By heightening awareness of our bodily sensations and tapping into our animal instinct, trauma heals. Body-based tools to "renegotiate" by "revisiting" rather than reliving trauma are provided. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/healing-trauma-peter-a levine/1102726643;jsessionid=344088F5DD5D8B2EF7B4ABDEBE382C3F.prodny_store02-atgap10?ean=9781604077285
Physician and Surgeon MentaL Health
Risk of depression, suicidality, misdiagnosis as burnout, and resources
Stories of personal struggles with mental health, overcoming stigma, and healing
https://www.aamc.org/news/out-shadows-physicians-share-their-mental-health-struggles
4 out of 5 physicians report stigma around mental healthcare seeking. And yet, distress has been mounting since Covid along with the familiar pressures of achieving excellence, burnout from bureaucracies and performance standards, and a perceived expectation of invulnerability.
https://www.vox.com/health/23921266/mental-health-doctors-physicians-depression-burnout
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG Treatment & Support
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA)
Harm-Reduction Approach Information
http://harmreduction.org/about-us/principles-of-harm-reduction/
12-Step Groups (Abstinence Model)
Narcotics Anonymous https://www.na.org/
How to use Narcan to reverse an overdose
NYC-Based Substance Abuse Treatment Programs:
The Addiction Institute of New York (Mt Sinai West) - For inpatient and intensive outpatient services
1000 Tenth AvenueNew York, NY 10019 | 212-523-4000 | 212-857-9990
http://www.roosevelthospitalnyc.org/psychiatry/addiction/
The Freedom Institute - 515 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022 | (212) 838-0044
Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, Ph.D. - Developer of the Integrative Approach to Harm-Reduction Psychotherapy Model (IHRP), is on staff. Coming Spring ‘24 all of the following services will be available: Comprehensive assessment; Individual, group, couples, family therapy and support; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Psychodrama, Meditation, Yoga, Art Therapy; Psychedelic preparation and integration; Ketamine assisted therapy
https://www.freedominstitute.org/team-gallery/andrew-tatarsky-phd
Technology Addiction
http://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/fcd/teen-technology-addiction
https://www.addiction.com/addiction-a-to-z/technology-addiction/technology-addiction-101/
EATING & BODY IMAGE
Resources for Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorders https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/information/resources-for-anorexia-bulimia-and-binge-eating-disorder
Long COvid and pandemic-related support
PARENTing
By resolving issues that originated in their own childhood, parents can achieve a conscious, and thus healthier, parent-child relationship, regardless of their age. Hendrix & Hunt explore: The Imago—how the unconscious fantasy constructed from those we loved in childhood guides partner choice; Maximizer and Minimizer parents—defensive styles that shape what parents say and do; How to end the intergenerational "cycle of wounding", and more.
“Giving the Love that Heals” by Harville Hendrix Ph.D. and Helen Hunt, Ph.D.
In Tsabary's conscious parenting approach, “children serve as mirrors of their parents' forgotten self. Those willing to look in the mirror have an opportunity to establish a relationship with their own inner state of wholeness.” This form of vicarious introspection shifts the power dynamic from the traditional “I impart wisdom to you” to a mutually respectful and compassionate relationship.
Website for families who have children with different learning styles
How to help your children have healthy romantic relationships
https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-have-good-romantic-relationships/
Parenting teenagers in this new age of technology and anxiety
Families with adoption for young children
Children’s books about grief and loss
The MomsRising blog brings you the latest stories, information, and actions that make life better for women, moms, and our families--for everyone.
Supporting youth affected by the violence in Israel and Gaza: A guide for families and educators
Divorce
Divorce resources and books on an array of topics for all ages
A guide for families to talk discuss emotional and logistical intricacies:
Dinosaurs Divorce by Laurene Krasny Brown, Marc Brown
GLBT & Parenthood Books (Recommended by Dr. Adam Benson):
School and Higher Education Professionals
School Crisis, SUICIDE PREVENTION AND POSTVENTION:
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) in Schools
TIC in schools is characterized by: Safety, trustworthiness and transparency; peer support, collaboration and mutuality; empowerment, voice, and choice, consideration; recognition and provision for cultural, historical, and gender issues
Suicide prevention intervention and postvention for school crisis teams
Threat Assessment and postvention (NCHERM & NASP))
https://www.ncherm.org/resources/free-model-policies-and-protocols/#BITA
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/principals/Dealing%20with%20Death%20at%20School%20April%2004.pdf (
Best practices in armed assailant drills
Supporting youth affected by the violence Israel and Gaza: A guide for families and educators
Coping in the aftermath of wildfires
SCHOOL CLIMATE
Please enjoy our curated list of resources.
We encourage sharing them with your colleagues, friends, and loved ones
Help is available — you are not alone, but sometimes we need to reach out to strengthen our sense of connection with oneself and others.