Mission Harbor Behavioral Health

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.

06/24/2025

Dads, Your Mental Health Matters — More Than You Think
As we close out Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s talk about something often overlooked: fathers and mental health.

Yes, dads struggle too — speaking up is not a weakness and it's not about “toughing it out.” Unaddressed mental health issues affect the whole family. Research shows that kids with fathers experiencing depression in early childhood are more likely to face behavioral and social challenges by age 9 (Rutgers.edu).

The good news? Therapy works. Even just talking about it can help dads feel more grounded, connected, and present.
It’s not selfish.
It’s not dramatic.
It’s healing — for you and your kids.
Mental health care is self-care.
And it might be the best gift you give your family. Save, share, or tag a dad who needs this reminder.

Read more about it by clicking the link in our bio to read “How Your Mental Health is Affecting Your Child”

06/20/2025

What an incredible few days at the AYAC event — Navigating the Future with Vision and Strategy.

We were honored to be part of this meaningful, community-driven gathering that brought together youth advocates, mental health professionals, and thought leaders. Set in Malibu against the stunning backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains, we were proud to sponsor a special photo booth where guests could capture the moment and the spirit of the event.

06/17/2025

Men’s Mental Health: Time to Redefine Strength

At Mission Harbor Behavioral Health, we know the truth—real strength is in seeking help.

Too many men still face stigma, silence, or outdated ideas about what it means to "be tough." That’s why we’re rewriting the narrative and making mental health care more accessible, relatable, and results-driven.

Here’s what that looks like:

✔️ Insurance-friendly care (in-network + sliding scale)
✔️ Evening outpatient programs that fit real life
✔️ Telehealth + in-person treatment in Santa Barbara and LA

And we don’t stop there—our programs are built around modalities that speak to how many men naturally engage:

🔹 CBT for structure and clarity
🔹 Solution-Focused Therapy for action and momentum
🔹 Group therapy for real connection and peer accountability
🔹 Trauma-informed care to heal beneath the surface

We blend practical tools with emotional depth—because healing happens when men feel safe to open up and strong enough to keep going.

From peer support to psychiatric care and long-term recovery planning—we’re here for every step.

Swipe the stigma. Share the message. We’re listening.

Check out this powerful read from Psychology Today on why men’s mental health can’t wait:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/invisible-bruises/202506/why-mens-mental-health-needs-more-attention

Current mental health support systems often fail to meet men's needs.