Weekly Update: 5 Stories in Mental Health News January 31st

Oklahoma Counseling Institute Continues Article Series on Evidenced-Based Care  

How can behavior activation strategies help clients experiencing depression? What does the research suggest to be an effective form of self-care for mental health clinicians? Learn more on the Oklahoma Counseling Institute. 

Researchers Examine Risk and Prevention of Suicidal Ideation Among Native Americans 

Native American communities experience the highest rates of suicide in the United States. Researchers have highlighted the importance of incorporating culturally congruent suicide prevention programs and therapeutic interventions in aiming to reduce the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors among indigenous Americans. Read more on CNN. 

Oklahoma Bill Would Excuse School Absences Due to Mental Health Treatment 

If passed into law, House Bill 1035 would mandate that Oklahoma schools excuse students from class if nonattendance is due to mental health or occupational therapy. State Representative Jacob Rosencrants stated that many of his constituents have voiced concerns that their school districts currently count absences related to mental health treatment as unexcused. Read more on CBS. 

City of Oklahoma City Partners with Northcare for MAPS 4 Project 

The City of Oklahoma City has partnered with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Northcare for the opening and operation of a new mental health crisis center and restoration center, respectively. The MAPS 4-funded Mental Health and Addiction Project will create a crisis facility, housing, and a restoration center with medically supervised detox, counseling, and case management. Learn more on KFOR. 

Researchers Survey Mental Health and Wellbeing of 2LGBTQIA+ Youth 

A Survey from the Trevor Project found that 34% of 2SLGBTQIA+ respondents between the ages of 13 and 24 reported that they did not expect to live beyond the age of 35-years-old. A researcher with the Trevor Project reported that members of the 2SLBGTQIA+ community are more likely to experience life stressors and mental health concerns compared to their peers. Read more on Healthline.  

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Want to learn more about news in mental health in Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, and beyond? Check out the counselinginstitute.org to stay in the know! There, you'll find resources on 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming care, trainings on suicide prevention, and articles on upcoming legislation!