Dr. Mark Schwarze

07/10/2025

Grief and loss are complicated.

When I think back on the losses I have experienced in my life, I always find it interesting to reflect on how different my emotional reactions were in those situations.

06/23/2025

We need more discussion in this area.

This past Father’s Day, some families across the country fired up the grill, bought gifts, and thanked the men in their lives for the love and support they give year-round.

06/02/2025

🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

June is a time to celebrate love, identity, courage, and community. We honor the history, resilience, and ongoing fight for equality led by LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies around the world.

Pride is more than a celebration, it’s a powerful reminder that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued for who they are.

Let’s learn from one another, and continue to build a world where authenticity is embraced and diversity is celebrated.

+ 🏳️‍🌈✨

05/12/2025

Congratulations to the 2025 App State Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program cohort on a successful hooding! This group has worked hard to get to the finish line under incredibly challenging circumstances. Great job!



Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University

05/08/2025

My May column is out. Feel free to share about this important topic.

COLUMN: We often say "mental health matters." I even named my column after this frequently stated truth. However, the actual truth is—whose mental health matters has not always been treated equally in the United States.

We often say “mental health matters.” I even named my column after this frequently stated truth. However, the actual truth is—whose mental health matters has not always been treated equally

04/03/2025

The latest edition of Mental Health Matters is now out!

We live in an era of deep political divisions. Social media, 24-hour news cycles, and an increasingly polarized society can make it feel impossible to escape the tension. Whether it’s

03/14/2025

Thanks to Richard Yep for the info below. DOGE cuts will devastate mental health care.

The news about DOGE cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will have a severe impact on some of those who are most vulnerable.

So many positive strides have been made thanks to the professionals at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) along with mental health advocates from professional societies and consumer advocacy groups. Here is what the recent and proposed cuts will mean:

• Impact on Critical Services: SAMHSA has already lost 10% of its staff, including those supporting the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline, with potential cuts of up to 70%. These reductions jeopardize essential services like naloxone distribution, opioid treatment program oversight, and mobile medication unit deployment, which are critical for rural areas.
• Achievements at Risk: SAMHSA’s efforts have contributed to a 24% decrease in overdose deaths from October 2023 to September 2024, reversing a two-decade trend. Cuts threaten this progress by undermining evidence-based prevention and treatment programs.
• 988 Lifeline Vulnerability: The 988 Lifeline, which has handled 14 million contacts since July 2022, is at risk due to staff reductions. A quarter of the team working on 988 awareness campaigns has already been cut, potentially worsening the nation’s su***de crisis.
• Widespread Consequences: Cuts could clearly lead to poorer health outcomes, increased relapse rates, and strain on healthcare systems. Programs like the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant and the Mental Health Block Grant, which serve millions, are also endangered.

HHS needs to halt further cuts until Congress is fully informed of their impact on overdose deaths, su***des, and access to behavioral health services.

03/06/2025

The March 2025 edition of "Mental Health Matters" is published in the Watauga Democrat.

In this crazy time, knowing the difference between anxiety and worry can be helpful. Enjoy.

In today’s unpredictable and rapidly-moving world, feeling anxious from time to time is a natural part of life. Whether it’s worrying about an upcoming deadline, feeling nervous before a big

03/03/2025

It was nice to attend the North Carolina Counseling Association’s annual conference this past weekend. I am honored to have been President of this organization in 2019-20. We were able to get some past and present presidents for this picture.

02/24/2025

For those of you attending the North Carolina Counseling Association conference in Charlotte this week, be sure to stop by and see me as I talk about important things to know about neurobiology of addiction.

02/07/2025

Sometimes it feels difficult to know how to advocate. Here is a concrete way you can have your voice heard today.

Above is the phone number for the U.S. Capitol switchboard where an operator will connect you directly with the office you request. Let your members of Congress know how you feel. It matters.

02/05/2025

The February edition of "Mental Health Matters" is up. In these cold days of winter, our moods can really suffer, but sometimes, it's more complicated than that.

Watauga Democrat

From time to time, we all feel down. Sometimes it’s a nagging sense of sadness, sometimes it’s a low mood that saps our energy. However, distinguishing between temporary sadness, often