The Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates blog
Ouch, That Hurts: Cultural Aspects of Body Shame
Erica Marshall-Lee, PhD, ABPP, Sheethal D. Reddy, PhD and Desiree Frain, PsyD
11/27/24 - Psychology Today
As an African-descended woman, I have heard it all regarding my weight, most of these appraisals from family and those in my community.
The Mental Health Unhoused Train: The Final Destination
Desiree Frain, PsyD, Erica Marshall-Lee, PhD, ABPP, Danielle Nelson, MBBS, MS, DM and Teymbi Tannis, CRC, NCC, MS
11/25/24 - Psychology Today
I (Desiree Frain) completed my predoctoral internship at a state hospital in Georgia that treats primarily underserved minority populations with severe mental illness.
Culturally Competent Firearm Discussions in Therapy
Sallie Mack, PhD, Danielle Currin, PhD, and Alban Foulser, PhD
11/1/2024 - Psychology Today
As psychologists, we have an ethical duty to promote safety and prevent harm. Given that suicide attempts utilizing firearms are extremely lethal, we must address firearm safety with our clients.
How to Better Serve Young Adult Offenders
Aubree Harrington, PsyD
10/14/2024 - Psychology Today
According to the 2021 Bureau of Justice Statistics report, young adults (ages 18-25) who have offended (also referred to as "justice-involved young adults") comprise approximately 10 percent of the prison population.
Gun Control vs Gun Safety as Suicide Prevention
Alban Foulser, PhD, Danielle Currin, PhD, and Sallie Mack, PhD
07/08/2024 - Psychology Today
Suicide by gun is on the rise in the United States; rates of suicide by gun set national records in both 2021 and 2022.
Who Are Mental Health Services Made For?
By Danielle L. Currin, MA, and Erica D. Marshall-Lee, PhD, ABPP
06/28/2024 - Psychology Today
Psychologists have long reckoned with the Whiteness of most evidence-based treatments. How might similar issues impact digital mental health interventions?
What Therapists Can Do to Combat Body Shaming
By Erica Marshall-Lee, PhD, ABPP, Sheethal D. Reddy, PhD, and Desiree Frain, PsyD
06/03/2024 - Psychology Today
How to help clients thrive amidst unhealthy body messages.
Remote Therapy in a Post-COVID World
By Danielle L. Currin, MA, and Erica D. Marshall-Lee, PhD, ABPP
05/28/2024 - Psychology Today
Shifting perceptions from "good enough" to "good."
Is App-Based Therapy "Real" Therapy?
By Danielle L. Currin, MA and Erica D. Marshall-Lee, PhD, ABPP
05/06/2024 - Psychology Today
How the ways we seek out and receive therapy influence its effect
The Problem of SES in Psychology
By Daniel J. Mulligan, MA
03/18/2024 - Psychology Today
How social class analysis is better suited to improve health equity
Reconciling DEI With Its Roots in the Black Freedom Struggle
By Daniel J. Mulligan, MA, and Erica D. Marshall Lee, PhD
02/29/2024 - Psychology Today
If we truly value viewpoint diversity and equity, we cannot tokenize Rustin while canceling him for his radical commitment to redistribution and material equality.
Gun Violence: Separating Myths from Reality
By Danny Mulligan, MA, Erica Marshall-Lee, PhD, ABPP, and Desiree Frain, PsyD
12/22/23 - Psychology Today
Mass shooting is made worse by myths promoted through misleading media coverage. Changing these narratives through advocacy can help.
How to Be an Ally Amid Geopolitical Conflict
By Erica Marshall-Lee, PhD, ABPP
11/28/2023 - Psychology Today
In times of strife, allyship can be hard to get right. Here's why it's crucial anyway.
From Joy to Fear: The Truth About Black Motherhood
By Erica Marshall-Lee, PhD, ABPP & Frances C. Calkens, MA
11/01/2023 - Psychology Today
Instead of joy and excitement about bringing new life into the world, pregnant Black mothers live in fear, and for good reason. Structural racism in healthcare is killing them.
What the End of Affirmative Action Means for BIPOC Communities
By Erica Marshall-Lee, PhD, ABPP
09/27/23 - Psychology Today
The recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action could lead to poorer health, greater financial insecurity, and the continued oppression of disadvantaged communities.
Empathy within the Supervisory Dyad: A Potential Lost Art?
By Britt Duncan, MA & Douglas E. Lewis Jr., PsyD
07/1/23
What happens when trainees don’t experience a “human connection” with their clinical supervisors?
Empathy Within the Supervisory Dyad: A Potential Lost Art?
By Britt Duncan, MA and Douglas E. Lewis, Jr, PsyD
06/30/2023 - Psychology Today
What happens when trainees don’t experience a “human connection” with their clinical supervisors?
The Mental Health Impacts of Anti-Trans Legislation
By Erica D. Marshall-Lee, PhD, ABPP, and Desiree G. Frain, PsyD
05/15/2023 - Psychology Today
The mental health impact of anti-trans legislation for youth and families affected can lead to anxiety, depression, and suicide.
Broaching Religion and Spirituality: An Untapped Resource
By Britt Duncan, MA and Douglas E. Lewis, Jr, PsyD
4/25/2023 - Psychology Today
Why do psychologists infrequently choose to incorporate spirituality and/or religion in treatment conceptualization and planning?
The Importance of Mental Health Exceptions in Abortion Restrictions
By Alban Foulser, MA and Sophie Arkin, MA.
3/27/2023 - Psychology Today
Excluding mental health conditions as an exception to state abortion bans will lead to downstream mental health and financial consequences for individuals and society.
Postpartum Challenges, Especially if Pregnancies Are Forced
By Michelle Robbins, PhD, and Katie Hale, PhD
3/3/2023 - Psychology Today
Mental health and related concerns arise during and after pregnancy for many parents, but what happens to well-being when abortions are wanted but denied?
Self-Care: A Band-Aid for a Deeper Wound?
By Britt Duncan, MA and Douglas E. Lewis, Jr, PsyD
2/16/2023 - Psychology Today
Since COVID-19, should we reduce our standards for productivity as we navigate this new era in society to avoid a mental health crash?
Alternative Advocacy: Getting Psychologists in the News
By Britt Duncan, MA and Douglas E. Lewis, Jr., PsyD
2/15/2023 - Psychology Today
What are the consequences to our mental health as a society when our news is delivered without compassion?
Forced Choice and No Voice: Mental Health and Abortion Laws
By Gemariah Valencia, PhD and Erica D. Marshall-Lee, PhD
1/24/2023 - Psychology Today
The reversal of Roe v. Wade has largely impacted BIPOC women more than other groups. Psychologists can educate themselves on abortion laws and advocate for healthcare protection.
Mental Health Consequences of Abortion Laws for Survivors of Rape and Incest
By Christyn Hosking, MA, and Margaret E. Gigler, MA
11/22/2022 - Psychology Today
Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, many U.S. states are enacting legislation that bans abortion, with some states including exceptions for rape or incest.
Navigating the Overturning of Roe v. Wade in Integrated Behavioral Health
By A. Alban Foulser, MA, and Rachel J. Ammirati, PhD
10/25/2022 - Psychology Today
Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, behavioral health providers must be informed and prepared to provide family planning-related resources.
Trauma and Its Widespread Impact on Black Communities
By Meghna Ravi, BSA, Sean Minton, BA and Sanne van Rooij, PhD
8/31/2022 - Psychology Today
Black communities with few economic resources are disproportionately exposed to life-threatening traumatic events, which can lead to chronic physical and/or mental illness.
Getting Honest About Mental Health and Gun Violence
By Katie E. Hale, PhD, and DeJuan White, MD
7/27/2022 - Psychology Today
Given the cycle of horrific tragedies related to gun violence in our community, we must take an honest look at the impact of the association between mental health and gun violence.
Gun Control and Climate Change: Is It Really "Too Late"?
By Marianne Celano, PhD, ABPP
6/22/2022 - Psychology Today
After the massacre of 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Texas, I don’t want to think about guns, particularly assault rifles.
Why Should a Black Woman Sit on the Supreme Court?
By Jasmine R. Berry, MA, and Erica D. Marshall-Lee, PhD
2/25/2022 - Psychology Today
Why is it foreign to consider Black women for Supreme Court Justice appointments, when Black women have historically rallied behind others for equal rights and justice?
Black Death: The Epidemic Experienced by Black Children
By Erica D. Marshall-Lee, PhD, and Naadira C. Upshaw, PsyD
2/17/2022 - Psychology Today
Black children between the ages of 5 and 12 are dying by suicide at twice the rate of White children in the same age group.
Mental Health Parity for All
By Samantha Patton, PhD
2/10/2022 - Psychology Today
Federal law requires mental and physical health to be covered equally. Not all states are enforcing this law.
Behavioral Health Professionals as Community Advocates
By Erica D. Marshall-Lee, PhD, Chanda Graves, PhD, ABPP, and Justin Williams, PhD
1/19/2022 - Psychology Today
Behavioral health professionals oftentimes believe that community advocacy is too large an undertaking and that they do not possess the skills and expertise necessary to do it.
Racial Injustice In America: Where Are We Now?
By Douglas E. Lewis, Jr., PsyD
10/12/2021 - Psychology Today
The murder of George Floyd raised American consciousness regarding racial issues but over a year later, are we moving in the right direction?
COVID-19 Brings Mental Health Into The Spotlight
By Erica D. Marshall Lee, PhD, Shanteria Owens, PhD and Scot R. Seitz, PhD
9/27/2021 - Psychology Today
COVID-19 has helped make mental health a mainstream conversation. Now is a great time for all of us to contribute to this positive change.
Protecting Trans Students Is a Matter of Life or Death
By Erica D. Marshall Lee, PhD
6/25/2021 - Psychology Today
LGBTQ+ individuals face ongoing daily challenges that are often misunderstood or discounted by the public at large or not fully understood by well-meaning allies.
The Unspoken Message of Naomi Osaka
By Liza Zwiebach, PhD
6/11/2021 - Psychology Today
Naomi Osaka’s brave statement about mental health misses an opportunity to send a message of hope and positivity for those who believe they must live with anxiety and depression.
What Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Experience Today
By Erica D. Marshall Lee, PhD, Shujing Zhang, MSEd, MPhilEd, and Ginny Chan, PhD
6/10/2021 - Psychology Today
I had no idea how vulnerable it is to be a Chinese immigrant, an AAPI, and a BIPOC. Hatred has resulted in an alarmingly high prevalence of hate crimes against AAPI communities.
Large and Small Dehumanizations
By Nicole Azores-Gococo, PhD
3/26/2021 - Psychology Today
The Atlanta-area spa murders and increasing anti-Asian violence across the country raise unsettling—but not new—questions about racism, privilege, and voice.
What’s Going On? Cancel Culture, Censorship, Racial Healing
By Erica D. Marshall Lee, PhD
3/19/2021 - Psychology Today
Marginalized communities deserve to live free from the injury created by racism and discrimination. That means respectable, inclusive, and equitable spaces for all.
What’s Stopping Me from Taking the Covid-19 Vaccine?
By Douglas E. Lewis, Jr., PsyD
2/8/2021 - Psychology Today
Studies show that Black Americans are dying from Covid-19 at a higher rate than their White counterparts, while being vaccinated at a much lower rate than Whites.
Change Gone Come… O Yes It Will
By Erica D. Marshall Lee, PhD
1/30/2021 - Psychology Today
Psychologists have a role to play in addressing racial trauma, which is comprised of both individual and collective damage due to exposure and re-exposure to racial incidents.
Our Pain is Endless
By Erica D. Marshall Lee, PhD
1/10/2021 - Psychology Today
After the assault on the United States Capitol on January 6th, my heart breaks for my country. But there is no surprise here.
2020: A Year to Remember
By Margaret Martinez, PhD
12/16/2020 - Psychology Today
2020 is a year of milestones most of us want to forget. However, 2020 will henceforth be known as the year I finally confronted my own white privilege.
He Just Needs to Behave
By Elsa Friis-Healy, PhD
11/23/2020 - Psychology Today
There is racial bias in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. To counteract these biases, parents, teachers, and therapist must be attuned to these biases and associated disparities, check their own biases, and advocate on behalf of children.
All Votes Matter
by Naadira C. Upshaw, PsyD and Douglas E. Lewis, Jr., PsyD
10/31/2020 - Psychology Today
The least of our civic duties is voting in every election. We know that if everyone simply voted, we could ensure that there are diverse perspectives and voices heard. On the contrary, if we choose not to vote, we let other people decide the fate of our communities.
This is Nothing New
by Erica D. Marshall-Lee, PhD
10/23/2020 - Psychology Today
Atrocities against women are nothing new. Injustices against fill in the marginalized group are nothing new. My own response as I write this sentence yet again ranges from deep despair and hopelessness to sheer unadulterated anger and rage.
Vote for the Health of It
by Veronica J. Motley, EdD, LPC
10/21/2020 - Psychology Today
Voting is framed as fundamental to the democratic process. Here are 3 ways that it also promotes well-being.
Who Cares if I Wear a Mask
by Michelle M. Robbins, PhD
8/4/2020 - Psychology Today
I wonder why wearing masks is even an issue during this global pandemic. I mean, I get that they are not the most comfortable things to wear, especially relative to my recent attire of yoga pants and t-shirts. In the south, where summer temperatures rise above 90 degrees, masks are especially unpleasant!
The Time is Now, and the Choice is Yours
by Erice Lee, PhD
8/3/2020 - Psychology Today
As many in our country mourn the loss of one of our greatest modern-day social justice leaders, I reflect on the directives that moved him.
Thirty-Nine Years Ago in June
by Eugene Farber, PhD, ABPP
7/6/2020 - Psychology Today
“What’s gonna happen now?” my psychotherapy client worriedly asked me. Because he’s considered high risk for complications of novel coronavirus disease, our session was held virtually as he sheltered in place at home.
You Have Cancer: Finding Hope with a New Cancer Diagnosis during COVID-19
by Susi Hupp, MD
7/2/2020 - Psychology Today
Being a cancer patient amidst a pandemic can be summed up in three words: fear, failure, and hope.
The Crime and Illness of Being Black: Past and Present
by Keith Wood, PhD, ABPP
6/25/2020 - Psychology Today
According to a June 11 ABC News analysis, Black people are arrested at a rate five times higher than white people. These findings were used in the analysis as evidence that American policing of Black people is different than it is for white people.
It's Because You are White
by Marianne Celano, PhD, ABPP
6/9/2020 - Psychology Today
As a psychologist, I struggle with how to bring anti-racism efforts into the therapy room, particularly when my white clients act as if I share their racial prejudices or privilege blindness because I am also white.
Modern-Day Public Lynchings
by Naadira Upshaw, PsyD, and Douglas Lewis, PsyD
5/30/2020 - Psychology Today
Social media has become the primary source for current events, social connectedness, and targeted advertisement. Advantages have come from social media, particularly the capacity to acquire information in real-time.
#MaskingForAFriend
by Elsa Friis, PhD, and Susi Hupp, MD
5/24/2020 - Psychology Today
I wear a mask to protect my best friend who is undergoing chemo #MaskingForAFriend. Who do you wear a mask for?
Fragile? It's All a Matter of Perspective
by Erica Marshall-Lee, PhD
5/22/2020 - Psychology Today
I wish I could do more, but even if I could, I am exhausted, and I do not know how I would. I was able to shelter in place and work from home earlier than others in my department.
What are We Really Fighting? COVID-19 Racism and Xenophobia
by Elsa Friis, PhD, Erica Marshall-Lee, PhD, and Martha Ward, MD
5/9/2020 - Psychology Today
Our nation is facing an extraordinary crisis that requires us to come together, not reopen and further deepen wounds.
Bringing Home Baby
by Drew Teer, PhD, and Margaret A. Martinez, PhD
4/28/2020 - Psychology Today
“This is not the world I want to bring her into,” my partner said to me, both of us bleary-eyed, watching our then three-day-old daughter finally sleep on the first night we brought her home. One month, a few breakdowns, and lots of tears later, things have finally begun to stabilize: We have schedules, we are getting sleep, and baby is doing well.
All You Really Need to Know, You Learned in Kindergarten
by Wendy Baer, MD
4/22/2020 - Psychology Today
Sometimes when we take a step back we are able to realize simple acts, such as washing our hands, can help combat even the most complicated problems. Here are some simple wellness lessons for the COVID-19 Pandemic inspired by Robert Fulghum’s essay “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” (Fulghum, 1988).
Sounding the Alarm
by Melvin Pagan-Gonzalez, PsyD
4/19/2020 - Psychology Today
In Chicago, the Cook County Jail reported their first two COVID-19 cases on March 23rd and most recently they reported a triple digit jump of positive cases to 289 inmates and 203 staffers.