The Better Institute

10/07/2025

❇️ Join a Growing Team Committed to BETTER Mental Health

The Better Institute offers:
✨A supportive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment
✨The opportunity to work alongside a team of talented and compassionate clinicians
✨Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
✨Ongoing opportunities for professional development and growth
✨Continuing Education, Health, and 401 monthly benefits

If you're a licensed therapist (PhD, PsyD, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT) committed to evidence-based practices and passionate about helping clients thrive, we want to hear from you!

❇️ Visit https://loom.ly/q0bosm8 to learn more.

10/01/2025

🍂 Feeling the Fall Shift? 🍂

October is here, and with shorter days and cooler air comes that natural shift in our energy and mood. If you're feeling less balanced than usual, you are not alone.

The season is a perfect time to reset and invest in your mental well-being. At The Better Institute, we've put together four quick strategies to help you find stability as the days get shorter:
🍂 Reset Your Routine: Predictable mornings & evenings reduce seasonal stress.
🍂 Prioritize Mental Health: Learn to manage those mood fluctuations caused by less light.
🍂 Get Outside: Fresh air is a proven, powerful mood booster!
🍂 Stay Ahead of Stress: Simple planning beats the October overwhelm.

Ready to thrive this fall? Get the full breakdown and more insights on our blog!

➡️ Tap the link for all 4 strategies! https://loom.ly/alOv4fA

October is here, and with it comes the unmistakable shift of the fall season. The air is crisp, the colors are vibrant, and our routines are naturally changing. Whether you’re navigating a busy work schedule, managing school and activities, or simply looking to find more balance, this time of year...

09/26/2025

Happy National HR Professionals Day!

As the workplace evolves, so do the challenges you face. A new one has emerged that many companies aren't prepared for: gambling and gaming in the workplace.

With the rise of legalized gambling and widespread gaming, outdated policies are creating a gap between employee activities and company rules. This can lead to decreased productivity, misuse of company resources, and even legal and ethical issues.

❓So, how can you tackle this evolving issue? Our latest blog post, "Gambling and Gaming in the Workplace: What Employers and HR Professionals Need to Know," has the answers.

Learn how to:
💡Update your policies to address gambling and gaming.
💡Educate your employees on what's acceptable.
💡Establish referral systems to support employees who need help.

Read the full article and get ahead of this critical issue. 🔗 https://loom.ly/OCAr6Ik

09/24/2025

Building a better routine for a healthier you.

🛌 Sleep = Self-Care: Protect your energy by setting a bedtime routine and sticking to it.

🚲Move to Reset: Movement is medicine. Even a 10-minute walk can lower stress and boost your mood.

Simple habits can have a huge impact. How do you protect your well-being?

09/17/2025

With football season here, so is a surge in sports betting. For student-athletes, this can be a serious risk.

Why are athletes more vulnerable?
👉 Competitive Drive: The "win at all costs" mentality can carry over into betting.
👉 Stress: Gambling can be a way to cope with performance pressure.
👉 "Sports Knowledge": Athletes may feel they have an edge, making them feel safer when placing a bet.

Parents & Coaches, look for these red flags:
⚠️ Spending excessive time watching sports.
⚠️ Mood swings or irritability.
⚠️ Increased preoccupation with money.

Talk to your athletes early and often.

09/15/2025

Mindful Mondays: Start the week with a reset.

✨Take a Pause: Your mind needs rest just like your body. Find just 5 minutes today to pause, breathe, and recenter yourself.
✨Prioritize 3 Things: When stress shows up, simplify. Prioritize 3 things to accomplish today and let the rest wait.

Small steps lead to big change. What's one thing you're doing for your mental health today?

09/11/2025

A message from April Condemi– Director of Trauma Informed Care at The Better Institute:

"The ripple effects of what occurred on 9/11 extended far beyond those who were physically present. They have impacted first responders who watched the events unfold from a distance and those who knew of someone who responded. The intense media coverage and the collective trauma of the nation's grief left many feeling helpless and vulnerable. For first responders, this can be particularly difficult, as they are trained to act, and the inability to be on the scene can lead to feelings of guilt, frustration, and a heightened sense of professional duty.

To help support the day, themselves, and their peers:

Honoring the Day: Participate in a local 9/11 Heroes Run or a memorial stair climb, which honors the 343 firefighters lost by symbolically climbing 110 stories. You can also engage in a day of service or take a moment of silence to reflect on the sacrifices made.

Self-Care: Recognize the anniversary's potential for emotional stress. Take time for healthy coping mechanisms like exercise, mindfulness, or journaling.

Support Your Peers: Reach out to colleagues, especially those who were directly involved or who you know are struggling. A simple check-in can make a huge difference. Organizations like the First Responder Support Network and ResponderStrong offer peer support groups and resources specifically for the unique challenges of the profession."

On this day, we reflect on the solemn anniversary of 9/11. We honor the memory of those we lost and thank the brave first responders who showed incredible courage.

09/09/2025

Ready to build a stronger connection with your kids this school year? 🤝

Emotion coaching is a powerful tool for parents, helping you guide your children through their feelings and build resilience. Our latest blog post gives you a simple, four-step playbook for success.

Read more here: https://loom.ly/6OY-pn0

As the air cools and new routines settle in, September offers more than just a return to school—it’s a valuable time for parents to build stronger emotional connections with their children. Whether you’re waving to your kindergartner at the bus stop or helping your teen manage homework stress,...

09/03/2025

🏈 Football season is here, and with it comes a surge in sports betting.

For many, it's a fun part of the game-day excitement, but for some, the line between entertainment and a serious problem can blur.

When does gambling become a problem? It's not about how much you win or lose—it's about the behavior and how it impacts your life. Problem gambling is a recognized mental health condition, an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative consequences.

Recognize the signs:
🚫 Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost.
🚫 Lying and secrecy: Hiding the extent of your gambling from family and friends.
🚫 Neglecting responsibilities: Prioritizing gambling over work, school, or family.
🚫 Using it to escape: Gambling to relieve stress or anxiety.
🚫 Financial distress: Going into debt or asking others for money to cover losses.

You don't have to do this alone. At The Better Institute, our therapists specialize in gambling disorder and offer confidential support to help you regain control.

Don't wait. Reach out to us today to schedule a confidential appointment.

08/27/2025

Celebrating Advocacy in Action

We are excited to share some exciting news! This summer, our CEO, Jody Bechtold, received the prestigious "Advocacy in Action Award" at the 2nd Annual International Conference on Responsible Gambling and Gaming Addiction. This award, presented by Seagulls Flock Organization, is a testament to the tireless work being done in problem gambling awareness and advocacy.

This recognition fuels our commitment to shining a light on the serious issue of problem gambling and amplifying the voices of those affected. Our dedicated advocacy page is a hub for:

✨Raising Awareness: We gather media mentions, insightful video clips, and valuable links to shed light on the often-hidden harms caused by problem gambling.

✨Empowering Voices: We focus on sharing the stories of individuals and families impacted by this addiction, ensuring their experiences are heard.

✨Driving Change: We advocate for stronger support systems, preventative measures, and a greater understanding of problem gambling as a public health issue.

Join us in celebrating this important milestone and continue to support our mission! Visit our advocacy page to learn more. 🔗 https://loom.ly/s-Q13Z4

Let's continue to work together for a future where everyone impacted by problem gambling receives the support they need.

08/20/2025

Are you ready to prioritize your mental health? The Better Institute has openings for new clients! We're here to support you on your journey to wellness with both in-person and teletherapy options.

Take the first step towards a better you.

Visit our website or call us today, and let's take the first step towards a better you!

https://loom.ly/2DOFG-8

08/13/2025

That back-to-school feeling isn't just for kids! 🎒 August brings a unique energy that can inspire all of us in Pittsburgh to embrace a fresh start.

Whether you're an athlete hitting the field or an adult working toward personal goals, the principles of routine and mental resets can lead to success. Our latest blog post explores how to use this "new season" mindset to your advantage by:
➡️ Embracing the Power of Routine: Learn how consistent habits can free up mental energy and build a foundation for achieving your goals.
➡️ Performing a Mental Reset: Discover how to hit "halftime" for your mind by reflecting, releasing negativity, and reconnecting with your core values.
➡️ Creating a Game Plan for Success: Get tips on setting SMART goals and breaking them down into manageable steps.

Ready to make this your best season yet? Tap the link in the comments to read the full post and discover how to channel that back-to-school energy into positive change!