Toxic parenting—through a difficult subject—necessitates discussion. Parents, as key figures in our lives, significantly influence our development, behaviors, and perceptions of the world. However, not all parental behaviors foster a healthy and nurturing environment. In fact, some are decidedly harmful, causing long-lasting psychological wounds. This blog post explores the realm of toxic parenting, shedding light…
In today’s society, mentioning mental health often leads to discomfort and apprehension. Stigmas create fear, shame, and misunderstanding, hindering those who need support the most. Stigmatizing mental health disorders discourages people from seeking help due to the fear of judgment and discrimination. This in turn perpetuates a cycle of suffering silently, causing further deterioration of…
Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, is a term used to describe the presence of both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. This combination of diagnoses can be challenging to treat and requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously. If left untreated, co-occurring disorders can lead to significant consequences…
Alicia comes to Ascend Behavioral Health with more than 10 years of experience leading programs supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health diagnoses. After graduating with her BA in Social Work from CSU Fresno and launching her career with a national family home agency, Alicia pursued her MS in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy…
Louisa was born and raised in Scotland and attended the University of St. Andrews, where she earned her MA in Social Anthropology. After finishing school, she emigrated to the United States and earned her MA in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling. She is devoted to working with attachment, grief and loss issues, and helping clients…
Amanda Frantz brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as the Program Director at Sierra Meadows Behavioral Health. With a Master’s degree in Social Work, Amanda is deeply committed to improving the lives of individuals struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse. Prior to her current position, Amanda served as the…
Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo, MSN, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and across practice environments; including inpatient and outpatient settings. Her education includes a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a focus on Executive Healthcare as well as a Psychiatric…
Matthew Tatum, PsyD received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology. Early in his career, he played a key role in helping develop two integrated behavioral health departments for Federally Qualified Health Centers in Fresno County. In 2015 he assumed the Executive Director role at First Steps Recovery. There he grew a…
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) allow patients to receive intensive therapy without staying in a residential facility. IOPs are designed to help individuals struggling with substance abuse, mental health disorders, or behavioral health issues receive the care needed. However, they will still maintain their daily responsibilities, such as work or school. IOPs typically consist of group…
Our mental health indicates how well we can cope with daily stresses, challenges, and demands. Consequently, it influences how we think, feel, and behave daily, ultimately affecting our overall well-being. If deteriorating mental health is left unchecked, a person may experience long-term negative consequences, including mental health disorders, physical health problems, and difficulty functioning in…