Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health

09/26/2025

Happy First Fall Friday!

09/25/2025

It's Podcast Thursday!

In this episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Bizzarro — Clinical Director of Treatment Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health — dives into the daily trauma and high-stakes stress that First Responders face, and how it can take a serious toll on their mental health. He also shares common missteps clinicians make when working with this unique population, and why he feels a deep sense of purpose and gratitude in serving those who serve others.

Content Warning: This video discusses su***de. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of su***de, reach out to the National Su***de and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

http://spr.ly/6183AwAvU

In this episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Bizzarro — Clinical Director of Treatment Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavio...

09/24/2025

Safety and Coping Tools for Teens

During times of high emotion, teens may not be able to vocalize what they need in the moment. Lauren de Mars, LPC, team coordinator for the Child and Adolescent Program at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health’s North Brunswick outpatient site, advocates the use of two tools that teens, parents, providers and even school staff can use for emotional regulation.

“Teens use a significant amount of brain space to juggle all that’s happening in their world, from meeting academic responsibilities and family expectations to navigating a challenging social landscape while forming their own unique identities,” explains de Mars. “When anxiety or depression is added to this heavy load, you need resources at hand that don’t require additional thinking.”

“As we build a support team around an adolescent, having easy access to ‘one-stop shopping’ tools can be extremely valuable,” she adds. “The process of creating these resources with teens is also a great exercise that can help build the relationship between provider and patient.”

Tool #1: A Safety Plan.
From the start of treatment, de Mars works with patients to create a safety plan that is integrated into the Princeton Health electronic health record, enabling a continuum of care across providers. The safety plan is also helpful for family members, and it can be shared with the teen’s school if desired.

An effective safety plan details the tools and resources that are beneficial for the individual patient in various situations. Beyond provider and emergency contact information, this might include a list of favorite songs, television shows, activities, scents, and grounding activities, such as petting a dog, box breathing, muscle relaxation exercises, or talking with a friend who provides helpful distraction. School-specific examples might include the opportunity for a teen to go to the bathroom to splash cold water on their face.

Tool #2: A Self-Care Kit.
A more tangible version of the safety plan, the self-care kit serves a similar purpose in ensuring quick and easy access to effective coping and communication tools based on each patient’s needs. Items might include sour candy, a photo of a loved one, a special piece of jewelry to wear, a favorite piece of memorabilia, a worry stone, a stress ball, or essential oils.

Color-coded index cards to represent different emotions are also useful to include, according to de Mars. For example, a red card – or even saying the word red – could communicate to family members exactly what the teen needs in an accessible, immediate way.

“These resources empower teens to really think about what works for them and build effective cope-ahead skills,” adds de Mars. “They can adapt these tools for use in college and beyond, bringing a greater level of confidence to their ability to handle the ups and downs of life.”

09/23/2025

We recognize Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15).

09/23/2025

Can GLP-1 Medications Impact Substance Use?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have been successful in treating type 2 diabetes since their first FDA approval two decades ago, and the subsequent use of these medications for weight loss has skyrocketed in recent years. Preliminary research now suggests they may have benefits in the treatment of other health issues, including substance use.

Clinical trials to study this impact are just getting started. Yet preclinical evidence suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists may reduce alcohol and substance use, possibly through mechanisms related to reward processing, stress, and cognitive function, as well as broader mechanisms related to satiety, changes in gastric motility, and glucose homeostasis.1 In addition, a recent observational study of nearly 2 million individuals in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs database showed that compared to usual care, GLP-1 receptor agonist use was associated with a reduced risk of substance use and other health issues.2

“Clearly, more in-depth research is needed,” says Sarah Carstens, LCSW, LCADC, addictions clinical director of Outpatient Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health. “But the potential to have a new treatment option for substance use is very positive for the field, especially since the damage that addiction causes for individuals and families can be catastrophic. These medications have shown promise, so I’m cautiously optimistic.”

“Cautiously” is the key word, with Carstens pointing out the following important considerations surrounding the potential use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in substance use treatment.

· Because addiction crosses all races and ethnicities, robust research is needed across a wide demographic pool to determine whether data would be consistent in specific populations, especially since the VA study focused largely data from older white males.

· Many individuals who struggle with addiction are multiply marginalized, making access to these medications a potential concern that should be examined.

· Those who struggle with addiction often turn to substances to avoid pain and negative physical consequences. Yet these medications are associated with gastrointestinal side effects that may cause physical discomfort. In addition, if weight loss occurs, nutritional deficits that exist in some people with addiction may be exacerbated. Nutritional status and medication side effects would require further examination and management in any potential substance use application.

· There’s no “quick fix” for addiction, so GLP-1 receptor agonists cannot be viewed as a sole solution.
“If these medications turn out to be the next best thing, they can’t exist in a vacuum,” adds Carstens. “Effectively addressing addiction also means examining underlying issues, working on lifestyle changes, actively participating in treatment, and engaging in activities that further support the recovery process.”

1. Pharmacological Research 2024, http://spr.ly/61814D54N 2. Nature Medicine 2024, http://spr.ly/61844D54A

09/22/2025

It's officially fall!

09/22/2025

We're recognize Recovery Month for September.

Sarah Carstens, LCSW, LCADC, Addictions Clinical Director- Outpatient Services Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, has this to say about recovery:

"Much like running, recovery strategies are complex. Recovery from substance use/addiction is about more than just "not using". It is incredibly hard work. It involves changing your thought process, repairing relationships (or sometimes ending them), structuring your day differently, getting in touch with things you used to enjoy or finding new hobbies. It means taking care of your body through proper sleep, nutrition, and movement. It means finding purpose and meaning. It is both a change in perspective and a change in lifestyle."

09/19/2025

09/18/2025

It's Podcast Thursday!

In this episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Bizzarro — Clinical Director of Treatment Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health — dives into the daily trauma and high-stakes stress that First Responders face, and how it can take a serious toll on their mental health.

He also shares common missteps clinicians make when working with this unique population, and why he feels a deep sense of purpose and gratitude in serving those who serve others.

http://spr.ly/6184ATaN0

09/17/2025

Let's celebrate!

At Princeton House, our Eatontown Outpatient site took an unprecedented step when choosing the Employee of the Quarter. Instead of recognizing just one team member, they honored the entire staff—because every single person has contributed to outstanding patient care and smooth program operations. 💙

Here’s how:
When the going gets tough, the tough are found at Eatontown. This dedicated group of therapists, nurses, front end staff, APNs, and psychiatrist came together with remarkable resilience and collaboration. Driven by a shared commitment to patient care, they stepped up to support not only their patients but also one another, working flexibly, sharing responsibilities, and maintaining a high standard of compassionate evidence-based treatment. Their ability to adapt, communicate, and function as a unified team ensured that those in need continued to receive the quality mental health support they deserve. Their efforts exemplify professionalism, empathy, and the true spirit of teamwork.

09/16/2025

Sometimes, when we’re hungry, we want to have that favorite meal because we know it’ll be good. That’s normal. We also know there can be too much of a good thing.

Learn more here: http://spr.ly/6183AuDnz

A Penn Medicine surgeon is helping put a stop to the craving that leads to binge eating, potentially opening doors to additional treatments, too.

09/15/2025

We’re proud to celebrate Rebecca Boswell, PhD, clinical associate Professor of Psychiatry and director of the Princeton Center for Eating Disorders, who has been named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s 100 Rising Stars.

Dr. Boswell is leading the way in advancing mental health care expanding access to evidence-based treatment, pioneering research on GLP-1 medications, and training the next generation of specialists. She has also driven innovative systemwide programs, embedding psychological care across oncology, gastroenterology, and sleep medicine, always with a focus on equity, gender-affirming care, and trauma-informed practices.

Her work is shaping the future of integrated behavioral health, both at Penn Medicine Princeton Health and beyond.