What does Gratitude have to do with it? by Sharon Joag, LSW, MSW, Psychotherapist at Oaks Integrated Care Outpatient Services “Not having the best situation, but seeing the best in YOUR situation is the Key to Happiness.” – Marie Forleo The month of September is Recovery month in the United States, and was established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 1989. The word journey literally means “a long trip”, where one physically travels to another country or to another continent. A physical journey can be personally transformative, changing an individual’s perspective on life, which in turn can lead to personal growth and development. But journey is also a metaphor which signifies a personal life [...]

Every September, Suicide Prevention Month reminds us that hope and healing are possible—and that none of us should walk through pain alone. One of the most effective ways to prevent suicide is through peer support: connecting with someone who has lived experience and understands what it feels like to struggle. Why Peer Support Matters When a person is thinking about suicide, they often feel like no one can truly relate to what they’re going through. Peer support helps bridge that gap. Talking with someone who has faced similar challenges creates an authentic bond that reduces isolation, breaks down stigma, and opens the door to healing. Peer specialists—individuals who have lived experience with mental health challenges—bring a unique level of [...]

September is National Recovery Month, a time to honor the strength of individuals and families on the journey of recovery and to highlight treatment pathways that support healing. Recovery from addiction is not a one-size-fits-all process, and for some, creative approaches like art therapy play an important role in improving mental and emotional well-being. A Creative Outlet for Healing Addiction can take away a person’s sense of control and connection. Art therapy offers a safe way to explore feelings that may be difficult to express in words. Through painting, drawing, clay modeling, or other creative outlets, individuals can process trauma and manage stress in new ways. Building Coping Skills and Self-Discovery Recovery from substance use disorders involves developing healthy tools for [...]

On Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, we pause to remember the lives lost, support grieving families, and shine a light on a crisis that affects us all. Behind every statistic is a loved one, a neighbor, a co-worker, or a friend whose life matters. Yet too often, stigma silences these stories. Shame and misunderstanding create barriers to treatment, isolate families, and keep people from reaching out for the help they need. At Oaks Integrated Care, we believe compassion must replace judgment. It’s time to break the silence and support those who need it most. Join the Movement Overdose Awareness Day is more than remembrance—it’s a call to action. Here’s how you can be part of the solution through our [...]

Can we ever trust again? It’s a question that echoes through the hearts of families affected by addiction. Broken promises, missed milestones, and painful memories can leave deep scars. When a loved one begins the recovery journey, hope returns, but so does uncertainty. Will this be just like the last time? Can I put our family through this again? Rebuilding trust is possible, but it takes time, consistency, and support. Why Trust Feels So Fragile Addiction impacts the whole family. Loved ones may have endured years of secrecy or disappointment. They may want to believe in change but worry about the revolving door of relapses. The tension between love and self-protection makes trust one of the hardest parts of [...]

Heading back to campus is exciting—new classes, new friends, and a fresh start. But the transition to college also brings new challenges. Between academic pressures, social changes, and being away from home, many students experience stress and anxiety. That’s why creating a mental health toolkit can be just as important as packing dorm essentials. Think of it as your personal set of strategies and resources to help you stay balanced and care for your emotional well-being throughout the semester. What to Include Grounding Practices Simple techniques like deep breathing, journaling, or taking a short walk can help calm your mind during stressful moments. Try experimenting with different practices until you find what works best for you. Digital Supports There are plenty [...]

During Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on how racism is not just a social issue, it’s a public health issue. For many BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals, racial trauma is a daily, lived experience that takes a toll not only on emotional well-being but also on physical health. What is Racial Trauma? Racial trauma, also called race-based traumatic stress, is the emotional and psychological distress caused by encounters with racism, discrimination, and microaggressions. It can stem from individual experiences or be passed down through generations. Examples include: Racial profiling or police violence Discrimination at work, school, or in healthcare Exposure to racist imagery or language in media Generational [...]

Pride Month is a time to celebrate visibility, resilience, and the vibrant identities of the LGBTQ+ community. But while the month of June brings parades and progress, it’s also a crucial time to reflect on the unique mental health challenges that many transgender and non-binary individuals face year-round. At Oaks Integrated Care, we believe in providing compassionate, inclusive mental health support to every individual, regardless of gender identity or expression. Here’s a closer look at why this matters. A Disproportionate Mental Health Burden Transgender and non-binary individuals experience significantly higher rates of mental health conditions compared to the general population. According to The Trevor Project: 41% of transgender and non-binary youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. [...]