By Dr. Jerry D. Smith Jr, Clinical & Forensic Psychologist
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As a clinical and forensic psychologist who has spent over two decades navigating the complexities of ADHD assessment and treatment — in both private practice and government settings — I’ve always been intrigued by the potential of innovative therapies. Most recently, I encountered discussions about Ozempic (semaglutide) p...
After nearly 20 years as a psychologist, I’ve learned two universal truths about humanity: first, we all have demons, and second, most of us are terrible at dealing with them. When I say “demons,” I don’t mean the kind that require a priest and some holy water. I’m talking about those nagging insecurities, old wounds, irrational fears, and the little voice in your head tha...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 (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 ...
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...
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...
Burnout in healthcare is not a new phenomenon, but it has become alarmingly prevalent in recent years. The global pandemic placed an unprecedented strain on healthcare systems, leaving providers exhausted, disillusioned, and, in many cases, questioning their purpose. As a psychologist working with the U.S. military and embedded within a hospital setting, I’ve witnesse...
When I first moved to Okinawa, adjusting to the unique challenges of working within a U.S. military hospital while navigating a foreign culture was both exhilarating and daunting. I distinctly remember sitting in a meeting about mental health services, hearing colleagues discuss the increasing levels of burnout among medical professionals. What struck me most was the...
When I moved to Okinawa, Japan, and began working with the U.S. military in a hospital setting, I wasn’t immediately struck by how intertwined physical and mental health truly are. It took years of listening to service members’ stories of chronic pain, depression, and substance use, compounded by the cultural stigma surrounding mental health, to realize how deeply the two are connect...
In an era where distractions lurk behind every screen, text notification, and even well-meaning coworker, the pursuit of genuine focus has become, for many of us, a challenge akin to climbing a mountain. But the pursuit of focus isn’t just about reducing distractions; it’s also about cultivating an internal environment that fosters presence, purpose, and, ultimately, productivity. ...
As a clinical and forensic psychologist working with the U.S. military in Okinawa, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative potential of integrated behavioral health (IBH). Every day, I engage with individuals whose mental health struggles intertwine with physical, emotional, and environmental factors. I’ve witnessed the profound impact of...
Japan, often admired for its rich culture, technological innovations, and vibrant history, faces an increasingly visible social challenge: social isolation (shakaiteki koritsu) and loneliness (kodoku). These phenomena are not new, but they have gained significant attention in recent years as Japan’s aging population and cultural dynamics converge...
Japan, a country known for its cultural richness, technological advancements, and deep historical roots, has long battled a pressing social issue: mental health, particularly related to suicide. Despite the nation’s global reputation for economic prosperity and a high quality of life, Japan has historically experienced elevated suicide ra...
In a world increasingly obsessed with quick fixes and Instagrammable quotes, self-help books are the secret sauce many hope will miraculously transform their lives overnight. But what if we donned our psychological spectacles and peered deeper into the ink-stained pages of the top 10 bestsellers in the genre? Let’s embark on a thrilling ride thr...
Posted by Breakthrough Psych Sol on Thursday, March 30, 2023,
Discover the lesser-known advantages of video games and how they contribute to improved mental health
Introduction:
When people think of video games, they often picture teenagers huddled around screens, engaging in virtual battles. However, there's more to gaming than meets the eye. Recent research has shown that playing video games can actually offer mental health benefits. In this blog post, we will explore some unique and little-known facts about these benefits, backed by real-world research...
