Worcester, MA, April 16, 2021 – The Hospital for Behavioral Medicine is proud to announce Deborah Saper, LMFT, has been named its new Chief Executive Officer. Deborah is a dynamic healthcare executive with a proven history of leading facilities in effective clinical practices and developing a universal continuum of care approach for patients. Using evidence-based programming and evaluation methodology, Ms. Saper focuses on excellent outcomes for patients.

Ms. Saper brings experience in operating large forensic hospitals with vulnerable, marginalized, and mentally challenged populations in both secure and unsecured facilities. She is highly skilled in using data to identify strategic goals, create key performance indicators, and cultivate best-in-class clinical programs and initiatives. She also has experience in social justice and trauma-informed approaches to recovery, staff resiliency and self-care, organizational leadership and development, patient and family-centered care, facility administration, and finance and operations.

Saper is pursuing her Ph.D. in Global Inclusion and Social Development from the University of Massachusetts in Boston, Massachusetts. She holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hahnemann University (Drexel) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey.

The Hospital for Behavioral Medicine (HBM) offers family-inclusive and person-centered innovative inpatient services for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. HBM also provides a very active outpatient partial hospitalization program (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for adults. HBM uses multidisciplinary, evidence-based treatment approaches provided by a highly qualified team that includes psychiatrists, nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and licensed mental health professionals. Inpatient services focus on crisis stabilization, medication management, group treatment, and discharge/transition planning.

Contact:
Katherine C. Bray, M.S.
Director of Business Development
Hospital for Behavioral Medicine
(508) 564-0308

Great interview on NPR with Samuel Nordberg about anxiety and returning to work and school.

Click Here to Read the Article

By Mental Health First Aid USA on December 3, 2020

The holiday season is often a time of year for social activities, holiday shopping, and quality time with loved ones. This year, however, COVID-19 threatens to make those activities more difficult.

Keeping up with activities, staying positive and — especially in 2020 — safely socializing can be overwhelming.

In addition, 40% of U.S. adults face a mental health or substance use challenge, making a complicated holiday season an even more difficult time for many people. Regardless of whether you are living with a mental health challenge or know someone who is, you can take steps to prepare for the holidays and prioritize your mental health in the coming weeks.

Use these tips to get started:

1. Manage your expectations. Remember that this year is different and may not feel like the holiday season we are used to. Whether you are sharing a meal over Zoom or sending well wishes to family across the country, managing your expectations for yourself and others will help you stay positive. Give yourself and those around you some grace – none of us have been through a time like this before, and we’re all trying to balance staying safe with feeling “normal.”
2. Pull back when you need to. If, at any point, you feel overwhelmed or anxious, know that it’s perfectly fine to take a step back. Healthy boundaries are necessary for your mental health. Practicing self-care can also help soothe feelings of anxiety or stress. Take a walk, watch a funny movie, or meditate.
3. Reach out to loved ones. In times like this, living in a digital age can feel like a saving grace. Stay connected with your loved ones via text, social media, video or phone. Make yourself available for those you cannot see in person and offer your support to loved ones who may be struggling — a simple text or email can make a difference.
4. Monitor your moods. The “holiday blues” are real, so it is important to stay in tune with how you’re feeling. It can be easy to put others before yourself during the holiday season but remember that how you’re feeling matters too. Practicing mindfulness, journaling, or even rating how you feel every day can help you better understand your emotions. Pay attention to what makes you happy and incorporate it into your daily life. And remember: It’s OK to not be OK, and you’re not alone.
5. Ask for help. If the holidays become more than you can handle, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Talk to a loved one, trusted peer, or even your primary care physician about how you’re feeling. If you notice a family member or loved one having a difficult time, encourage them to seek help too.

Source: mentalhealthfirstaid.org