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Mental Health Terms

Glossary of Mental Health Terms

12-Step Program:

A fellowship of people in recovery from substance abuse, behavioral addictions, traumatic experiences, and compulsions. People in 12-step programs work through the steps with a sponsor, share their stories, and support one another in recovery.

 A

Acetaminophens:

Pain relievers like Tylenol are used to alleviate mild to moderate pain and are typically purchased over the counter. These pills may be used to treat things like headaches, muscle aches, and fever.

Affinity:

The strength at which a drug binds to the body’s receptor.

Agonist:

A drug that activates a receptor in the brain. For instance, full opioid agonists bind to and activate the brain’s opioid receptors.

Alkaloids:

Plant-produced organic compounds that have nitrogen in them. They are the active ingredients in many drugs, such as morphine, cocaine, nicotine, caffeine, and methamphetamine, as well as poisons like atropine and strychnine.

Alternative Therapy:

Also sometimes called complementary therapy, this is an  alternative approach to mental health care  that emphasizes the interrelationship between mind, body, and spirit. Although some alternative approaches have a long history, many remain controversial. This type of therapy is often most effective when used in tandem with traditional treatments.

Amphetamine:

Typically used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity, amphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant. It can be used legally as a prescription drug, or illegally without a prescription to get high. (Adderall is an example of a prescribed Amphetamine).

Analgesic:

An analgesic drug or painkiller is any drug used to relieve pain.

Anorexia:

Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by food restriction, intense fears of weight gain, and distorted body image. It has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, as inadequate calorie intake and/or excessive energy expenditure can result in life-threatening damage to the body and metabolism. Supportive care by health care providers, structured behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and anti-depressant drug therapy are some of the most common treatment methods. Despite stereotypes perpetuated by the media, anyone—regardless of gender, race, or sexuality—can develop Anorexia.

Anosognosia:

Anosognosia is when someone is unaware of their mental health condition or has a distorted perception of it. It typically means an individual does not realize they have a mental health issue or is unaware of its extent. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 30% of people with schizophrenia and 20% of people with bipolar disorder have a “severe” lack of awareness of their mental health disorder.

Antagonist:

A substance that can void other drugs’ effects. For instance, opioid antagonists like Naltrexone attach to the opioid receptors but do not activate them, which blocks opioids from producing any response in the body. It is the opposite of an opioid agonist.

Antidepressant:

Medications that are used to treat and alleviate the symptoms of major depressive disorders. They can also be used to treat anxiety disorders and some chronic pain conditions, as well as to help manage some addictions. Some examples of antidepressants include Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, and Wellbutrin.

Antipsychotic:

A type of medication used to manage psychosis. They also work together with mood stabilizers in treating bipolar disorders.

Antisocial Personality Disorder:

A personality disorder characterized by a lack of regard for others, manipulative or aggressive behavior, and an inability to maintain long-term social and personal relationships.

Anxiety Disorders:

A mental health disorder in which a person feels persistent worry, fear, or dread, sometimes accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, stomachaches, shakiness, or insomnia. Anxiety is common in children and adolescents.

Aspirin:

A drug that is used to relieve pain, reduce fever, or lessen inflammation.

Assessment:

A professional evaluation of a person’s medical and substance use history, current health status, and overall physical and mental health condition.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, sometimes called ADHD, is a chronic condition involving inattention, restlessness, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. It is the most diagnosed behavioral disorder among children and adolescents but occurs in both children and adults. It affects between 3 and 5 percent of school-aged children in a 6-month period. Children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may have difficulty controlling their behavior in school and social settings. Although some of these young people may not earn high grades in school, most have normal or above-normal intelligence.

Autism:

A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by struggles with social cues, communication, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors.

Auditory Hallucinations:

Hearing noises without an external stimulus.

Average Length of Stay:

This represents the average time clients receive a particular service during a specified period.

Avoidant Personality Disorder:

A personality disorder characterized by anxiety in social situations and personal relationships, with feelings of inadequacy and extreme sensitivity to rejection or criticism.

Axon:

Part of the neuron which sends signals to nearby neurons.

 B

Behavioral Problems:

A pattern of maladaptive behaviors that can cause difficulties in a person’s life.

Behavioral Therapy:

A broad range of techniques used to change maladaptive behaviors. The goal is to reinforce desirable behaviors and eliminate unwanted ones. Behavioral therapy focuses on the behavior itself as the problem; the goal is to teach people new behaviors to minimize or eliminate the issue.

Binge Eating Disorder:

When a person frequently consumes excessive amounts of food in one sitting and feels that their eating behavior is out of control. It is a severe, life-threatening, and treatable eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating.

Bioavailability:

A drug’s ability to be absorbed by the body and take effect.

Biofeedback:

This is a mind-body therapy that helps people gain awareness of many physiological functions like heart rate, muscle tension, blood pressure, brain activity, etc. During a session, clients are hooked up to electrical sensors that help them understand their physiological reactions so that they can control certain responses; for instance, people can adjust their muscles to reduce pain or alter their breathing to impact their hear rate.

Biomedical Treatment:

Any treatment involving medicine and/or medical treatment is a biomedical treatment. The kind of medication a psychiatrist prescribes varies with the disorder and the individual being treated.

Biopsychosocial:

A clinical model that seeks to understand the biological, psychological, and social factors—and their complex interactions—that contribute to development, diseases, and mental health.

Bipolar Disorder:

A disorder that causes severe and unusually high (called mania) and low (called depression) shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels as well as unusual shifts in the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder:

Excessive preoccupation with either a small or imagined defect in one’s physical appearance.

Borderline Personality Disorder:

A mental health disorder impacts the people feel about themselves and others. It is characterized by unstable moods, intense fear of abandonment, impulsive behavior, and difficulty forming stable personal relationships.

Boundary:

The limits and rules we set for ourselves or others within a relationship.

Bulimia Nervosa:

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by excessive eating, followed by purging. People who have bulimia will eat an excessive amount of food in a single episode and almost immediately make themselves vomit or use laxatives or diuretics to get rid of the food in their bodies. Like people with anorexia, people with bulimia have an intense fear of gaining weight.

 C

Caregiver:

A person who has special training to help people with mental health problems. Examples include social workers, teachers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and mentors.

Case Management:

This is a process by which a care team assists a client in arranging appointments, connecting to relevant resources, monitoring their healthcare plan, and more. The care team advocates for the client to receive appropriate medical care and other needed services.

Central Nervous System (CNS):

This consists of the brain and spinal cord and is one of two parts that make up the nervous system. The central nervous system coordinates body movements. It is through this system that we experience thoughts, feelings, and sensations.

Child Psychiatrist:

A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders in children and adolescents under the age of 18.

Child Protective Services:

This is designed to keep a child safe in the case of suspected abuse, neglect, or abandonment, or when there is no family to take care of the child. The goal is to keep the child with the family whenever possible. However, if in-home support is insufficient, the child may be removed from the home on a temporary or permanent basis.

Children and Adolescents at risk for Mental Health problems:

Children who have experienced abuse, neglect, stress, discrimination, poverty, loss of a loved one, exposure to violence, and other traumas are at greater risk for developing mental health disorders. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) test has found that the more stressful or traumatic experiences a child is exposed to, the greater their risk of mental and physical health issues.

Child Psychologist:

A trained professional who provides treatment to children with mental health issues.

Chronic:

A chronic illness persists for a long time or consistently recurs. Many chronic illnesses are life-long but can be managed with treatment.

Clinical Decision Support:

A system that provides health care professionals, staff, patients, or other individuals with knowledge and person-specific information to enhance health and health care.

Clinical Psychologist:

A licensed psychologist with an advanced degree who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral issues.

Clinical Social Worker:

Provides mental health services for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in individuals, families, and groups.

Codependency:

A relationship that is codependent is one in which both people rely on each other in a way that is unhealthy. Typically, one person requires extra support due to an illness or addiction, and the other person spends an excessive amount of time taking care of them. Both feel dependent on one another.

Cognition:

Conscious mental activities, such as thinking, communicating, understanding, solving problems, processing information, and remembering.

Cognitive Impairment:

Cognitive impairment is when a person experiences issues in their ability to think, process information, remember, learn, or other cognitive processes. Examples include memory loss and trouble concentrating, completing tasks, understanding,  and solving problems.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):

A type of therapy that helps people understand and change the negative thought processes that can lead to harmful behaviors.

Collateral Services:

Services that include the loved ones in a client or patient’s life. This includes helping significant people in the client’s life understand their condition and how to support them.

Community Services:

A system of care provided by a person’s community, rather than in a traditional healthcare setting.

Compulsion:

A psychological condition in which a person has difficulty controlling an urge to carry out a specific behavior, despite wanting to stop.

Conduct Disorder:

A repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior among teenagers in which they violate the rights of others or violate norms or rules that are appropriate to their age.

Continuum of Care:

A system in which a client or patient moves through the various stages of treatment over time.

Coping Skills:

Coping skills are the strategies people use to help manage painful emotions, trauma, or stress. They can help people adjust to stressful events while maintaining their emotional well-being. Coping skills are often learned and practiced over time.

Crisis Intervention:

Urgent and temporary care to individuals who are experiencing mental, emotional, mental, or physical distress.

 D

Delusions:

A belief a person persistently holds that goes against what is accepted as reality when there is considerable evidence to the contrary.

Dementia:

A chronic or persistent disorder marked by loss of cognitive function, such as memory loss, personality changes, and impaired reasoning.

Denial:

The failure to either admit or realize one’s addiction or mental health disorder, or to recognize and accept the harm it can or has caused.

Depression:

A mental health disorder characterized by persistent and intense sadness or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.

Developmental Disabilities:

Impairment in intellectual functioning, language and communication, or learning.

Diagnostic Evaluation:

The aims of a psychiatric diagnostic evaluation are: 1-to establish a psychiatric diagnosis, 2- to collect data to help establish the best care plan,and 3- to develop an initial treatment plan, or to reassess a previously established one.

Discharge:

The formal termination of treatment when it has been completed or due to administrative authority.

Dopamine:

A neurotransmitter found in the brain that motivates people to repeat a behavior deemed pleasurable. The brain includes several distinct dopamine pathways, one of which plays a role in reward-motivated behavior.

DSM:

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook that is the standard for diagnosing mental health disorders. It is written by the American Psychiatric Association and was first published in 1952, with new volumes being regularly released as added information becomes available. The most recent version, the DSM-5-TR, was published in March 2022.

Dual-Diagnosis:

Dual diagnosis, also referred to as co-occurring disorder or comorbidity, is the condition of having a mental illness along with a substance use disorder.

Dyslexia:

A learning disability that impacts a person’s ability to read accurately.

Dysphoria:

A state of feeling intensely uneasy or dissatisfied with life. The opposite of euphoria.

 E

Early Intervention:

A process that helps recognize early warning signs for mental health problems and takes preventative measures, such as teaching children healthy ways to manage stress. An Early intervention can help children get better in less time and can prevent problems from becoming worse.

Eating Disorder:

An unhealthy pattern of eating characterized by preoccupation with food and distorted body image.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT):

A medical treatment, mostly used in patients with depression or other mental health disorders that have not responded to other treatments, in which small electrical currents are sent through the brain. This is done to prompt changes to brain chemistry that may help alleviate mental health disorder symptoms.

Emergency and Crisis Services:

A group of services that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help during a mental health emergency. Examples include telephone crisis hotlines, suicide hotlines, crisis counseling, crisis residential treatment services, crisis outreach teams, and crisis respite care.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):

A type of therapy that helps alleviate distress from traumatic memories. . After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal when exposed to a traumatic memory is reduced.

Euphoria:

A feeling of elation or an extreme, unrealistic  sense of feeling “high.”

Evidence-based Treatment (EBT):

Scientifically backed treatment in which extensive research has been documented and the treatment has been proven successful. The goal of EBT is to encourage the use of safe and effective treatments likely to achieve results and lessen the use of unproven, potentially unsafe treatments.

 F

Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

A federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services that administers federal laws regarding substances and protects public health.

 G

Gender:

The socially constructed roles, expressions, and identities of women, men, and genderdiverse people.

Gender Dysphoria:

The feeling of discomfort or distress that people might experience when their gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth or their sex-related physical characteristics.

Group Therapy:

A form of therapy conducted in a group setting under the supervision of a therapist.

 H

Hallucinations:

A perception of having seen, heard, touched, tasted, or smelled something that was not there.

HIPAA:

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. www.HIPAA.gov

Healthcare system:

Providers, institutions, and resources that deliver healthcare services.

Home-Based Services:

Help provided in a family’s home either for a defined period or for as long as it takes to deal with a mental health problem. Examples include parent training, counseling, and working with family members to identify, find, or provide other necessary help.

 I

Impulsivity:

A problem with emotional or behavioral self-control.

Individualized Therapy:

One-on-one therapy that is individualized for the client.

Inpatient Hospitalization:

Mental health treatment that is provided in a hospital setting 24 hours a day.

Inpatient Treatment:

Intensive, 24-hour-a-day services.

Intake/Screening:

Services designed to briefly assess the type and degree of a client’s/patient’s mental health condition to determine whether services are needed and to link him/her to the most appropriate and available service. Services may include interviews, psychological testing, physical examinations including speech/hearing, and laboratory studies.

Intensive Case Management:

Services for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness that help connect them to resources and support, advocate for themselves, and carry out a treatment plan.

Intensive Residential Services:

Mental health or substance use care provided in a housing setting. May include medical, psychosocial, vocational, recreational, or other support services.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy:

A time-limited therapy based on attachment theory that centers on resolving interpersonal problems and symptomatic recovery. For example, a person might notice that their depression developed after a breakup. The therapist will  develop an “interpersonal inventory” that reviews the client’s pattern of behavior in relationships and an evaluation of the client’s current relationships.

Intervention:

The act of confronting a problem in someone else’s life in the hopes of creating positive change.

 L

Legal Advocacy:

Legal services provided to ensure the protection and maintenance of a client’s/patient’s rights.

Length of Stay:

The number of days an individual stays in a hospital or inpatient facility.

Levels of care (LOC):

The intensity of services required to meet a person’s mental health needs.

Limbic System:

Emotional control center of the brain.

 M

Maintenance:

Monitoring of a patient who is taking psychotropic medication indefinitely to ensure the drug is still effective.

Maintenance Medications:

Medications prescribed for chronic, long-term conditions and that are taken on a regular basis.

Mania:

A symptom of bipolar disorder characterized by extreme excitement or euphoria, physical overactivity, rapidly changing ideas, and intense impulsivity. A person in a manic state may also have delusions.

Medically Necessary:

Healthcare services that need to take place to treat a condition or its symptoms, and that meet accepted standards of medicine.

Medication Therapy:

Prescription, administration, assessment, and monitoring of psychotropic medications.

Mental Disorders:

Also known as mental illness. A wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior.

Mental Health:

Encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how one thinks, feels, and behaves. It also determines how an individual handles stress, interpersonal relationships, and decision-making.

Metabolism (of drugs):

The chemical and physical reactions carried out by the body in response to ingesting a drug.

Monotherapy:

Therapy using one drug to treat a  disease or condition.

 N

Negative Reinforcement:

A method of removing an unpleasant stimulus if a desired behavior is displayed to reinforce that behavior.

Neurotransmitter:

Endogenous chemicals in the nervous system that allow neurons to communicate with each other and that influence mood, heart rate, muscle movement, and many other functions.

 O

Obsession:

An idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind. (e.g., needing an alcoholic drink).

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

People with OCD have obsessions and/or compulsions. An obsession refers to recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are intrusive and cause severe anxiety or distress. Compulsions refer to repetitive behaviors and rituals (like hand washing, hoarding, ordering, checking) or mental acts (like counting, repeating words silently, avoiding) performed to quiet the obsessions.

Occupational Therapists:

Occupational therapists help people with physical or mental health conditions adapt to their environment and to cope with their daily life. OTs may work in hospitals or in the community.

Off-Label Use:

Physician-approved use of a drug for conditions other than those stated on its label.

Orthorexia Nervosa:

An extreme focus on eating in a healthy way and an intense avoidance of foods the person considers harmful.

Outpatient Treatment:

Treatment that does not require the patient to stay overnight.

 P

Panic Disorder:

An anxiety disorder that causes regular, sudden panic attacks will cause physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, or fast breathing.

Paranoia and Paranoid Disorders:

A mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution and intense mistrust of others. It may be an aspect of chronic personality disorder, of drug abuse, or of a serious condition such as schizophrenia in which the person loses touch with reality.

Peer Support:

Structured relationships in which people meet to provide or exchange emotional support with others facing similar challenges. The group does not necessarily need to have healthcare providers among its members. Examples of peer to peer groups are AA, NA, SMART Recovery, and online forums. Peer support by itself does not constitute treatment but is one of many tools that make up a treatment plan. It should be used in conjunction with professional therapy and/or medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Person-Centered Care:

Person-centered care means that a client’s values, goals, and preferences guide all aspects of their health care. Person-centered care is achieved through a dynamic relationship between individuals, others who are important to them, and all relevant providers.

Pharmacology:

The study of the uses of drugs and their effects on the body. This includes drug origin, composition, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use, and toxicology.

Phobias:

Phobias are irrational and specific fears that lead people to avoid things or situations that trigger anxiety. There are many types of phobias. For example, agoraphobia is the fear of being in any situation that might trigger a panic attack and from which escape might be difficult; social phobia is a fear of being extremely embarrassed in front of other people.

Physical Abuse:

Generally defined as any intentional physical injury to another person.

Pica:

An eating disorder characterized by the desire to eat non-food substances such as paper, dirt, or hair. Temporary periods of eating inappropriate objects are common in childhood; symptoms must be present for more than a month and must be developmentally inappropriate.

Placebo:

A substance with no pharmacological elements that may elicit a reaction because of a patient’s belief in its effects. Used as a control in testing new drugs.

Postpartum Depression:

Depression that occurs after childbirth. Symptoms may include insomnia, loss of appetite, intense irritability, mood swings, crying spells, and difficulty bonding with the baby.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

A disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions. Symptoms may include nightmares or unwanted memories of the trauma, avoidance of situations that bring back memories of the trauma, heightened reactions, anxiety, or depressed mood.

Practitioner:

A person who practices a profession or art. Anyone licensed to provide healthcare services.

Primary Care:

Day-to-day healthcare by a provider who is often the first point of contact for any health issue.

Pre-Existing Condition:

A medical condition existing at a time when  a person applies for insurance. Typically, the cost of treating this condition is not covered by insurance.

Prior Authorization:

The approval a provider must obtain from an insurer before carrying out certain health services for the service to be covered under the plan.

Psychiatrists:

A practitioner specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders, particularly in regards to medication.

Psychoanalysis:

A type of therapy that focuses on a person’s feelings and past to help investigate the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the mind.

Psychopharmacology:

The study of how drugs affect consciousness, mood, sensation, thinking, and behavior.

Psychotropic Drug:

Any drug that impacts the mind, emotions, mood or behavior. Typically used to describe medications for mental health disorders.

 R

Recovery:

The process of healing from a mental health or substance use disorder. This is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.

Relapse:

Relapse happens when a previous medical or mental health issue returns.

Residential Treatment:

Intensive, 24hour a day services delivered in settings other than a hospital.

 S

Schizophrenia:

A mental health disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, blunted emotional expression, and disordered thinking.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that appears seasonally and is related to fluctuations in exposure to natural light. It most commonly occurs in the fall and winter but can also be experienced in the spring or summer.

Self-Management:

When a patient develops the knowledge and experience to monitor their condition and modify their treatment with the full support of healthcare professionals.

Serotonin:

A neurotransmitter that contributes to wellbeing and happiness.

Service Provider:

A person or organization that provides a service to a member of the public.

Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI):

Any mental Health disorder that causes extreme impairments in day-to-day functioning. This most commonly occurs with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychotic illnesses.

Sexuality:

A person’s sexual, emotional, and physical feelings or attractions towards other people.

Side-Effects:

Secondary effects of a drug; these are usually undesirable.

Social Anxiety:

A chronic mental health condition in which a person has extreme anxiety about social situations and fear of being embarrassed or judged.

Social Inclusion:

The act of making sure all groups of people can participate in society.

Social Workers:

Professionals who aim to enhance overall well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of people and communities. Social workers work with many different populations and types of people, particularly focusing on those who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty.

Stigma:

A strong feeling of disapproval and prejudice about a particular group, condition, or quality based on societal ideas.

Stress:

A state of physical, mental, or emotional strain brought about by distressing or very demanding circumstances.

Suicide:

The act or instance of intentionally taking one’s own life.

Synergism:

The effect that results when a person takes more than one medication simultaneously.

 T

Telehealth:

Healthcare delivered remotely. This is done through electronic health records, mobile applications, and web-based tools to support the delivery of health care, health education, or other health-related services and functions.

Telemedicine:

Two-way, real-time communication between a patient and a healthcare professional at a distant site. Telemedicine is a subcategory of telehealth.

Therapeutic Community:

A group-based approach to long-term mental health disorders, personality disorders and  addiction, done under the supervision of clinical staff but in a non-clinical setting.

Titration:

The gradual adjustment of a medication dose.

Trichotillomania:

A compulsive disorder that involves pulling out one’s hair.

Trigger:

A circumstance, sound, image, or any other stimulus that causes feelings of trauma.

SHANE AUSTIN
Regional Vice President of Implementation

I have worked at TruHealing Riverbend for a year now and have enjoyed every minute of it! I started with case management and grew into my role of community relations. I enjoy meeting individuals in the community, creating ways to work together, and supporting others in the industry. Helping individuals make the changes necessary for recovery motivates me to continue the work I do.

Outside of work, I like spending time with my family and friends!

Shane Austin is the  Regional Vice President of Implementation at TruHealing Riverbend.

MADISYN BOWER
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

I embrace compassion, integrity, and high standards in my everyday work of operations and leadership. I am a solution-focused individual, with a work ethic that influences others to become better each day.
Working in substance use treatment has given me a newfound love for helping others and creating a better community. Encouraging people to be their best selves is the most rewarding part of the job.
In my time off, I enjoy spending time with my dog Peach and relaxing!
Madisyn Bower is the Director of Operations at TruHealing Riverbend.

JESSICA VANDER ESPT
DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL PROGRAMMING

I have worked in the recovery field for over ten years. I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Supervisor, and a Certified Trauma Professional. I am passionate about helping people achieve their goals and providing them the autonomy to choose their own path.

I love teaching about health, doing insane workouts, scary movies, and winter!

Jessica Vander Espt is the Director of Clinical Programming at TruHealing Riverbend. She obtained a Bachelor of Art degree in psychology at Indiana University Southeast in 2010, and is currently working towards a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University.
She earned her CADAC II certification in 2013, certified clinical supervisor certification in 2018, and certified trauma professional certification in 2020.

CARLOS LOBATO
ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR

I have worked in recovery for almost two years now, and I am continuing my education so I can one day be a counselor for TruHealing Riverbend!
Working in recovery has taught me accountability and ambition. It has given me the opportunity to connect with individuals on a new level. I get the opportunity to educate people about recovery—and our program—to get them the help they need.
In my time off, I enjoy spending time with my dogs, watching tv, and cooking!
Carlos Lobato is the Admissions Director at TruHealing Riverbend.

As we continue to grow Amatus Health, the need to stay competitive and differentiate ourselves in unique ways is crucial. Building creative approaches to reach more people will take our company to new heights. This is why I am pleased to announce that we are officially rebranding. Our new national name, TruHealing Addiction & Mental Health Treatment, will eventually replace Amatus Recovery Centers.

You may be asking, “Why are we doing this?” This new name will give us national uniformity and help brand ourselves as a whole, which will be done in phases. You will still see our existing facility names co-branded with TruHealing for the time being.

Healing is what we do. Everyone who comes through our doors is in a moment of profound struggle in their lives. We support them through a life-changing process of healing and recovery, and they leave our facilities changed. This new name is a representation of that process. As mentioned above, it also allows us to have a national brand, which will make us a recognizable name in the addiction and mental health field.

In summation, these changes present an excellent opportunity for our organization to develop our mission, vision, and purpose. I look forward to prosperous growth as we head in a new and positive direction.

Sincerely,

Mark Gold
CEO
Amatus Health

Dr. Adam Cusner, PhD is an organizational psychologist by training and has brought his decade-plus experience to the healthcare field serving as the Executive Vice President of Operations for a 22-facility portfolio of skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and independent living centers across Ohio and Arizona, with an annual revenue over $250MM. While serving in this position, Dr. Cusner brought accelerated growth to these facilities, while increasing employee retention and workflow optimization. Dr. Cusner has a proven track record in the healthcare industry of providing successful leadership through his financial acumen, strategic planning, interpersonal skills, along with his ability to build strong, effective teams.

 

Dr. Cusner’s credentials include a Philosophy Doctorate in Organizational Psychology (PhD) from Cleveland State University, a Master of Arts in Psychology (MA) from Boston College with an emphasis on Psychology of Work, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS) from Boston University with an emphasis in Organizational Behavior in Business and is a board-certified Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA). He has published and presented research articles in the field of organizational psychology at national healthcare conferences. Dr. Cusner is completing a book on organizational psychology in the healthcare field, which is expected to be published late early summer 2022. He is also a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), has served as the APA’s Division 17 communications chair, is a member of the Society for Industrial Organizational Psychologists (SIOP), and was selected as a professional reviewer for national conference research presentations.

 

Dr. Cusner is an advocate for his employees and is drawn to the tie between culture and quality. His extensive strategic and operational skills have delivered a high degree of success across all department levels. Dr. Cusner facilitated the establishment of an in-house financial team to provide billing and collections, accounts payable, vendor management, along with financial reporting. This provided $1.5MM annualized savings. Further, he developed department efficiencies for: Medical Staff recruitment, service-line growth, quality and safety, corporate accountability of budgetary expectations balanced with direct reporting to investor groups.

 

Dr. Cusner coordinated the financial turnaround of a 300 bed CCRC (skilled nursing, assisted living and an independent living center) in Arizona, which has been epitomized as the most financially challenging state to manage CCRC facilities. Dr. Cusner also strengthened the business growth of the Ohio facilities by 12%. He was recognized by the Governor for demonstrating a “care-conscious approach” during COVID, when Dr. Cusner carefully consolidated facility residents to accommodate staff and improve clinical care. Dr. Cusner demonstrates a results-driven culture by delivering a high-quality level of care and employee engagement.

Empty Bio

Yaffa Atias is the Director of Special Projects at Amatus Health. Atias is a leadership professional with a decade of experience in healthcare. She holds a BA in interdisciplinary studies from Thomas Edison State College, and a Master’s in Healthcare Management with a concentration in project management from Stevenson University. She completed her graduate capstone at Mosaic Community Services, now an affiliate of Sheppard Pratt.

 

In her role at Amatus, Atias leads and manages interdisciplinary team projects, creates solutions for any operational gaps, and continually strives for quality improvement in all processes. Atias led the organization’s COVID-19 preparedness strategy, resulting in all facilities remaining operational, and in 600 employees being retained as staff without resigning out of fear. In her role so far, she implemented licensure for three new states.

 

Atias believes Amatus Health and TruHealing stand out because every employee, from corporate to center staff, has a real passion for helping people. Atias shares this passion, “My natural compass always tugged me to behavioral health. I’ve always been fascinated by the human psyche. I have also been intimately privy to those suffering from mental illness and substance use. I later understood that my experiences weren’t unique, and quickly realized how pressing the need really is to effectively prevent and address. Moreover, how life-changing proper intervention truly is.”

 

Atias was born in Los Angeles, California and grew up in Israel and Maryland.

Melissa McCarthy is the Vice President of Business Development at Amatus Health. With a decade of experience in the behavioral healthcare and addiction treatment industry, McCarthy is passionate about recovery. She has her finger on the pulse of marketing trends, with the end goal of helping businesses grow so they can serve more people in need.

 

McCarthy has worked at large enterprise recovery centers across the country spearheading business development teams. She has a wide range of experience, including transforming a third-party digital marketing and client acquisition services company into a full-continuum behavioral healthcare provider, managing several successful rebrands, and growing annual revenue fivefold.

 

As VP of Business Development, McCarthy leads a team of over 20 business development professionals nationwide. She manages client acquisition, coordinates in-service trainings with various referents and hospitals, and presents at conferences on addiction and mental health disorder treatment.

 

“Sadly, many individuals die waiting for access to life-saving behavioral healthcare services,” says McCarthy. “I am in relentless pursuit of better—better access, better care delivery and better outcomes. I consider it a privilege to work in an environment where miracles unfold daily.”

 

McCarthy lives in Maryland with her daughter.

Hometown: Saugus, MA

 

Passions & interests: The greatest passion of mine is being able to dig into the work with men in early recovery. There is nothing better than witnessing and being a part of the change. My journey in long-term recovery has taught me to value the little things in life that I am now able to do. I love to do anything that allows me to be present with my wife, family, and friends. My wife and I enjoy traveling, trying new foods, and taking long motorcycle rides with our friends. If I am not on the road working or with my wife, I am studying or playing softball.

 

The best part of my job is being able to show up for my team and clients; they all mean the world to me. I get to brainstorm and strategize with tons of different personalities. A lot of the team does not know, but I love learning from them. If I am not learning something about our industry or workplace, I am certainly learning how to effectively collaborate with different types of individuals.

 

Together, we can change the narrative and be a part of the solution to better treat those trapped in the problem.

Allison was born in Columbus, Ohio and was raised in South Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications. After college, Allison started working at the largest talent agency in the world, William Morris Endeavor. There, she learned marketing from top leaders specializing in global PR and endorsement campaigns, in both the Latin and English markets.

 

Through strategic public relations and creative campaign concepts, Allison has secured more than 200 national broadcast and print media placements for behavioral healthcare organizations. She brings over 15 years of marketing and PR experience, with a strong background in leading communications strategy for addiction treatment and behavioral healthcare facilities. In her role as VP of Communications, she oversees branding, public relations, social media, marketing, events, and content creation.

 

In her spare time, she loves cooking, boating, yoga, and traveling. She and her husband Bryan reside in Boca Raton, Florida.

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Avi Burstein is VP of Clinical Services at Amatus Health. He manages all therapeutic programming at all facilities nationwide.

 

Avi is originally from New York, and graduated from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. He brings over 13 years of experience in the Behavioral Healthcare Industry, in both the public and private sectors. He is passionate about therapeutic communities and the fellowship they foster between patients. Through his work in LGBTQIA, urban, rural, and religiously observant populations, Avi recognizes that each patient is unique. Therefore, he strives to ensure clinical approaches, staffing, administration, and education meet the expectation of each community Amatus Health serves.

 

“Our work must also include ending the societal stigma surrounding such conditions by building safe and supportive networks that include clients’ families whenever possible,” Avi said. “By valuing change and owning imperfections, we can strive to be better providers and walk through the door of recovery with our clients.”

Avi Burstein is VP of Clinical Services at Amatus Health. He manages all therapeutic programming at all facilities nationwide.

 

Avi is originally from New York, and graduated from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. He brings over 13 years of experience in the Behavioral Healthcare Industry, in both the public and private sectors. He is passionate about therapeutic communities and the fellowship they foster between patients. Through his work in LGBTQIA, urban, rural, and religiously observant populations, Avi recognizes that each patient is unique. Therefore, he strives to ensure clinical approaches, staffing, administration, and education meet the expectation of each community Amatus Health serves.

 

“Our work must also include ending the societal stigma surrounding such conditions by building safe and supportive networks that include clients’ families whenever possible,” Avi said. “By valuing change and owning imperfections, we can strive to be better providers and walk through the door of recovery with our clients.”

Marty Markovits is the Chief Information Officer at TruHealing. He oversees the people, processes, and technologies of the whole organization to ensure the business is running smoothly.

 

Markovits grew up in Brooklyn, NY (which he calls “the greatest city on Earth”) and graduated with a degree in Clinical Psychology from Queens College.

 

Markovits is a veteran in Information Technology within the healthcare field. He ensures that IT processes are simple, cost-effective, and secure. His expertise spans the entire healthcare domain, from billing and claims, to clinical, to Human Resources. He says, “My passion is to provide fully automated and operationally meaningful Business Intelligence analytics, with absolute data integrity.”

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Hometown: Savannah, GA

 

Passions & Interests: I spend my time outside of work with my wife and children and am actively involved in various community needs and causes.

 

The best part of my job is knowing that we are creating a safe, healthy, nonjudgmental environment where people can come and better their lives. There is nothing more satisfying than helping others learn to live again and piece their lives back together as they become strong, productive members of society.

Together, we can bring families back together and promote healing and well-being.