What is Summertime Sadness or summer-pattern Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder is not just for the cold, dark, winter months. It can also affect people when it is sunny and warm out, in which case it is known as summer-pattern SAD or summer depression. On the physiological side, Vitamin D can only be absorbed from the sun without sunscreen, so even if you are spending more time outdoors, you may remain Vitamin D deficient if you're protecting your skin with high SPF (we can’t win!). On the psychological side, social media is a large contributor to these feelings of summer sadness because when we see our friends, peers, or even strangers posting about their fun summer activities, we feel like the kid being excluded from the cool lunch table. It makes us feel friendless, alone, and unworthy. 

Because we know that therapy can be a financial investment for many people, we accept insurance and are an in network provider with all New York State Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Empire, Optum, Oscar, and United Health plans, and an approved out of network provider for all other commercial healthcare plans. We are also in network with Aetna and Spring Health EAP plans through your workplace benefits. We provide a boutique therapy experience without the high cost. Even if you do not have health insurance coverage that we accept, your mental health professional can work with you to understand your out of network benefits so that you can access affordable therapy.

Shining a Light: Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July marks an important observance in our calendar: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. It's a time dedicated to raising awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority communities and advocating for better support and resources. In a world where mental health is increasingly recognized as crucial to overall well-being, addressing the specific needs of our ethnically and racially diverse communities is an essential step towards achieving equity in healthcare. Read more in our blog.

June is a month of celebrations as the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies come together to celebrate Pride Month. While the festivities highlight the progress made towards equality and acceptance, it is also a time to reflect on the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly in the realm of mental health.

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Men’s Mental Health Month: Understanding Its Importance and Tips for Well-Being

June is Men's Mental Health Month, a dedicated time to bring attention to the mental health challenges faced by men and to promote the importance of seeking help and maintaining mental well-being. This month serves as a crucial reminder that mental health is an essential aspect of overall health, and that men, in particular, face unique barriers that need to be addressed.

Understanding Substance Use and Addiction: Mental Health Issues, Not a Moral Failing

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the complexities of mental health and the challenges faced by those who struggle with various conditions. We’re going to specifically focus on substance use and addiction as an often misunderstood issue. It's time we recognize addiction for what it truly is: a mental health challenge deserving of our understanding, empathy, and support.

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the significance of mental health and the support systems needed for those of us who are grappling with negative aspects of it. Mental health struggles can be isolating, overwhelming, intensely confusing, and often invisible to the naked eye. Yet, amidst the darkness, there can be light in the form of empathy, understanding, and unwavering support from loved ones. When we speak about mental health, we often only highlight the down sides of mental health struggles, and forget to mention the incredibly positive impact taking care of and supporting our mental health can have. 

Navigating Climate Anxiety: Acknowledging Fear and Taking Action

In recent years, a new term has entered our collective vocabulary: climate anxiety. This phenomenon reflects the growing concern and fear many people feel about the current and future state of our planet. As the consequences of climate change become increasingly apparent, more of us are experiencing heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and despair. The sense of impending doom can be overwhelming, so we’ve gathered some info and tips on how to acknowledge these feelings, support yourself through them, and find ways to cope and take action.

Unraveling the Misconceptions: Understanding Neurodivergence in ADHD and Autism

April 2nd is World Autism Day, and since we work with many adults with diverse diagnoses, we wanted to shed some light on neurodivergent conditions like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and how they’re commonly misunderstood. You probably know plenty of neurodivergent people and don’t even realize it, or maybe you’ll see some of your own traits in this blog! The term neurodivergent is an umbrella term that describes people who have different neurological abilities from those who are considered “typical” (though we don’t love that terminology since everyone’s brains are wildly different from one another!), which includes both ADHD and ASD. These conditions, though widely recognized, are often surrounded by misconceptions that can lead to stigma and alienation. 

Work Barbie: How the Ideal of "Having it All" Impacts Women's Mental Health and Ways to Combat It

In the pursuit of equality and empowerment, women have been encouraged to embrace the idea of "having it all:" a successfully balanced career, family, and personal life, without compromising any aspect. This concept, often symbolized by the iconic "Work Barbie," and highlighted in the recent Barbie movie, has been ingrained in societal expectations, portraying women as effortlessly managing multiple roles with impeccable grace, ease, and style. However, behind this façade lies a reality that can significantly impact women's mental health.

The Invisible Burden: Exploring the Disparities of Mental Load and its Impact on Women's Mental Health

As we celebrate Women's History Month, it's crucial to shine a light on issues that continue to affect women globally. One such issue, often overlooked yet profoundly impactful, is the mental load women bear within households. Often described as the “invisible work” of managing a household and family, the mental load encompasses everything from organizing schedules and finances to remembering birthdays and doctor appointments. While both partners in heterosexual couples may contribute to household tasks, studies consistently show that women disproportionately shoulder the mental burden.

Making Friends with Your Anxiety

For many of us, anxiety is the gremlin that follows us around in the shadows, always ready to flare up and accost us when we’re at our most vulnerable. You might know the pattern: you’re already worrying about the presentation, the meet-up, or the family event, when suddenly a switch is tripped, your nervous system kicks into overdrive, and your rational thoughts are hijacked by fear and dread.

Celebrating Black History Month: Addressing Mental Health Disparities in the Black Community

As February unfolds, the United States embarks on a month-long celebration of Black history, a time to honor and recognize the countless contributions, sacrifices, and ongoing difficulties faced by Black Americans throughout history. While it's essential to commemorate achievements and milestones, it is equally crucial to address the challenges faced by the Black community. One such pressing issue is the mental health disparities that persist, underscoring the need for awareness, understanding, and advocacy.

Setting Healthy Boundaries: What Self-Help Books Gloss Over and How To Stay on Track

The art of setting boundaries is one that many struggle with, but is a necessary and fundamental life skill that leads to healthy assertiveness, self-confidence, agency, and a positive self-image. Before we can set boundaries, we must identify the behaviors we deem acceptable and those we do not, and make decisions from there that prioritize our well-being without harming others. Essentially, boundaries connect the space where our individuality ends and the realm of others begins. Mastering this skill empowers us to navigate interpersonal dynamics with clarity and ensures a healthy balance between our own personal needs and social interactions that involve others. The good news is that setting boundaries is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and honed. Even better, the techniques for boundary setting are quite straightforward once you know where to begin.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: What is it, how does it work, and can it help my anxiety?

The demands and uncertainties of daily life can often take a toll on our mental health, especially as we kick off the new year, work/school responsibilities pick back up, and the holidays come to an end. During this time, the need for effective tools to alleviate anxiety becomes increasingly crucial. In our practice, many therapists are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a widely recognized and evidence-based therapeutic approach, which stands at the forefront in empowering our clients to manage and overcome anxiety. What does it really mean and is it the right therapy for you?

Tired of Failing at New Year's Resolutions? Here’s a Simple and Effective Strategy to Set You up for Success Instead.

As we head into a new year, you might start to think about New Year's Resolutions to help you reach the goals you want to achieve in the year ahead. That works well for some of us, but what about those of us who have the best intentions but end up falling short of our goals year after year? The research says to start with why you want to pursue those particular goals.

Navigating Holiday Stresses: Unleashing the Power of Mindfulness for Young Adults

As you gear up for the holiday season, the whirlwind of family gatherings, hometown nostalgia, and the seemingly endless calendar full of festivities can sometimes be overwhelming. Amidst the chaos, introducing mindfulness into your routine can be a game-changer, offering a way to find balance and presence to counter the heightened anxieties.