Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health

05/01/2026

Today begins Mental Health Month.

You are not alone.

04/30/2026

It's Podcast Thursday!

Host Andy Dean nerds out with Ken Pecoraro about current therapy modalities for addiction treatment. Both have years of experience in the field, and they will share their thoughts on the best mix of treatment practices. The common thread in all of them: making a connection.

Listen here: http://spr.ly/6187BBzbjv

podcast PrincetonHousebh

04/29/2026

Eating disorders treatment typically engages the family in the care of a child, but family-based treatment (FBT) takes this approach to a higher level. In fact, research shows that FBT has some of the best evidence for the recovery of adolescents with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. “FBT considers the family as an adolescent’s greatest resource, so it’s designed to boost their confidence and maximize their strengths,” explains Senior Eating Disorders Therapist Alison Locklear, MSW, LCSW, CEDS-C. “With the guidance, support, and insight of the eating disorders treatment team, this approach in turn makes the family the treatment team.”

While FBT was created as an outpatient program, Princeton Center for Eating Disorders has developed
an FBT model that provides components and structure for this approach in the inpatient setting so that
families have a foundation for continuing progress after discharge.
This includes:
■ In-depth nutrition education with a dietitian that empowers parents to practice coaching, plan menus,
bring in prepared or take-out meals, and provide in-person or virtual mealtime support during their child’s inpatient stay
■ Daily update/coaching calls with therapists
■ Regular family meetings with therapists and psychiatrists

The Princeton Center for Eating Disorders FBT model also incorporates weekly training in Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). This treatment was first developed by Eli Lebowitz, PhD, Associate Professor at the Yale Child Study Center, for parents of children with OCD or severe anxiety. SPACE gives parents tools to identify and adjust what they may have accommodated in the past along with dialogue to validate feelings and convey boundaries in ways their child can understand.
“There’s an evolved predisposition for parents to respond instinctively to a child in distress, but it doesn’t always work in their favor,” explains Locklear, who is a certified SPACE trainer. “When parents swoop in to solve issues, the child doesn’t gain the confidence in their own ability to handle challenges.”

In the eating disorders setting, an example might be no longer swapping out a food that a child wants to avoid, as removing that item only maintains it as a fear food. The child can choose whether or not to eat that food, but the message no longer implies that the parent lacks confidence in the child’s ability to overcome that fear.

Many families of patients at Princeton Center for Eating Disorders have shared their gratitude for these resources, noting an increase in confidence and decrease in anxiety. “We know eating disorders, but families know their children best,” adds Locklear. “By working together closely and consistently, we’re helping to ensure the best path forward.”

04/28/2026

Addressing Loneliness in Older Adults

It’s now been six years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet its repercussions are still being felt – particularly among older adults.

“Many older adults haven’t yet reintegrated into the spaces they formally enjoyed, or those spaces no longer exist,” says Dana Smith-Bryan, MSW, LSW, primary therapist for the Adult Outpatient Program at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Princeton outpatient site. “As a result, they tend to spend more time alone and may lack a sense of purpose.”

“In addition, COVID’s enormous impact on this population includes lasting fears about getting sick and dying,” she says. “Not only do these topics feel taboo, but the fears themselves lead to increased isolation. They may not realize it’s common for people in their age group to feel lonely or worried about uncomfortable topics.”

Smith-Bryan notes that loneliness can be tackled – but it takes motivation.

“People can feel lonely even when there are others around them,” she says. “We help older adults understand that they’re the ones in charge of their own happiness. No matter what, they have a right to fill that void. No one else can do it for them.”

In addition to encouraging older adults to explore hobbies that align with their values, behavioral health providers can be of service by pointing them in the right direction. This might mean doing some research to compile local resources specific to seniors. For example, select Medicare plans offer free gym access to more than 22,000 gyms across the country through the SilverSneakers® program. And while some people have preconceived opinions that senior centers may not benefit them, these organizations often offer fresh, interesting programs and transportation.

An updated, healing curriculum

If adults ages 65 and older are struggling to reconnect or are also experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, Princeton House’s Older Adult Program can help them work through these issues with those who understand the unique needs and concerns of this stage of life.

Smith-Bryan recently collaborated with several other Princeton House experts to update the curriculum used in the Older Adult Program. Incorporating evolving needs since the COVID-19 pandemic, this contemporary curriculum focuses more extensively on psychoeducation and DBT/CBT skills. Modules include topics such as life transitions, meaning and purpose, getting connected, and overcoming obstacles. The program has both partial hospital and intensive outpatient treatment options, with a typical treatment duration of six to eight weeks.

“Sometimes people think we’re only here for crisis situations, but our safety net also exists for those who may not understand what they’re going through,” says Smith-Bryan. “The group setting gives older adults a whole new perspective by helping them recognize that others are struggling with similar issues – and by opening space for them to connect and heal.”

olderadults isolation Princetonhousebh

04/27/2026

Let's celebrate!

We have a new Employee of the Quarter inpatient.

Ken Burkert is senior outreach coordinator, First Responder Treatment Services and served as acting director of the department for three months.

Here is what his team said about him:

“Ken Burkert stepped into a leadership role and has done a commendable job. He doesn't just lead, he inspires, uplifts and sets the tone through his actions. Strong work!”

“Ken's leadership goes above and beyond and helps our team by keeping our motivation high. His compassion for a patient’s well-being gives them all a sense of hope.”

“Ken's work ethic is exceptional. He consistently shows dedication, reliability, and strong commitment to getting things done right. His ability to stay focused and take initiative sets a high standard to everyone around him.”

“As acting director, Ken was able to showcase his ability to lead the first responder team daily. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his patient first mentality helps alleviate the anxieties a lot of patients feel when they come to Princeton House.”

Thank you Ken!

04/24/2026

Happy Friday!

04/23/2026

It's Podcast Thursday!

In this episode, Andy Dean, LCSW, is once again interviewed by his friend and colleague Pete Maclearie, LCSW, Site Director at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown location. Andy talks about how he helps clients change the way they relate to their anxiety when it shows up — instead of trying to make it disappear. Andy shares some of his favorite analogies for understanding anxiety treatment and explains why waiting for motivation to strike can sometimes make things worse. If you’ve ever wondered how to approach anxiety in a more workable, compassionate way, this episode is for you.

Link: http://spr.ly/6182BB6Jpr

1 like. "Change How You Relate to Anxiety — Not How You Feel"

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day!

04/21/2026

Now that warmer weather is here, it's a great time to get outside and exercise.

“There is strong evidence that exercise, including weight training, can help prevent and treat depression,” said Penn Medicine’s Benjamin Snell, MD, a family medicine physician with Lancaster General Health Physicians Family Medicine Twin Rose.

Learn more here: http://spr.ly/6181BB6DqR

Adding strength training to your fitness routine can enhance physical and mental health, and improve your quality of life.

04/20/2026

"Following a diagnosis, changes in mental health are common. One in four individuals experiences depression, and many face anxiety. Recognizing these changes and seeking support can make a meaningful difference."

Learn more here: http://spr.ly/6187B6Clb9

Cancer patients often experience depression or anxiety after their diagnosis. Coping strategies can help.

04/17/2026

It's Friday!

04/16/2026

It's Podcast Thursday!

In this episode, Andy Dean, LCSW, is once again interviewed by his friend and colleague Pete Maclearie, LCSW, Site Director at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown location. Andy talks about how he helps clients change the way they relate to their anxiety when it shows up — instead of trying to make it disappear. Andy shares some of his favorite analogies for understanding anxiety treatment and explains why waiting for motivation to strike can sometimes make things worse. If you’ve ever wondered how to approach anxiety in a more workable, compassionate way, this episode is for you.

Watch here:

1 like. "Change How You Relate to Anxiety — Not How You Feel"