Technology is a significant and even imperative part of daily life for most people. Computers, phones, tablets, and other “smart” devices have long since become mainstream and utilized across all sectors of society, all cultures and ages. These devices keep us all constantly connected to the internet and to each other, making virtually any piece of information available to us at any time. Applications or "apps" on computers and smart devices have digitized various services to make them more convenient. It often seems as though anything in life is already a ‘click’ away, and the amount of tasks that can be accomplished online seems to expands everyday. As a growing number of services are becoming available online, mental health has been gradually following suit.

Health providers from all fields have used technology professionally for years, beginning with the use of the computer for internal communication and pagers to reach doctors urgently, to now using electronic medical records and patient portals which can create ready access for patients to contact their doctor and review medical information on demand. Likewise, therapists have also utilized phone calls to conduct therapy at a distance and “check in” on their patients in between office visits, when necessary. However, as the capabilities of technology grow,  the mental health field is grabbling with how to adapt.  What was once thought to be successful only in a face to face, in person setting, technology is  proving that mental health treatment can be effectively provided at a distance, and is now bridging large gaps in access to mental health care. Today’s  technology includes apps for both computers and wireless devices that complement or supplement treatment, websites that support talk therapy in various forms, as well as various digitized manual based treatments that can, in some cases, replace the need for face-to-face treatment. 

At INTERFACE Referral Service, we focus on connecting members of our communities with mental health providers. We also value the importance of learning about the mental health conditions that may be affecting your thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood.

Therefore, we have created "Mental Health Topic Pages". The majority of our topic pages will direct you to Network of Care Massachusetts! Network of Care Massachusetts has a library database of over 30,000 fact sheets and articles. Topics on behavioral health issues are written by leading experts and organizations in their fields.

What is a Developmental Disorder?

A developmental disorder is a broader term encompassing several disorders. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition, (DSM 5), (2013) includes a new chapter about developmental disorders entitled, “Neurodevelopmental Disorders.” The new category includes intellectual disability (Intellectual Developmental Disorder), communication disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, specific learning disorder, and motor disorders.

What is Intellectual Disability?

An estimated 3 million Americans have intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Intellectual and developmental disabilities are usually present at birth and limit the growth trajectory of physical, intellectual, and/or emotional aspects of a person’s development.   The term developmental disabilities refers to a broad range of dysfunction in physical, intellectual, and emotional health.   

What is Forensic Psychology?

Forensic psychology is the combination of law and psychology. It is the application of psychology within a wide range of legal contexts. These include: civil (non-criminal) matters such as child custody proceedings in divorce, guardianships, personal injury lawsuits, child requiring assistance (CRA), and involuntary civil commitments to psychiatric units; criminal matters such as competence to stand trial, criminal responsibility, or aids in sentencing; juvenile delinquency or youthful offender matters where youth are charged with crimes; and administrative law proceedings such as special education appeals or licensure complaints against professionals.

Why might you need a Forensic Psychologist?

One role of the forensic psychologist is to provide forensic evaluations to the court.  Forensic evaluations commonly address nonclinical issues as any clinical issues presented tend to serve as background information.  The client will often enter into a forensic evaluation as mandated by a judge or court and, as findings will be submitted to a court of law, it is of optimal importance for the forensic psychologist to determine accuracy of the client’s report.  Forensic evaluations tend to be less treatment-oriented and occur over a shorter period of time due to time constraints set by the court or judge.

Use of Apps for Mental Health and Wellness

Many people experience barriers to receiving mental health treatment. Whether it is a busy schedule, transportation problems, or financial concerns, it can be difficult to maintain consistent appointments with a mental health provider. Below is a list of helpful mental health applications that can be used on your mobile device. Many of them are free for users, and the rest are purchasable for a small fee.  These applications help with a range of mental health needs – including maintaining daily balance and wellness, reducing stress, and reinforcing concepts related to treatment.   

At INTERFACE Referral Service, we focus on connecting members of our communities with mental health providers. We also value the importance of learning about the mental health conditions that may be affecting your thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood.

Therefore, we have created "Mental Health Topic Pages". The majority of our topic pages will direct you to Network of Care Massachusetts! Network of Care Massachusetts has a library database of over 30,000 fact sheets and articles. Topics on behavioral health issues are written by leading experts and organizations in their fields.


Common Mental Health Challenges Experienced by Immigrants and Refugees

Refugees and immigrants to the U.S. experience unique stresses, prejudice, and poverty.  These individuals and families can be considered at-risk subpopulations for health, emotional, and behavioral problems, and, in the case of children, learning and academic difficulties as well (APA resolution on Immigrant Children, Youth, and Families, 2016). 

Some of the mental-health related issues faced regularly by immigrants and refugees include:

At INTERFACE Referral Service, we focus on connecting members of our communities with mental health providers. We also value the importance of learning about the mental health conditions that may be affecting your thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood.

Therefore, we have created "Mental Health Topic Pages". The majority of our topic pages will direct you to Network of Care Massachusetts! Network of Care Massachusetts has a library database of over 30,000 fact sheets and articles. Topics on behavioral health issues are written by leading experts and organizations in their fields.

Suicide

Many people have fleeting thoughts of death. Fleeting thoughts of death are less of a problem and are much different from actively planning to try suicide. Your risk of suicide is increased if you think about death and killing yourself often, or if you have made a  suicide plan.

Most people who seriously consider suicide do not want to die. Rather, they see suicide as a solution to a problem and a way to end their pain. People who seriously consider suicide feel hopeless, helpless, and worthless. A person who feels hopeless believes that no one can help with a particular event or problem. A person who feels helpless is immobilized and unable to take steps to solve problems. A person who feels worthless is overwhelmed with a sense of personal failure.

Source: Network of Care Massachusetts

To learn more, visit these Network of Care Resources:

Suicidal Thoughts or Threats

Suicide Threats: What to Do