C&A'S BLOG
What is a QMHS? How are they different from a Case Manager or Therapist?
Do you know what a Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS) is and how they differ from a case manager or therapist? Most people have some knowledge regarding case management but are not as familiar with the term Qualified Mental Health Specialist. By definition, a case manager helps their patients understand their options concerning the specific situation they are dealing with at the time. A case manager is a liaison between patients and their treatments or care options. Case managers are available in a variety of areas including substance … Continued
What if weed is legalized in Ohio?
Last summer, *The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol launched an effort to legalize marijuana use in Ohio for adults only. The proposed law, “Legalizes and regulates the cultivation, manufacture, testing and sale of marijuana and marijuana products to adults aged 21 and up. Legalizes home grow for adults aged 21 or older with a limit of six plants per person and 12 plants per household.” The proposal narrowly missed the deadline and will likely be on the ballot in 2023. Marijuana laws are changing at a rapid … Continued
Has legalizing marijuana increased adolescent usage?
I recently attended the 2022 Cannabis Summit, hosted by The Ohio State University School of Social Work. One of the presentations was of particular interest in light of Ohio’s ongoing push to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Colorado legalized marijuana for medical use in 2000, medical marijuana became commercialized in 2010 and retail marijuana was legalized in 2012. The seminar, “Colorado Experience with Cannabis Legalization” provided some very interesting data that prompted a response from me. I reached out to Dr. Brad Conner, associate professor and director of … Continued
Understanding and being an ally the “T” in LGBTQ+
June is designated as Pride Month across the world. Recently, Stark County held its First Pride Festival at Centennial Plaza. In Part 1 of this blog series, information was provided to define sexual orientation/gender identification and how you can be an ally to an LGBTQ+ adolescent. In the second part of this LGBTQ+ series, C&A is providing information to expand your knowledge and become an ally for everyone in this community! This post will answer the question “What’s the T?” in LGBTQ+ as well as exploring other gender … Continued
How can you be an ally to a LGBTQ+ adolescent?
June is PRIDE month in the United States. This year, Stark County’s LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) Community is sponsoring a PRIDE Festival June 11 at Centennial Plaza. As the LGBTQ+ becomes more known in the country, there is a chance you likely know someone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community. If you identify with the LGBTQ+, know that you are not alone in your reactions, your reaction is valid, and that you are on a path that many have been on before! If you … Continued
What are you doing this May for National Mental Health Awareness Month?
Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health (C&A) has many activities taking place throughout the month to bring awareness to youth mental health. Gratitude is an excellent self-care tip. There are multiple ways for you to give and express your gratitude by participating in these events. So, how may you express a grateful heart that benefits C&A and gives you a sense of self-care? Here are some different ways. Canton Round-Up C&A is sponsoring its first Canton Round Up. The Canton Round Up is a way for community members to … Continued
A week of positivity for 52,000 Stark County Students
Stark County Schools Mental Health Awareness Week is May 2-6. This week, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health (C&A’s) and its community partners are using this opportunity to bring positive mental health awareness to more than 50,000 students all across Stark County. Fifteen Stark County school districts have selected at least one student to discuss how that student views mental health. These students are known as a Stark County “mental health champion.” All 27 student mental health champions created a short video answering a question about how they view … Continued
What are signs your child may be autistic?
April is Autism Acceptance Month. With the number of individuals diagnosed with autism increasing every year, there has been a transition from autism awareness to autism acceptance. The journey toward acceptance begins with education. So, what is autism? Autism Spectrum Disorder is a life-long developmental disorder that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, meaning that people with autism may share certain difficulties; however, their condition will affect … Continued
What are some individuals gay while others are not?
As clinicians, we often hear the acronym LGBTQIA+ in reference to those with a variety of gender identities and sexual orientations. But are you aware of what those letters stand for? The abbreviation refers to various gender identities and sexual orientations including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Ally. The ‘+’ in the acronym can include various other identities including pansexual, demigirl, demiboy, gender non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender fluid, asexual, and aromantic. As this is a growing field, new identities and terms are emerging, and it becomes … Continued
Unlocking mental stress for students in extracurriculars
A freshman in high school begins his first ever varsity football season. He must wake up early in the morning to catch the bus to school. He is taking CCP classes and several other challenging courses. He is a smart student, but he still needs time to study. He has two free study hall periods during the school day. He uses this time to study and complete assignments. However, these two mods are only 40 minutes long. After the final bell lets out, he has to rush down … Continued