Ozempic and ADHD: Unraveling the Connection Between Metabolism and Attention

Dr. Jerry Don Smith Jr.

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As a clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in ADHD assessment and treatment, I’ve seen the complexities of this condition play out in countless ways. ADHD isn’t just about fidgety hands or wandering minds — it’s a condition deeply intertwined with broader systems in the body, including our metabolism. So, when my patients started asking about Ozempic, the popular ...

The Science Behind Ozempic: Could It Be a Game-Changer for ADHD?

Dr. Jerry Don Smith Jr.

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As a clinical and forensic psychologist who has spent over 15 years assessing and treating ADHD in settings as varied as federal prisons, military bases, and government disability evaluations, I’ve seen ADHD manifest in ways that are as unique as the individuals I work with. From the inmate who couldn’t sit through a single therapy session without interrupting 15 times to the Army sergeant...

Integrated Behavioral Health: The Military’s Secret Weapon for Mental Resilience

Dr. Jerry Don Smith Jr.

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Introduction: A Paradigm Shift in Mental Health Care

I remember the first time I sat across from a U.S. soldier struggling to put words to his pain. He had faced combat, loss, and the relentless demands of military life, yet he couldn’t identify what was wrong. “I feel… broken,” he said finally, his voice barely audible. This moment, which could have been dism...

The Ultimate Guide to Integrated Behavioral Health for Healthcare Leaders

Dr. Jerry Don Smith Jr.

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Redefining Leadership in Healthcare

Healthcare today is at a crossroads. The increasing prevalence of mental health disorders, substance use challenges, and chronic illnesses demands more than traditional medical approaches. For healthcare leaders — administrators, clinical directors, and policymakers — integrated behavioral health (IBH) offers not just a solution but a tr...

Integrated Behavioral Health: The Missing Piece in Mental Health Care

Dr. Jerry Don Smith Jr.

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Integrated behavioral health (IBH) is revolutionizing the way we think about and provide mental health care. At its core, it combines mental health services with primary and specialty medical care to treat the whole person. Yet, despite its transformative potential, IBH remains underutilized, and its benefits underexplored in many communities. Through my experiences as a clinical ...

Integrated Behavioral Health: Preparing for the Next Pandemic

Dr. Jerry Don Smith Jr.

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As a psychologist working within the U.S. military in a hospital setting, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges of managing public health crises. These challenges grow exponentially when mental health care systems are stretched thin and inadequately prepared for the cascading effects of a global event like a pandemic. Reflecting on my experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and my o...

The Controversial Truth About Integrated Behavioral Health Models

Dr. Jerry Don Smith Jr.

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Integrated behavioral health (IBH) has become a buzzword in healthcare circles, touted as a revolutionary model for addressing complex mental and physical health needs. As a clinical and forensic psychologist working in a hospital setting with U.S. military personnel, I have seen IBH’s promise firsthand — and its challenges. The truth about IBH is far more nuanced than the glowin...