Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services

05/06/2026

Today, we are honored to spotlight Dr. Michael Lester, a psychologist with the Evaluation Center at Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services. Dr. Lester also works with Pine Grove’s Professionals Recovery Track, where he helps guide daily group therapy focused on professionalism for individuals receiving residential treatment.

Dr. Lester brings a strong background in counseling psychology, assessment, research, and evidence-based care. He earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees in Counseling Psychology from The University of Southern Mississippi and completed his pre-doctoral internship at the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System.

His clinical interests include the treatment and assessment of personality disorders, and his research has focused on improving understanding around evidence-based therapies, treatment response, risk communication, and psychometrics.

We are grateful for the knowledge, care, and dedication Dr. Lester brings to Pine Grove and to those we serve.

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we’re taking a closer look at something many of us don’t always see clearly: the impact of the digital world on our mental health.

Scrolling seems harmless. One more video. One more post. One more hour.

But over time, constant comparison, unrealistic expectations, online negativity, and screen overload can quietly affect how we feel, how we think, and how we see ourselves, especially for children and teens who are still learning who they are.

This month is about awareness, but also action.
Reach out. Start the conversation. Healing can begin with something as simple as being heard.
1-888-574-HOPE
pinegrovetreatment.com

05/04/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. And sometimes, that care starts with something simple as reaching out.

If you’ve been carrying more than usual. If your thoughts feel heavy and you’re just tired of trying to handle everything on your own, you don’t have to.

Talking to someone doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’re choosing yourself. It means you’re giving yourself the same care and compassion you give everyone else.

Whether it’s a trusted friend, a family member, or a professional, that first conversation can make a difference.

At Pine Grove, we’re here to listen, when you’re ready. No pressure. Just support.
If today feels like the day to reach out, we’re here.
1-888-574-HOPE
pinegrovetreatment.com

05/02/2026

At Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services, compassionate care is at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to spotlight Abbigale Nguyen of our Gratitude program.
Abbigale is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Clinical Therapist who brings warmth, understanding, and dedication to every patient and family she serves. A graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, she completed her internship right here at Pine Grove within our Professional Enhancement and Gratitude programs before continuing her journey as part of our team.

Trained in EMDR and Gottman Couples Therapy Levels I & II, Abbigale approaches therapy through a trauma-informed and compassionate lens, helping patients and their loved ones navigate healing, connection, and hope. Her integrated approach combines systems therapy, narrative therapy techniques, and deep empathy to support recovery for the whole family.

We are thankful for the heart, knowledge, and care Abbigale brings to the Gratitude program each and every day.
1-888-574-HOPE
pinegrovetreatment.com

05/01/2026

At Pine Grove, we frequently see how avoidance overlaps with anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions and addiction. Learning healthier ways to respond to discomfort is a turning point in recovery for many people. https://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/blog/2026/04/why-avoidance-isnt-a-useful-long-term-strategy

05/01/2026

The latest episode of Beyond the Grove with David Sellers is now available to WATCH on YouTube!

This meaningful conversation explores spirituality, meditation, healing, and recovery in a powerful and uplifting way.

Watch the full episode now on our YouTube channel.

Episode 6: Spirituality

04/30/2026

Summer break often brings more downtime, less routine, and increased screen time for children and teens. While technology can be helpful and entertaining, excessive or unhealthy screen use can sometimes impact mental health by contributing to anxiety, mood changes, sleep disruption, isolation, and difficulty disconnecting from online spaces.

For some children, summer can also increase feelings of loneliness, comparison, or emotional overwhelm when social media and screens begin replacing real-world connection and structure. That’s why it’s so important for families to pay attention not only to how much time kids spend online, but also how that time is affecting their emotional well-being.

At Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services, we want families to know they are not alone. Our team is here year-round to support children, teens, and families navigating mental health challenges, emotional struggles, and the growing impact technology can have on everyday life.
1-888-574-HOPE
pinegrovetreatment.com

04/29/2026

The latest episode of Beyond the Grove is now streaming! This week, we sit down with David Sellers for a powerful and uplifting conversation about spirituality, meditation, healing, and what it truly means to find peace in the middle of life’s challenges.

No matter where you are on your journey, this episode is filled with honest conversation, encouragement, and moments that may help you slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself and those around you.
Because healing doesn’t stop here… and neither does hope.
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Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services' new podcast, Beyond the Grove, takes listeners inside meaningful conversations about mental health, recovery, and the journey toward healing. Each episode shares expert insights and real stori...

04/27/2026

Last week, our Pine Grove team was out in the community doing what we love most, showing up, connecting, and making a difference.

Amanda represented Pine Grove at the National Drug Diversion Investigators Conference, continuing important conversations around safety and awareness.

Katie joined fellow professionals at the Mississippi Association of Addiction Professionals, strengthening partnerships and staying at the forefront of addiction care.

And Colleen spent time with students from Sacred Heart High School, sharing knowledge and helping educate the next generation about mental health and recovery.

This is what it means to be part of Pine Grove, meeting people where they are, building connections, and creating hope in every space we enter.

04/24/2026

Mark your calendar for next Wednesday. The newest episode of Beyond the Grove features David Sellers in a meaningful conversation about spirituality, recovery, and the hope that can help light the way forward for individuals and families alike. This episode is uplifting, impactful, and filled with insight you will not want to miss.

04/23/2026

Trauma-related physical symptoms are notoriously challenging to diagnose. You may seek medical care but receive inconclusive results, causing you to question whether your experiences are valid. Many doctors focus solely on physical explanations without considering the emotional side of the equation, making patients living with trauma feel dismissed or belittled. https://www.pinegrovetreatment.com/blog/2026/04/understanding-the-physical-symptoms-of-emotional-pain