Holiday Stress & Substance Use — Prevention and Support Strategies The holiday season is often portrayed as joyful and fulfilling, but for many individuals it can be a time of stress, emotional triggers, and increased vulnerability to substance use. Understanding why holidays can intensify challenges, and knowing how to access effective support, is key to…
Using Seasonal Change as a Reset for Mental Wellness As the crisp air and golden light of fall arrive, many people feel an intuitive pull toward reflection. The transition from summer’s intensity to autumn’s calm can be more than aesthetic—it can be psychological. In Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks, where community and wellness intersect, fall…
What Is Kratom and Why Is It Rising in Use? Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant native to Southeast Asia that has stimulant-like effects at low doses and opioid-like effects at higher doses. In recent years, kratom products have quietly made their way into Ventura County, often sold in smoke shops, convenience stores, and gas…
Parents: Is Your Teen Vaping at School? As your teen heads back to school, nicotine addiction may not be the first concern on your mind. But vaping devices are now common on school campuses, often disguised as USB drives or pens. For many students, “just trying it with friends” quickly escalates into daily use and,…
“Crashing out” has become a trending phrase in Gen Z social media circles, referring to sudden irritations and emotionally overwhelmed breakdowns rooted in overstimulation and exhaustion. While the phrase can offer a sense of shared experience, experts warn that normalizing breakdowns may sidestep emotional literacy and healthy coping strategies. Without professional support, these episodes may evolve…
Personality Disorder Testing Neuropsychological evaluations are designed to assess core cognitive functions such as: Memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functioning Identify the impact of conditions like ADHD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, or dementia; Evaluate the role of emotional and psychological factors—especially anxiety, depression, trauma, or personality traits—that may be influencing performance; and provide…
Over 19 million Americans continue to struggle with substance addiction, and as of 2025, addiction-related costs have surpassed $7.3 billion annually in prevention efforts, treatment services, and criminal justice responses (SAMHSA, 2025). The evolving science behind addiction compels researchers, clinicians, and advocates to revisit long-held beliefs about the nature of addiction—and how best to help…
“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” – Eleanor Brownn Mental health professionals are trained to hold space for others—but who holds space for the therapist? The work of psychologists, counselors, and social workers is deeply human, emotionally demanding, and often invisible in its toll. Despite their clinical training, many professionals…
The Psychological Significance of Mental Health Awareness Month Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a campaign—it’s a collective psychological intervention. As we enter 2025, the urgency around mental well-being has intensified. The ongoing ripple effects of the pandemic, coupled with political uncertainty, economic stress, and global unrest, have contributed to a widespread mental health…
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