Mission Harbor Behavioral Health

09/08/2025

This week is Su***de Prevention Week, a time to remember that every conversation, act of compassion, and moment of awareness can save lives.

In the US, roughly one person dies by su***de every 11 minutes. Among veterans, the numbers are even more alarming. The overall veteran su***de rate is 1.5 times higher than the general population, and female veterans are 2.1 times more likely to die by su***de. (NAMI)

These aren’t just numbers—they are our friends, neighbors, and fellow service members. Awareness, open conversations, and early intervention can truly make a difference.

What you can do:
✅ Check in with people in your life and listen without judgment
✅ Encourage professional support through counselors or VA resources
✅ Watch for warning signs like withdrawal, mood changes, or talk of hopelessness
✅ Help create a safety plan and keep crisis numbers handy

If you or a veteran you know is struggling, click the link in our bio to connect with our team and access resources.

Together, we can turn awareness into action and make sure no veteran faces these struggles alone.

09/02/2025

Back from a long weekend? Many workplaces experience a surge in call volume early in the week, especially on “Telephone Tuesday”, which can contribute to heightened stress and mental fatigue.

Some industries like healthcare and insurance see up to 80% more calls than usual on Telephone Tuesday—driven by tasks like scheduling appointments or sorting weekend follow-ups.
60% of employees feel emotionally detached at work, and only 13% feel comfortable discussing mental health issues at all. (spill.chat)

** Why this matters:**
Telephone Tuesday can feel like a productivity squeeze, constant calls, shifting priorities, and the pressure to keep up can chip away at focus, emotional reserves, and overall wellbeing.

Wellness Tips:

Batch your calls: Group similar topics or contacts to minimize context switching and give your brain a breather.

Take micro–breaks between calls: Even 2–3 minutes of deep breathing, a stretch, or stepping outside can ease stress and reset focus.

Acknowledge the volume spike: Sharing with your team that today feels especially busy can reduce internal pressure and foster mutual support.

Set soft boundaries: Let others know when you’ll be available for calls, and stick to that window to protect your workflow.

Prioritize tasks: Handle high-impact or energized ones first. Less pressing items? Move them to a quieter part of the week.

Connect intentionally: After a call-heavy morning, check in with a colleague, friend, or even a mental health resource for a moment of emotional recharging.

08/26/2025

Back-to-school season is here! For many college students, it’s an exciting time—but it can also come with real mental health challenges.

Did you know?
Nearly 40% of students experience a substance use disorder within a year, yet fewer than 5% receive treatment.
64.7% of students feel lonely, and those students are more than 4x as likely to experience severe psychological distress.

The good news?
Support is available. Insurance often covers behavioral health and addiction treatment, and students under 26 can stay on their parents’ plans. Plus, 151 campuses nationwide offer Collegiate Recovery Programs with housing, peer mentorship, and supportive communities.

At Mission Harbor Behavioral Health, we help students in Southern California balance recovery and college life through outpatient rehab and mental health services.

👉 Learn more by clicking the link below: “Does Insurance Cover Rehab for College Students? What You Need to Know.”
https://sbtreatment.com/blog/does-insurance-cover-rehab-for-college-students-what-you-need-to-know/

College is an exciting time of life for many students. For the first time, they’re away from parents, and they’re learning what it’s like to make their own decisions, which can include taking some responsibility...

08/19/2025

Mission Harbor is proud to sponsor Understanding the PersonBrain™ Model: A Neuro-Relational Approach to Trauma-Informed Care with Paul Baker, PhD.

This continuing education session introduces the PersonBrain™ Model, a neuroscience-based, trauma-informed framework helping youth heal through safety, connection, and growth. Dr. Baker will share practical tools for clinicians, educators, and caregivers to better support youth across six key areas of development.

📅 Friday, Sept. 26 | 9:00 AM–12:30 PM
📍 Casa Pacifica | 3 CE credits available

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn directly from the creator of the PersonBrain™ Model.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-the-personbraintm-model-a-neuro-relational-approach-to-trauma-registration-1505240828839?aff=erelexpmlt

Join us for our next Continuing Education presentation with Paul Baker, PhD, creator of the PersonBrain™ Model

08/12/2025

Social media shapes mental health, especially for young and vulnerable people. While it connects us, it can also increase anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress.

Research shows that online negativity hits the brain like real emotional pain (ScienceDirect, 2025). Constant exposure to unrealistic lifestyles fuels self-doubt and inadequacy.
The conversation about representation and unrealistic standards is more important than ever.

What can we do?
• Champion diverse, authentic voices in media
• Raise mental health awareness and share resources
• Encourage mindful social media use and real-world connections

Together, let’s build a safer, healthier digital space for all. Click the link in our bio to connect with one of our mental health professionals to learn more.

08/12/2025

What if healing trauma meant reimbursing youth for the developmental experiences they missed?

Join us Friday, September 26, for our next Continuing Education presentation with Dr. Paul Baker, creator of the PersonBrain™ Model, a trauma-informed framework grounded in neuroscience, developmental theory and relational practice.

"Understanding the PersonBrain™ Model: A Neuro-Relational Approach to Trauma-Informed Care" is sponsored by the Tri-County Collaborative, Betty Ford Center, Engage, and Mission Harbor Behavioral Health, a full continuum of care serving the behavioral health needs of children, adolescents, and adults in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4lY64a4

08/05/2025

Looking for mental health support or wondering what your insurance covers?
If you’re a California resident with Kaiser Permanente insurance, you may have access to a wide range of care options.

Preventive care to help catch issues early
Prescription drug coverage
Visits with primary care doctors
Access to specialty care, including mental health professionals
Hospital stays when needed
Outpatient programs like IOP (intensive outpatient) and partial hospitalization
Inpatient treatment for severe addiction or mental health crises

Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you or someone you love needs support, it’s worth checking what your plan includes. Help might be closer than you think. Read more below.

https://sbtreatment.com/insurance/kaiser/

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If you have Kaiser health insurance, you may have coverage that can help you receive drug and alcohol treatment and therapy.

07/29/2025

Summer is fun for all… right?
Well, not always. Between the heat and humidity, disrupted routines, and constant social comparison, many people struggle with stress, anxiety, and depression during the summer.

Feeling low this season? You’re not alone.
Here are some top tips to beat summer depression:

Stay cool: Heat affects mood and sleep. Use fans, cold showers, and seek out shade.

Get outside: Time in nature reduces stress. Just 20 minutes a day can make a difference.

Move and get light: Morning walks or light therapy can boost energy and improve outlook.

Plan your days: Schedule small, uplifting activities into your daily routine.

Connect and reflect: Practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and spending time with others can be powerful mood boosters.

Click the link in our bio to connect with one of our mental health professionals to learn more.

07/22/2025

Mental health care in California just got a bit stronger.

As of July 17, new state regulations require commercial insurance plans to provide equal coverage for mental health and substance use care, just like physical health. Insurers must now follow clinical standards and a formal complaint process is in place for denied claims. We’re here to support our community through these changes. This is a big step toward more accessible, evidence-based care across the state.

What’s your take on the new mental health parity rules? Share your thoughts below.

Read more at insurance.ca.gov

07/17/2025

Bipolar disorder and addiction often go hand in hand, affecting up to 50% of those with bipolar.

Impulsivity, mood swings, and self-medication increase the risk of substance use, commonly alcohol, prescription meds, and ci******es.

Recognizing signs like risky behavior, isolation, and loss of control is key to effective care. Integrated treatment combining therapy (CBT, DBT, ACT) and medical support leads to better outcomes.

At Mission Harbor Behavioral Health, we specialize in treating co-occurring bipolar disorder and addiction with evidence-based approaches tailored for lasting recovery.

If you’re a mental health professional or someone seeking help, understanding the complex link between mood disorders and addiction is crucial.
Tap the link in our bio to learn more.

07/08/2025

We’re well into summer, a carefree season filled with long sunny days and a break from school routines, but for many parents, Parental burnout is a real concern, and it often worsens during the summer.

Parents are left juggling childcare, activities, screen time concerns, and financial pressures-all while trying to keep up with work, relationships, and their well-being.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Nearly 80% of working parents report that summer schedules impact their ability to focus at work (Bright Horizons/Harris Poll). Other studies link burnout to the pressure parents feel to be perfect, especially during summer.

Here are four ways to reduce parental burnout this summer:
1. Simplify your expectations and theirs. You don’t have to keep your kids entertained all day. It’s okay for them to be bored sometimes.
2. Create a loose structure. Light routines, like a morning walk or quiet time in the afternoon, can go a long way.
3. Ask for help. Swap childcare with friends, extended family, and talk to your partner, or explore local programs and camps.
4. Take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself, you are not perfect and you dont have to be. Give yourself even just 10- 15 minutes of alone time. Go to bed early, eat nourishing food, and include activities you enjoy in your days.

Support is available.
Click the link in our bio to connect with a professional and learn more.

07/03/2025

This Fourth of July, keep mental health in mind.

For some, the holiday can be overwhelming instead of joyful. Fireworks may trigger PTSD symptoms like flashbacks and panic, especially for veterans and trauma survivors. And with rising political tension, 65% of adults say they worry that political conversations will hurt family relationships. Nearly 40% feel stressed just thinking about it.

If you're planning to celebrate, set boundaries around political talk. Create calm, quiet spaces away from crowds and noise. Be mindful about alcohol and substance use—what’s meant to be relaxing can sometimes make things worse.

Need support? Click the link in our bio to learn about therapy options and how to take care of your mental health this holiday.

Let’s make Independence Day a safe and supportive space for everyone.