Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

03/17/2026

Interpreters Amplify Care Access

In working to bridge communication gaps for patients and families, Penn Medicine Princeton Health’s Patient Relations and Guest Services department offers in-person and virtual interpreters – a service often used by Princeton Center for Eating Disorders.

“It’s the epitome of patient-centered care,” says Taylor Riches, MSW, LSW, eating disorders therapist, who recently worked with a Spanish-speaking patient assisted by an in-person interpreter. “This service enables deeper work and the formulation of an effective at-home relapse prevention plan – and ultimately, improved outcomes.”

Two in-person ASL interpreters recently assisted a deaf patient over the course of a month, achieving meaningful engagement in treatment and care consistency.

“This seamless level of personalization feels like an extension of our own team,” says Megan Moran, MSW, LCSW, senior eating disorders therapist. “We’re proud to open doors for patients who may not otherwise have access to a higher level of care.”

Team members also use the dial-in virtual interpreter service, which is particularly useful for calls and meals with family members. All medical interpreter services prioritize confidentiality.

“Patients are often anxious coming into a health care setting, especially if there is a communication barrier,” adds LaKesha Wallace, MHA, MPA, manager of Patient Relations and Guest Services. “Our interpreter services bring them a sense of comfort and calm while enabling them to focus more fully on healing.”

03/16/2026

When Pain Management is Needed During Substance Use Recovery

Whether it’s for childbirth, surgery, dental work, or an unplanned ER visit, chances are that many people recovering from substance use may one day need pain management strategies. Attaining appropriate pain relief while minimizing the chances of relapse is a delicate balance that requires preparation and patient education.

With consent from patients, the Princeton House team collaborates with outside medical providers to ensure an informed continuum of care and safe approaches to pain management. But because patients may still find themselves in a situation where they’re being handed a prescription for an opioid or benzodiazepine, it’s also essential to provide patient education about the importance of proactive communication with all of their providers.

Helping Patients and Providers Plan Ahead
“At Princeton House, we place a strong emphasis on cope-ahead strategies and the identification of a support system to help patients prepare for challenging situations like these,” says Sarah Carstens, LCSW, LCADC, Princeton House. “This work can serve as a foundation for them to speak up and advocate for their needs to be met more holistically when possible.”

In circumstances where medication is needed, Mark P. Schwartz, MD, Medical Director of Inpatient Detox Services at Princeton House, offers this advice for pain management:

· Medical providers should be aware of the need to avoid the use of opioids and benzodiazepines and choose alternatives whenever possible.
· If needed, such as in postoperative pain management, opioids can be prescribed but should be in an adequate dose for the shortest duration possible. Lower dose prescriptions are not advised, as this can rekindle cravings without relieving pain – and untreated pain itself can trigger a relapse. If possible, benzodiazepines should be avoided.
· Patients should know that these medications have the potential to rekindle cravings no matter how long they have been in recovery.
· A support person should be responsible for storing and dispensing pain medication.
· Prior to a situation requiring medication, it can be beneficial to have an honest discussion about anticipated levels of pain, what discomfort level may be tolerable, and whether adjunctive therapies might safely contribute to pain management.

“Ideally, this is a team approach with medical and behavioral health providers communicating with each other to support what’s best for the patient,” adds Dr. Schwartz. “It’s also important for all health care providers to watch for early signs of relapse and be alert to the need for a higher level of care.”

“Setbacks can happen, and there’s no shame in that; rather, we look at it as an opportunity for the treatment team to provide more education and support for the path forward,” says Carstens. “Our role is to help patients continue to take steps toward their goals and be as effective as possible in their lives.”

03/14/2026

Happy PI Day!

03/13/2026

Happy Friday!

03/12/2026

It's Podcast Thursday!

In this episode, registered dietitian Rachel Daddio sits down with Andy to discuss the connection between nutrition and mental health.

Rachel talks about different nutrition considerations she discusses with her clients at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health as well as how making different nutrition decisions can affect one’s mental health.

Listen here: http://spr.ly/6187hf3xZ

03/11/2026

Happy National Registered Dietitian Day!

Today we celebrate the dedicated and amazing dietitians on our units who play a vital role in recovery every single day. Their compassion, clinical expertise, and commitment help patients rebuild trust with food and themselves. They are an invaluable part of our team, and we are grateful for the meaningful impact they make in the lives of our patients.

Pictured from left right: Kelly, Kim, Jenna, Holly and Zehra
Not pictured, Mark, Princeton House Behavioral Health Inpatient’s dietitian.

03/11/2026

Food for thought

Healthy eating has a wealth of benefits for the body that are also tied to mental health, from helping shed excess pounds to reducing the risk of chronic disease and promoting an overall sense of well-being.
Yet researchers are examining another potential link that’s less well known – and it’s related to neurochemicals like serotonin.

Low levels of serotonin in the body can affect mood, contributing to anxiety and depression. That’s one of the reasons selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed to ease symptoms of moderate to severe depression. They work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin into neurons, increasing the levels of this natural chemical in the brain. Many people don’t realize that 95% of serotonin in the body is produced in the gut, according to Rachel Daddio, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian at Princeton House’s North Brunswick outpatient site.

Because good nutrition can be an effective part of the mental health toolbox, Daddio recommends asking about food intake and incorporating nutrition tips into therapy, regardless of a patient’s appearance. She offers this advice for doing so:

Good nutrition doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. An 80/20 rule – where 80% of what
you’re eating is healthy – means more flexibility and less pressure. Small changes over time add up.
Avoid the term “clean eating,” since there aren’t really clean or dirty foods. Rather, it’s better to focus on
reducing the intake of processed foods. The fewer ingredients on the label, the better. Shopping for groceries on the perimeter of the store is a good approach for incorporating more fresh produce and fewer processed foods. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt are beneficial for gut health. Patients can also check in with a physician about taking a daily probiotic supplement. If a patient’s appetite is affected by mental health
symptoms, small snacks throughout the day – or even any intake of food – may be beneficial.

03/10/2026

A new program weaving together cancer care and psychosocial care has launched at Princeton Health. Our own Dr. Rebecca Boswell is a part of this groundbreaking approach.

Read more here: http://spr.ly/6182h73di

A program where cancer patients can get free mental health care addresses an underrecognized need: that cancer’s deepest wounds are often not physical.

03/09/2026

Let's celebrate!

Our latest Employee of the Quarter is Nicole Dyson, a Primary Therapist.

Nicole won our 4th Quarter EOTQ!

Here's what her team said about her!

"Nicole is consistently recognized for her exceptional commitment to patient safety, high quality care, and patient satisfaction. She approaches every situation with compassion, professionalism, and a willingness to help wherever she is needed. Her team describes her as gentle and supportive with clients, while also being an excellent communicator with families."

"Nicole is also valued as a reliable and engaged team member who regularly checks in on coworkers and contributes to a positive work environment. Her dedication and teamwork are deeply appreciated by everyone she works with. She also goes above and beyond for her patients and their safety, especially when they are in crisis. Thanks for the wonderful work that you do Nicole, it surely has not gone unnoticed!"

Thank you Nicole! We apprecaite all that you do!

03/08/2026

Let's celebrate!

Today is International Women's Day!

03/07/2026

Don't forget!

Time to put your clock ahead one hour!