Author: Colony Care Behavioral Health

Whether you are seventeen or seventy years old, you may be one of the 5 billion social media users across the world. Regardless of your age, social media can affect your mental health. The average person spends over two hours on social media everyday. Many people feel positively after reading posts and watching videos from people across the world, yet many others feel differently. Social media can negatively impact mental health by causing feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and increase the risk of certain symptoms of common mental health conditions like ADHD. Let’s look a little deeper at how social media can affect your mental health.

Our Social Media Addiction

Addiction is a term that is used differently depending on the context. It is important that clinical terms clearly communicate current understandings of disease. It is especially true that the word “addiction” is clearly defined given the stigma associated with substance use disorders and other addictions. Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.

The term social media addiction is used by individuals to describe their own behavior, in news publications, and even in some clinical research. While social media addiction is not a recognized medical condition according to the DSM-5–the diagnostic manual for mental health professions–compulsive or problematic use of social media can affect anyone, yet more commonly, teens and young adults.

Up to 95% of teens ages 13 to 17 report using a social media platform, and more than a third admit to using it “constantly.” Although most US platforms regulate their users to be at least 13 years of age, 40% of kids ages 8 to 12 use it anyway. The use of social media can have a variety of effects on the adjustment of young people, yet high social media use is most problematic. People who use social media in a harmful way are more likely to be depressed, anxious, have low self-esteem, be more socially isolated, have poorer sleep quality, and have more body image dissatisfaction.

However, even when someone spends hours on social media, it can be difficult to know when or if the use becomes harmful. Trained clinicians can work with an individual to explore social media use patterns to determine if the use is harmful or problematic and to address any negative effects from social media use.

Pros and Cons of Social Media for Young People

The Negative Effects of Social Media

Worrisome negative effects of too much social media can lead to the following issues in young adults and teens.

• Depression and anxiety
• Lack of adequate sleep
• Low self esteem
• Poor body image
• Eating disorders
• Social isolation
• Lack of exercise
• Illicit drug use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Unsafe sexual practices

The risks seem to be higher for girls. Teen years are a vulnerable time of development, and 44% of all internet users say they have been cyberbullied and have experienced online harassment.

If you notice these signs and symptoms in yourself or your child, reach out to Colony Care Behavioral Health for help.

The Positive Effects of Social Media

• Staying in touch with friends and relatives and finding new connections online is beneficial for young people.
• Can become an opportunity for creativity
• Can encourage interaction with the community
• Can help foster learning by exchanging ideas and learning materials
• Expands access to information and services
• Can be a form of entertainment

Parents can provide some boundaries for teens by limiting time online. They can model responsible social media behavior and facilitate face to face conversations without phones at home. As of late, some schools prohibit the use of cell phones at school.

How Social Media Can Affect the Mental Health of Adults and Seniors

Adults may perceive social media connections differently than real world connections. They may use their smartphones for work and find they can be distracted by the social media interruptions. Many of the same positives of social media apply for adults too, yet keeping online communication at a reasonable level is the key.

If you think you may be experiencing negative feelings due to excessive social media, contact Colony Care Behavioral Health to speak with a licensed clinician about your feelings and behaviors.

Older adults are also vulnerable to the negative aspects of social media, especially if they live alone. Social media can exacerbate negative feelings of loneliness, feeling left out, feeling isolated particularly if living alone or far away from relatives. Older adults who participate on social media, and many do, are at risk of experiencing worsening symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions.

Nonetheless, a simple, “Great to hear from you,” response to a like or comment on Facebook or another platform can make all the difference in a senior’s life. As an older person loses friends and spouses pass away, social media may be their only outlet and connection. Using social media in a healthy and balanced way can support individuals in their efforts to stay in touch.

When to Seek Mental Health Care

If you feel that you, or someone you love, is using social media in a way that is problematic, reach out for some professional help.

Contact Colony Care Behavioral Health to request an appointment through our secure online form if you are worried about excessive social media in your life or in the life of someone you love.

Access to mental health care is crucial for overall well-being, yet navigating the complexities of insurance can be daunting. Many potential patients are deterred by the perceived hassle of dealing with insurance companies, co-payments, and deductibles. However, companies that bill insurance on behalf of patients significantly enhance access to mental health services, providing a unique and invaluable benefit in the marketplace.

Understanding Your Mental Health Benefits

When considering mental health services, one of the first steps is understanding your insurance benefits. This involves verifying your mental health coverage, which can usually be done by calling the customer service number on the back of your insurance card or checking your insurance company’s website. While federal law prohibits health plans from imposing barriers on access to mental health or substance use disorder benefits that do not apply to medical and surgical benefits, sometimes benefits differ or are managed by different plans.  Here’s a breakdown of some common terms and concepts to know:

• Mental Health Benefits: These refer to the specific services covered by your insurance plan for mental health care. Coverage can vary widely, so it’s important to check what is included in your policy.
• Copayments: This is a fixed amount you pay for a covered health care service, usually at the time of service. Copayments for mental health services might differ from those for other medical services.
• Deductibles: This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. Mental health services may have a separate deductible from other medical services.
• Coinsurance: After you meet your deductible, coinsurance is the percentage of costs you pay for a covered service. For example, if your coinsurance is 20%, you pay 20% of the costs, and your insurance covers the remaining 80%.
• Member Services Number: A phone number typically listed on the back of an insurance card where an individual can reach a representative of their insurance company to ask questions.

The Benefits of Insurance Billing Services

A company that handles insurance billing on behalf of patients offers a substantial benefit by streamlining the process and reducing the financial burden at the time of service. Here’s how:

1. Reduced Upfront Costs: Instead of paying the full cost of services upfront, patients are only responsible for their copayments or coinsurance, which are generally much lower than the full cost of services. If a patient has not met their deductible, they might owe the in-network cost of the appointment, which is typically a much lower, discounted rate compared to out-of-network providers.
2. Simplified Process: Navigating insurance claims can be confusing and time-consuming. A billing service takes this burden off the patient, handling all the paperwork and communication with the insurance company. Without this service, a patient may be expected to individually seek reimbursement from their insurance company or pay the cost in full.
3. Increased Access to Care: By lowering the financial barrier and administrative hassle, more people can access the mental health services they need. This is especially important in encouraging those who might otherwise avoid seeking help due to financial concerns.

Patient Responsibility and Insurance Determination

It is mandatory for providers to collect any copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles at the time of the appointment. This ensures compliance with insurance policies and prevents misunderstandings about payment responsibilities. However, it’s important to understand that any out-of-pocket costs are determined by your insurance company, not the clinicians or billing services. These costs are based on the specifics of your insurance plan, which is why verifying your benefits ahead of time is crucial.

Spotlight on Colony Care Behavioral Health

At Colony Care Behavioral Health, the emphasis is on providing comprehensive, accessible mental health services tailored to individual needs. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Diverse Range of Services: Colony Care offers a wide array of mental health services, including individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, psychiatric medication management, diagnostic evaluation, and integrated, holistic psychiatry. This allows patients to receive holistic care tailored to their specific needs.
• Experienced Clinicians: Colony Care affiliated clinicians are individually licensed, highly trained, and experienced professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists,- nurse practitioners, social workers, and mental health counselors. Their expertise spans various specialties and focus, allowing them to address a broad spectrum of mental health issues.
• Insurance Billing: Colony Care handles insurance billing directly, reducing the financial and administrative burden on patients. This service allows patients to focus on their treatment without worrying about upfront costs. By managing insurance claims, Colony Care ensures that patients can access the care they need without unnecessary delays or complications.
• Patient-Centered Approach: Colony Care Behavioral Health is dedicated to a patient-centered approach, ensuring that each individual receives personalized care. This approach begins by gathering information directly from the individual seeking care in order to support them to find in-network care from a clinician that can meet their clinical needs. Each clinician practices with a commitment to understanding each patient’s unique situation and tailoring treatment plans accordingly.

A Unique Benefit in the Marketplace

The ability to have your insurance billed directly by a provider is not only convenient but also a key differentiator in the marketplace. This service alleviates the immediate financial strain and administrative burden on patients, making mental health care more accessible. As mental health becomes increasingly recognized as a vital aspect of health care, services that reduce barriers to access are more important than ever.

A significant portion of mental health clinicians, including therapists and psychiatrists, do not accept insurance. Approximately half of psychiatrists in the United States choose not to participate in insurance networks, and the lack of participating clinicians is comparable among other license types.  This reluctance is largely due to low reimbursement rates and the administrative burdens associated with insurance billing. Such factors make it challenging for many providers to maintain financially viable practices while accepting insurance.

This situation significantly impacts access to mental health care. Patients often face higher out-of-pocket costs, longer wait times, and difficulty finding in-network providers. Choosing a provider like Colony Care Behavioral Health, which manages insurance billing, ensures patients can focus on their mental health journey without being overwhelmed by financial and administrative concerns. This unique benefit not only increases access to essential services but also promotes a healthier, more accessible approach to mental health care for everyone.

In conclusion, if you are considering mental health care, choosing Colony Care Behavioral Health can make a significant difference for you by increasing access through insurance billing. It ensures you can focus on your mental health journey without being overwhelmed by financial and administrative concerns. This unique benefit not only increases access to essential services but also promotes a healthier, more accessible approach to mental health care for everyone.

References

Anthem. (2021, April 29). Mental health treatment and health insurance: What you need to know. Anthem. Retrieved from https://www.anthem.com/blog/your-health/mental-health-treatment-and-health-insurance/

Arora, V. S., & et al. (2021, November 4). Why don’t more therapists accept insurance? Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-dont-more-therapists-accept-insurance

Cantor, M. (2020, August 3). Can’t find a psychologist who accepts insurance? Here’s why. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/contemporary-psychoanalysis-in-action/202008/cant-find-psychologist-who-accepts-insurance-heres-why

Kanagaraj, M. (2020, December 15). Here’s Why Mental Healthcare Is So Unaffordable & How COVID-19 Might Help Change This. Perspectives in Primary Care. Retrieved from https://info.primarycare.hms.harvard.edu/perspectives/articles/mental-health-unaffordable

Mann, B. (2021, September 21). Nearly half of psychiatrists do not accept insurance. NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/09/21/1039325296/nearly-half-of-psychiatrists-dont-take-insurance-and-it-s-getting-worse

Weiss, C. (2019, January 25). Mental health visits are five times more likely to be out of network. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/25/health/mental-health-out-of-network-insurance.html

When you’re ‘down and out’, or ‘feeling small’, will self-care act like a bridge over troubled waters? Forgive our music comparison, but exactly what part does self-care play in helping us overcome the stresses in life? Some say it’s a cure-all, while others are less enthusiastic about how much help it actually provides. May is Mental Health Awareness month and a great time to learn how to effectively use self-care for improved mental health.

Continue reading “How to Effectively Use Self-Care this Mental Health Awareness Month” →

Are you constantly juggling multiple tasks, outwardly successful but inwardly overwhelmed? You might be experiencing high-functioning anxiety—a silent struggle that deserves a closer look. Often individuals feel like they are wearing a mask to the world. Here are the signs to watch for and why scheduling an appointment with a mental health clinician could be your first step toward finding relief.

Continue reading “Signs You May Have High-Functioning Anxiety” →

These days we seem to live with continuous anxiety, and many of us think it’s the “new normal.” Are you constantly “down in the dumps?” In the course of a week, how many days are good days vs not so good? If you are sad and depressed most days, maybe you should find out why and get some help. When is it time to see a mental health professional?

Prolonged Sadness

Someone who wakes up every morning feeling sad or depressed might need some professional help. Is sadness preventing you from normal activities or socializing? Is it causing you to miss work or school? Is it affecting your relationships or caring for your children?

These are questions a mental health professional might be able to answer. If you know someone like this, don’t be reticent. Suggest they get help. If it’s you, follow your own advice.

When Stress Dominates Your Life

There are many legitimate reasons for stress in today’s world. Recovering from isolation during the pandemic, inflation making money issues a daily problem, crises in the world and in our communities, and so much more can all trigger stress for individuals.

Most people have some level of stress in their daily life, but they carry on. They go to work, do their job, raise their family, and have found a way to cope. On the other hand, others are stuck in stress. Some can’t even get out of bed. Others are paralyzed and see no future, have no will to move forward, and just give up. If this is you or someone you know, don’t let them drown in the stress. Encourage them to seek help.

Out of Control Mood Swings

One minute you are feeling OK, and the next you are angry and irritated. If you find yourself going back and forth from euphoria to depression, it’s time to act. This isn’t normal behavior. Definitely see a mental health professional with Colony Care through telemedicine or in Wellesley, Weymouth, or Arlington, MA.

Some Signs You May Need Therapy or a Mental Health Professional

• When you continuously feel overwhelmed and thinking you can’t do it all. This type of anxiety can affect your physical health.
• Always feeling fatigued, but there is no real medical issue.
• Feeling apathetic and losing all interest in life, friends, your job, and all activities you once loved.
• Feeling so lost, you are having thoughts about harming yourself.

If you’re experiencing the above signs, contact Colony Care to request an appointment to meet with a mental health professional. We can support you on your path to well-being. Though, If this is a life-threatening emergency, please contact 911 and/or present to your nearest emergency room. Your mental health matters, and we can help.

Children with ADHD can grow into adults with ADHD if it is never diagnosed or addressed. While it may be more evident in children, recognizing the symptoms and behaviors in adults, either in ourselves or those around us, is indeed possible. Research demonstrates up to 80% of adults with ADHD are undiagnosed. Let’s go through how to recognize and diagnose adult ADHD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Formerly, many believed ADHD would resolve by young adulthood, yet it is well understood and recognized that ADHD is a genuine, persistent, neurobehavioral condition in adulthood. People with ADHD might present as disorganized, inattentive, or facing challenges. They may struggle with meeting deadlines, take on too much, exhibit constant anxiety, or seem unable to complete tasks. It’s possible that this description resonates with individuals you know, including yourself. However, it’s crucial to understand that not everyone exhibiting such traits necessarily has ADHD.

Many people procrastinate and are messy, which may be ingrained characteristics or behaviors for some. Others may feel overwhelmed and struggle to meet the expectations of others–like a professor or a boss–or that they hold for themselves. Some people may struggle to focus and concentrate when they are feeling depressed. When these traits significantly affect their life, job, relationships, and overall success, it becomes imperative to consider formal evaluation. Many adults with symptoms of ADHD were never evaluated for ADHD as children and remain undiagnosed as adults. Through comprehensive interview and formal assessments, psychiatric providers at Colony Care can diagnose and treat adults in Massachusetts with ADHD or other conditions with similar symptoms.

Symptoms of Adult ADHD

Symptoms of ADHD in adults can be mild to severe. It is a persistent pattern of behavior, not something you go through briefly, for example during a period of high stress or following significant life change, and the symptoms have been present throughout one’s life.

Easily Distracted

We all can have trouble with focus on any given day, but if it is persistent, it could be ADHD. Does this person lose track of a conversation when something happens around them? Do they look at their phone in the middle of a meeting and never come back to what’s happening? Do you stare out the window at a bird when it flies by and forget what’s happening in front of you? Struggling to stay focused on the task at hand if there is any noise or visual stimuli at home or at work is a cardinal sign.

Impulsiveness

Being reckless, speeding while driving, talking out of turn, finding it hard to sit still, interrupting others, changing jobs frequently, or having persistent money problems can all be signs of ADHD in an adult.

Difficulty Stopping Activities or Behavior

Individuals with ADHD can become hyperfocused on a particular task or activity, making it difficult for them to stop, even when they should be shifting their attention to more important or time-sensitive matters. For example, they might get engrossed in a hobby or an online game and lose track of time. Some may attempt to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, hindering their ability to complete any one task effectively. Adults with ADHD may overeat or binge eat or spend excessive time on screens even when it interferes with their health or responsibilities.

Problems Following Through

Someone who never seems to finish projects large or small, can’t focus on the task at hand, and has difficulty prioritizing could be an adult with ADHD. Someone with many projects, and yet only 40% of each is complete, is limiting their success at work and home.

Poor Time Management

Always running late, underestimating time needed to complete tasks, unable to find keys or notes, and trouble multi-tasking are classic signs of poor time management skills.

Other symptoms include:

• Disorganization
• Frequent mood swings, quick to anger, impatience
• Trouble coping with stress
• Poor planning
• Nervous energy and restlessness
• Difficulty with focus and attention in tasks or leisure activities

Treatment for Adult ADHD

It is believed that almost 4.5% of adults in America have ADHD, and half of those have another health or mood disorder like depression or anxiety. Mood and anxiety disorders without ADHD are even more common, yet may share many similar symptoms, behaviors, and traits of people with ADHD.

Only a professional like the affiliated clinicians at Colony Care can diagnose ADHD. A comprehensive evaluation involves an interview, which may include rating scales, assessment tools, and collateral information. Colony Care Behavioral Health offers a specialized clinician decision support tool called the IVA-2, which assesses cognitive processing to render a precise diagnosis. If you think you, or someone you love, is exhibiting traits of an adult with ADHD, find a professional with experience who can help. Counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or prescription medications may be the right course of action for you. Contact Colony Care by requesting a new appointment or calling (781) 431-1177 if you suspect you may be dealing with adult ADHD and want help to overcome the behaviors affecting your day-to-day life.

In an era where healthcare expenses continue to rise, finding ways to save on medical costs has become an essential part of financial planning. Lively – a platform that empowers users to take control of their healthcare finances and make informed decisions.

By understanding the components of healthcare costs, utilizing Lively’s online HSA management tools, taking advantage of educational resources, and implementing practical tips, you can make informed decisions and save on healthcare expenses.

Discover how Colony Care can help you harness the power of Lively to save on healthcare costs by visiting their website: Lively Website

What is an HSA?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a special savings account that allows individuals to save money, often on a pre-tax basis, to pay for qualified medical expenses. HSAs are typically used in conjunction with high-deductible health insurance plans and offer tax advantages, making them an effective way to save for healthcare costs while reducing taxable income.

The funds in an HSA can be used for a wide range of medical expenses, including doctor’s visits, prescription medications, and other healthcare-related costs. Any unused money in the HSA can roll over from year to year, making it a long-term savings tool for healthcare expenses.

If you qualify, an HSA is a simple and clever way to cover medical expenses for both yourself and your dependents. Utilize Lively’s HSA Guide to learn more about HSAs as an effective tool for saving money that benefits you both now and in the future.

Understanding Healthcare Costs

Before diving into how Lively can assist in saving on healthcare costs, it’s crucial to understand the key components of these expenses:

• Premiums: The monthly fee you pay for your insurance plan.
• Deductibles: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
• Co-payments and Co-insurance: The portions of medical expenses you’re responsible for after meeting your deductible.

What is Lively?

Lively is more than just a health savings account (HSA) provider; it’s a comprehensive financial wellness platform designed to make managing healthcare costs easier and more efficient.

Here’s how you can use Lively to save on healthcare expenses:

• HSA Management: Lively simplifies the setup and management of HSAs, which offer tax advantages while helping you save for qualified medical expenses. By contributing to your HSA, you can reduce your taxable income and pay for medical costs with pre-tax dollars.
• Budgeting and Savings Tools: Lively offers various tools to help you budget for healthcare expenses. Set savings goals, track your contributions, and monitor your spending on medical services, all from a user-friendly dashboard.
• Learning Resources: Lively provides educational materials, including articles, webinars, and guides, to help users become more informed about healthcare costs, insurance plans, and saving opportunities. Accessing these resources equips you with the knowledge to make cost-effective healthcare decisions.

Lively HSA Eligibility: What You Need to Know

When it comes to eligibility for opening or contributing to an HSA through Lively, there are two key factors to consider: the ability to have an HSA at all and the maximum yearly contributions.

Requirements Related to Your Health Plan

To be eligible for an HSA, you must be covered by a specific type of health insurance plan known as a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). HDHPs come with lower monthly premiums compared to plans with lower deductibles. This makes them a good choice for individuals who don’t anticipate having frequent medical expenses or those who wish to save on their monthly healthcare costs.

HSAs do not have income restrictions, meaning anyone can use one and enjoy the associated tax benefits. For more details on your eligibility for an HSA, you can refer to IRS Publication 969 or review Lively’s account eligibility guide.

Tips for Maximizing Savings With Lively

To get the most out of Lively and learn how to save on healthcare costs effectively, follow these tips:

• Contribute Regularly: Make consistent contributions to your HSA to maximize your savings and tax benefits.
• Attend Lively Webinars: Attend webinars and educational sessions to enhance your understanding of healthcare finance.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with Lively’s resource center to remain informed about the latest healthcare cost-saving strategies and trends.
• Set Goals: Establish savings goals and actively monitor your progress within Lively’s platform.

Lively empowers you to take control, save more, and make informed decisions about your healthcare expenses, ensuring a healthier financial future.

Start your journey towards smarter healthcare spending with Lively today.

Healthcare costs are a significant part of your financial journey, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can navigate them successfully. Ready to start saving on healthcare costs? Visit Lively’s website partnered with Colony Care to learn more about their services and take control of your healthcare finances.

Tweens and teens are on a constant rollercoaster of emotions, and the hormonal changes don’t help the situation. Most parents can vividly remember their own teen years and what that time was like, but they didn’t have the challenges today’s kids deal with. Too much communication can be damaging to young kids, especially if it’s negative and/or threatening. Are you worried about your own child? Here’s what to do if you think your teen is struggling with mental health.

Our Communication Culture

Anyone can reach out to someone else in one instant. It occurs every second of every day, and teens are the most prolific. While adults may regularly use the internet for business, teens are overloaded with TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, DMs, voicemails, emails, text messages, and YouTube. Many teens spend their entire day on some of these platforms according to the Pew Research Center report from 2022.

Teen insecurity hasn’t changed over the decades, it is just more a part of their daily lives due to social media and the constant comparison to others. In addition to bullying in school, today’s teens are also faced with cyberbullying.

Signs of Emotional Distress in Teens

Is your tween or teen just being a “teenager” or is something more serious going on? There are some telltale signs that they may be in emotional distress and struggling with their mental health.

• Tiredness and loss of energy
• No interest in usual activities
• Change in appetite
• Social isolation
• Poor school performance and absences
• Less attention to hygiene
• Signs of self-harm
• Anger and irritability

Be aware that if your teen is wearing long sleeve shirts in the heat, it may be a way to cover up cutting and other types of self harm.

Teens may suddenly resort to drugs and alcohol when they are struggling.

What Should a Parent Do?

Talk with your teen one on one. Take them out for lunch or find a private place. Assure them you are concerned about their behaviors of late, and ask if there is anything you can do to help. Ask if anything is bothering them. If they don’t want to respond right away, just wait and be ready to listen.

Give them every opportunity to talk. Maybe let them know that you get depressed sometimes too, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Ask if they would like to talk to someone else.

Watch for any talk or signs of suicide, even if they appear to be joking. Don’t hesitate to call the Suicide & Crisis Help Line at 988.

If your child refuses to acknowledge anything is wrong, or if you become more concerned, there is always help.

If you or your child would like to speak with a licensed professional, contact Colony Care by Requesting an Appointment to schedule a mental health counseling or psychiatry appointment with one of our affiliated clinicians in Massachusetts. Our therapists and psychiatric providers are specially trained and experienced to help teens and parents overcome the difficulties of adolescence and improve their mental wellness.