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Mask mandates have returned, businesses are closing, and schools are in the process of moving back online. The result? Many of us are sad and demoralized as we learn how to navigate the highly contagious Omicron variant.
HMHI announces the 2022 match results for the Department of Psychiatry's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship. The new fellows begin training on July 1, 2022.
As the temperatures drop and days become shorter, our physical and mental health can sometimes take a toll. The good news is there are different ways to be active during the winter which is important for not only our phy...
On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, Andrew A. Nierenberg, MD, Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Radically Rethinking Research to Improve Outcomes: A Bipolar Lea...
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) released its Community Crisis Intervention Annual Report for 2021, showing the demand for mental health crisis services reached record heights over the past year. This includes...
We all faced challenges in 2020 that were significant and widespread, and 2021 brought its own unique challenges to center stage. Virtually everyone’s mental health has been affected in some way throughout these last c...
Scenes of violence and threats have been increasingly playing out on school campuses across the country. Recent statistics from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School show that 2021...
At any given time, eating disorders affect millions of people of every age, race, size, gender identity, sexual orientation, and background. Kristin Francis, MD, a psychiatrist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, len...
On Wednesday, January 5, 2022, C. Neill Epperson, MD, Professor of Psychiatry at University of Colorado School of Medicine, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Enduring Impact of Childhood Adversity: Observati...
The holidays can be stressful and bring down anyone’s mood temporarily. But how do you know when you’ve got Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and not just the Winter Blues? If your interest level drops, you prefer to...
The holidays can be a hectic time for many of us. The social obligations and financial stress that come with the season are compounded by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Katherine Supiano, PhD, LCSW, FT, FGSA, APHSW-C, pr...
Kevin Curtis, Crisis Services Director at University of Utah Health Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) discusses what a mental breakdown is and what steps you can take to get help.
Huntsman Mental Health Institute, together with organizations and individuals from across the nation, launches a "Grand Challenge” to eliminate mental health stigma forever. Please join us in this fight. Together, we c...
On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, Lauren Asarnow, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UC San Francisco, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Evening Circadian Preference and Depression Among Adolescents."
HMHI Assistant Professor Patricia Aguayo, MD, MPH, will be an expert panelist for a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) workshop in December 2021.
Autism prevalence among 8-year-old Utah children has risen by nearly 30% in less than a decade.
The holiday season may be “the most wonderful time of the year," but it’s the most dreaded for some. The holidays fill the air with happiness and cheer, yet they can also carry stress and sadness for many people, esp...
On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, Anita Everett, MD, DFAPA, Director of the Center for Mental Health Services, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Federal Innovations in Advancing Behavioral Health Care."
A recent joint statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children's Hospital Association drove home the severity and scale of what we are now faci...
Is it true that you can become healthier and happier by practicing gratitude? Gratitude is associated with happiness. Expressing feelings of appreciation to others and ourselves creates positive emotions and feelings of ...
Suicide has been the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24 since 2014, and in Utah it’s the leading cause of death for children ages 10-17. Losing a child to suicide is every parent’s worst nightm...
On Wednesday, November 17, 2021, Joan Asarnow, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention in Youth: Clinical Pathways & Tr...
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a sleeping giant; lying dormant for three-quarters of the year. As the days get shorter and darker, people begin to feel less energy, are less likely to be productive and begin to fee...
The workplace is a crucial area to address mental health and suicide prevention. Nearly 68 percent of the American population participates in the workforce, and one in five Americans adults suffer from a diagnosable ment...
After months of gathering feedback from staff, patients, faculty, trainees, partners, and stakeholders, Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) unveils their new mission, vision, and values.
Substance use disorders can affect many aspects of a person’s life. Liz Wetmore, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at at Huntsman Mental Health Institute’s Addiction Recovery Services discusses the role substance abu...
HMHI is pleased to announce and welcome two new faculty to Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) and the Department of Psychiatry - a child and adolescent clinical psychiatrist and a child, adolescent, and adult clinic...
Meet Julian Thorne, MD, a chief resident in the Department of Psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute. He shares what his day-to-day routine is, what inspired him to become a psychiatrist, and what the most intere...
Today, the SafeUT Commission published its 2020-21 Annual Report. The comprehensive report outlines key statistics about the statewide SafeUT app related to utilization, chats and life-saving interventions, school threat...
Why is it so hard to talk about suicide? Starting the conversation with someone having suicidal thoughts is never easy, but it is important and could be lifesaving.
Yesterday, during a meeting of the Executive Appropriations Committee of the Utah State Legislature, lawmakers unanimously approved $90 million in funding for the Utah Translational Research Building at the University of...
Jeremy Kendrick, MD, is a Triple Board trained psychiatrist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute. Born in Idaho, Kendrick moved to Utah in his undergraduate years, briefly left and then was drawn back. We are very excited...
Los expertos en salud de University of Utah Health opinan al respecto de cómo abordar la desinformación sobre las barreras mentales y físicas que puede suponer el uso de una mascarilla en la escuela.
Addressing the misinformation about the mental and physical barriers that wearing a mask in school may bring - University of Utah Health experts weigh in.
Summer may be coming to an end, but the social activities are not going anywhere. As seasons change, one constant remains: spending time with your friends and family. Whether that means spending the day on a boat, hiking...
Today, the SafeUT app gets a new look with a new logo and website at SafeUT.org. The website offers expanded resources to better support students, parents, educators, National Guard, and frontline workers facing a mental...
Nina de Lacy, MD, MBA, Assistant Professor, conducts research at the interface of computational science, artificial intelligence and population mental health.
La vuelta al cole es un momento emocionante. Pero a muchos niños les puede causar estrés y ansiedad: incluso niños que suelen ser fáciles de llevar pueden experimentar nervios, y los que tienen algo de ansiedad puede...
HMHI is pleased to announce and welcome six new providers to Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI). These board-certified psychiatrists are prepared to deliver exceptional, patient-focused mental health care, and contr...
Back-to-school is an exciting time. But for many kids, it can cause stress and anxiety—even children who are usually easy going may experience butterflies and those with some anxiety may get more nervous and clingier t...
More and more research is emerging with evidence of the negative effects violent video games have on children. The most popular video games are also some of the most violent, and pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner speaks abo...
A total of 25 new Psychiatry residents and fellows have been welcomed to HMHI, representing five different academic training programs within the Department of Psychiatry. They will receive rigorous training from our reno...
When Simone Biles withdrew from the Olympics this week and chose her mental health over a potential Olympic medal, it showed that mental health issues affect everyone—no matter how successful you are. Even though most ...
Dénia-Marie (Dema) Ollerton is the Clinical Supervisor for the state of Utah’s SafeUT Crisis Chat and Tip Line for youth at Huntsman Mental Health Institute.
The Olympic and Paralympic Games are recognized as the pinnacle of success for an athlete. Every two years, the world tunes in to watch 11,000+ athletes representing 206 nations compete in 33 different sports. As the Tok...
Three U of U Health studies find new genetic links to suicidal behavior.
As a parent, if you suspect your child may be engaging in self-harming behaviors, you may not be sure what to do to help. In this in-depth discussion, psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Conover explains how to identify signs of sel...
Everyone has a sexual orientation and gender identity, but people who identify as part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community are at higher mental health ri...
HMHI is very proud to recognize our incredible faculty for their innovative psychiatric pursuits. Tenure recognizes a scholar's high impact and scientific contributions in their field. Promotions are awarded when a facul...
So, how do you define burnout? What are the signs to look for? How do you cope? Tina Halliday, LCSW, Behavioral Sciences Manager at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, discusses burnout and offers some helpful tips and way...
University of Utah Health scientists and collaborators with the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Consortium have developed a rich resource for studying how the brain changes and matures during adolescence. T...
While mental health access through insurance coverage has improved, efficient screening and placement is key to getting patients into mental health care. By taking deliberate steps to integrate depression screening into ...
University of Utah and Huntsman Mental Health Institute held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Mental Health Crisis Care Center on the future site of the HMHI Campus of Hope. The new 24/7 facility will welcome people exp...
France is an experienced and passionate physician assistant with a diverse background and over 13 years of experience. He was hired by the U of U Department of Psychiatry in 2019 as a core advanced practice provider in o...
Utah lawmakers approved $90 million in funding that will be combined with $65 million in funds from the Utah philanthropic community for the Utah Mental Health Translational Research Building at the University of Utah, H...
Addiction specialist psychiatrist Beth Howell addresses the stigma and silence of substance abuse in health professions. If you or someone you know is struggling, there’s a global community of anonymized support.
In an interview with the Salt Lake Chamber, Mark Rapaport, CEO of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, discusses the organization, mental health awareness in the community, how companies can have an impact on their emp...
Many people, including health care professionals, are turning to alcohol and other substances to help cope with the stresses of Covid-19. Licensed psychologist Kelly Lundberg shares how to talk to colleagues who may be s...
While Americans are less likely to express gratitude at work than anywhere else, it’s sorely needed – especially in health care. Associate professor/lecturer of social work Trinh Mai explains the importance of gratit...
Mindfulness instructors Trinh Mai and Rob Davies guide us through S.T.O.P., a simple mindfulness practice to help mitigate our stress response.
Mindfulness can be an act of healing and resistance for Black, Indigenous, People of Color who confront microaggressions as part of everyday life. Mindfulness educators and social workers Trinh Mai and Jean Whitlock prov...
Racism isn’t something that happens “somewhere else.” Mindfulness educators and social workers Trinh Mai and Jean Whitlock facilitated an interracial dialogue on talking about race and racism to learn from local li...
Mindfulness is awareness of the present moment—open to where we are and what we’re doing with a sense of acceptance.
The prevalence of stigma and discrimination toward people with mental illness makes it difficult to have a transparent conversation about how we feel. But an open dialogue about mental health can help everyone heal.
Trouble focusing? Could it be adult ADHD? Psychiatrist Rachel Weir tells us how she makes the diagnosis and other factors that might lead to focus and concentration issues.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—time to focus on prioritizing mental health and acknowledging that it's "OK not to be OK." It is also time to stop the sigma and spread awareness about what we can do to end discrim...
Concerned that your child or teen may be struggling with their mental well-being? It may be important to check-in with your own mental health first. On today's Health Minute, Andrew Smith, PhD explains what can happen i...
Liz is a passionate social worker and a member of HMHI's team of addiction specialists. She is a Psychiatric Program Specialist with the Recovery Works Intensive Outpatient Program for addiction treatment, where she has ...
Minimalism could improve your mental health. Psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Chan tells us more. Plus, the guys agree to take the 30-day declutter challenge and see how it impacts their emotional well-being.
Coworkers are often the first to recognize when a peer is struggling under extreme stress. Psychiatrist Kristin Francis and psychologist Rob Davies share how to break through the discomfort and talk to your struggling co...
Since 2009, March 31st has marked the occasion of International Transgender Day of Visibility, an annual event for celebrating people who are transgender and raising awareness of the challenges faced by the transgender c...
Dr. Anna R. Docherty is a quantitative geneticist and a clinician examining risk and resilience in the context of severe outcomes, including psychosis and suicide. Her valuable work provides essential contributions to ou...
Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) will increase access to critical mental health care services in rural communities throughout Utah with support from Cambia Health Solutions.
As mental health professionals have been warning us, enduring extraordinary stress and unprecedented circumstances for an entire year has long-lasting effects. We are seeing the beginnings of the crisis-after-the-crisis....
In this episode from the U Rising podcast, Dr. Mark Rapaport talks about how HMHI is working to create new models of care, better service and also to advance research and knowledge that ultimately changes lives.
If you suspect that your teenager may be suffering from depression, could talking to them about it make them feel worse? According to Dr. Thomas Conover, as a parent of a teen, communication is key and you should be able...
One of the biggest challenges we will face in 2021 and beyond from the COVID-19 pandemic is a growing mental health crisis. Although many factors contribute to the increased stress and anxiety we all feel, the pandemic h...
As a parent, Identifying signs of clinical depression in your teenager can be quite difficult. Dr. Thomas Conover looks for negative changes in these key areas: school performance, participation in extracurriculars, soci...
Taking on the COVID-19 pandemic has become a battle with two fronts. While we are rightly focused on vaccines, masking, and social distancing, many of us are not paying enough attention to the mental health crisis that i...
Kristin Francis, MD, is one of the inspired and talented doctors who make up the amazing team at the University of Utah Huntsman Mental Health Institute. She is an inpatient psychiatrist board-certified in both adult psy...
Suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss with a teenager, but it is too important to ignore—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teen depression, self-harm, and suicide have seen a rise as teenagers are cut off ...
Although online therapy has seen a significant spike in usage over the past nine months, some are still uncomfortable with the idea. Here are some pros and cons to think through if you or a loved one is considering e-the...
Today, the University of Utah and Huntsman Mental Health Institute launched the Mental Health First Responders program, a mental health crisis team dedicated to responding to mental health emergencies on campus.
We'd all like to have a good, stable state of mind. But the criteria for "good" mental health isn't always black or white. Mental health affects all of us—regardless of gender or age—but is mental health part of the ...
Most teenagers experience changes in their mood and emotions during puberty, whether it be trying to isolate themselves in their room, not wanting to do things with the family, or general irritability. These can also be ...
Today, University of Utah Health and the Huntsman Foundation celebrate the dedication of Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI), the next step in the evolution of University of Utah becoming a premier institution for me...
We all faced challenges in 2020 that were significant and widespread, and virtually everyone’s mental health has been affected in some way. With good news on the way in the form of the vaccine, we can hopefully find he...
A new study, led by University of Utah Health scientists, suggests more than half of doctors, nurses and emergency responders involved COVID-19 care could be at risk for one or more mental health problems
Older adults are at greater risk of hospitalization or dying if diagnosed with COVID-19. As Utah continues to see high transmission rates during the holidays, it’s more important now than ever to protect those who are ...
In a new analysis, researchers at University of Utah Health’s Huntsman Mental Health Institute have detected more than 20 genes that could have a role in death by suicide.
How to tell if COVID-19 is getting you down. Psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Chan talks about the power of a daily gratitude practice. Troy explains how to use soda to remove food stuck in your throat. Scot discloses his uncan...
Mark H. Rapaport, M.D., a nationally recognized clinician and researcher known for his interdisciplinary approach to mental health treatment and care, has been named CEO of Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) and Cha...
Like most things, alcohol is best consumed in moderation. But there is a fine line between a couple of drinks to blow off steam and a potential alcohol abuse problem. How can you tell if your alcohol consumption is a pro...
Nearly half of Americans are lonely. According to Merriam-Webster's definition, loneliness is "being without company, cut off from others; sadness from being alone." Loneliness is common and can lead to both poor social ...
We are living through a period of increased emotional strain and mental health disruptions. Providers note an increase in reports of stress, anxiety, fear, and suicidal thoughts even among people with no prior psychiatri...
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 3.2 million kids aged 12 to 17 have had a depressive episode in the last year. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what depression looks like in children and how ...
A common thought is 'a few drinks during times of stress can help a person relax and sleep.' However, drinking too much alcohol can have the opposite effect, as well as other mental health repercussions. Psychiatry Dr. A...
Sales of alcoholic beverages in the United States have increased 55% compared to this time last year. Our lives are stressful and alcohol consumption can be a common way to self-medicate those stresses. Women, especially...
Your mental wellbeing comes to the forefront during a global health crisis. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed, it can help to talk to someone about the emotions you're feeling. Psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin...
Whether you’re working from home, taking a virtual class, or practicing physical distancing for you and your loved ones’ safety, we’re all experiencing a new normal together. This transition may be easy for some, b...
Feelings of anxiety, being overwhelmed and ambiguity of the future can be common during a crisis, and it's human nature to avoid those emotions. But psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Chan says it's better to embrace the negative...
Uncertainties can cause stress on both the mind and body, but not thinking about the uncertainties can be a difficult thing to do. Psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Chan talks about three ways to cope with stress during the COVI...
It's a stressful time for many of us, even children. With most children having been sent home from school, stress and anxiety can run high. Child psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Chan talks about what parents can do to help the...
Just like the virus itself, emotional stress seems to be spreading alongside the coronavirus outbreak. You may feel fatigued, have difficulty sleeping, or experience a loss of appetite. This is a completely normal human ...
In support of the premiere of "Dick Johnson Is Dead" at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, University of Utah Health hosted a community screening with director Kirsten Johnson to discuss Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, ag...
Learn the signs so you can recognize when someone is in trouble.
You're in the drive-thru and the person in front of you bought your order. You should do the same for the person behind you because not only is it fun to keep the chain of kindness going, but it also can improve your hea...
Many things in the world can cause anxiety and often they're beyond your control. Yet, you shouldn't ignore or dismiss what you are feeling. Psychiatrist Maria Reyes tells us the three steps she recommends her patients u...
Dr. Paul Thielking teaches an eight-week mind and body skills group for cancer patients. He walks us through a mindfulness and breathing exercise to help with relaxation. Although developed for cancer patients, this brea...
Many couples around the world struggle with the heartbreak of infertility.
Postpartum depression is overwhelming depression and the inability to care for yourself and your newborn—about 1 in 7 women will suffer from postpartum depression after giving birth. Progesterone is the most common hor...
A recent study shows that the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder during early childhood, between the ages of 2 and 3, has remained stagnant over many years. Autism specialist Dr. Deborah Bilder ex...
A new report form the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force finds that almost 15% of women suffer from some sort of depression or anxiety either during or after pregnancy.
Pregnant women with opioid use disorders often face a number of challenges during their pregnancies.
While difficult to navigate at the best of times, these disorders are an even heavier burden during the holiday season, a time that should be enjoyed, not endured.
Almost every teen now has an account on at least one social media platform. They use it to reach out to friends, to share experiences, and to tell the world about themselves. However, they also may be making themselves v...
The benefits of meditation are realized by those who choose to practice it regularly. Find some simple tips to begin meditation practice.
Their stories and their courage to talk frankly about their conditions build healthy awareness of current treatments and the importance of loving support.
The death of someone close during childhood can haunt a child throughout their lives. However, it doesn’t have to if children are allowed to go through the grieving process in their own time and in their own way.
A new baby brings big changes, but if you are feeling emotionally not-quite-right, know when to get help.
For patients with the crippling diagnosis of severe depression, bipolar disorder, or psychosis, ECT can be a life-changing procedure.
True or false: The same doctor can treat your depression, remove a suspicious mole, and help plan the timing of your next baby.
How do you know if it's just a series of bad days or something more serious?
Not only does compassion decrease suffering by helping those in need, but also it can boost your bond with others. Plus, you may find that the pursuit of compassion makes you happier than the pursuit of happiness. ~ Amit...
In October, the Utah Hospital Association honored Van Vranken with the 2016 Distinguished Hospital Executive Award, which recognizes individuals who’ve made significant contributions to health care in our state.
How much do you worry about money?
While most of us will never be world class athletes, there is still a lot we can learn from Olympians.
With children or without, Father's Day can be an emotional holiday if dad has passed away.
Not taking medication correctly can lead to a number of problems.
Medication non-adherence is a major problem in the United States.
Self-esteem and body image go hand in hand, especially during the teen years. Use these tips to help your teen develop and maintain a healthy self-image.
Everybody's talking about body shaming, but let's talk about creating a healthier, happier you. Increase your self-esteem with these physician-recommended strategies.
A lot of things can make you jump: loud noises, people coming up behind you, thunder, the list goes on. Why do these things startle you but not others? Women's health expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones says it's something yo...