by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC Resiliency is the ability to overcome challenges of all kinds – trauma, tragedy, personal crises -- and bounce back. It is not a personality trait, but rather a skill we build over time. It helps us to find joy again even after life’s greatest hardships knock us down. Recent books and publications have brought r ..

Problem gambling isn’t always easy to recognize. It may be easier to hide signs of gambling than other addictive behaviors. There are no dilated pupils, slurring of speech, or other physical signs. But you may begin to see some negative indicators: change in personality, increased credit card bills, money or valuables that mysteriously disappear, and lying about the amount  ..

Help restore $8 million in behavioral health budget cuts to community mental health and substance use providers! Last year, thanks to an outpouring of support from people around the state, we were successful in securing a multiyear funding increase for community-based behavioral health treatment. The funding provisions were included in the bipartisan HOPE Act of 2017, w ..

On February 22, 200 family members, providers, policy makers and legislators gathered at the Governor Calvert House for MCF's 18th Annual Family Day in Annapolis. Attendees traveled from all 23 of Maryland’s counties and Baltimore City to advocate for young people with behavioral health needs, including mental health and substance use challenges. During the morning pr ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC Last month, we presented options and opportunities to survive the winter doldrums (/blog/getting-on-the-other-side-of-the-winter-doldrums). This month, we take a look at a more serious and lingering emotional and behavioral response to seasonal changes, Seasonal Affective Disorder. As described on the National Institu ..

Peer support and services navigation is now available through MCF to spouses, siblings, parents and other loved ones of those who are experiencing problems related to their gambling activity. Loved ones in every Maryland county and Baltimore City can receive one-to-one support and assistance from an MCF Family Peer Support Specialist who has personal experience as the loved ..

Eating disorders can affect people of every age, gender, race and socioeconomic group, yet the average age of onset is quite young: 12-13 years. For this reason, it is important for families to be knowledgeable about the disorders. Eating disorders are more prevalent among females than males – 3.8 percent of women are affected versus 1.5 percent of men. National surveys e ..

There are a host of things that families of youth with mental health disabilities (those who qualify for special education services or accommodations) need to think about as they prepare for their child’s transition from the world of high school to the world of continuing education and/or employment. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) published a transition guide ..

One in five children experience a diagnosable mental health disorder each year, yet only 20% are identified and receive treatment. We need your help to raise awareness about the importance of children's mental health and connect parents and caregivers across the state with resources. Join the 2018 Children's Mental Health Matters! (http://www.childrensmentalhealthmatters ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC Winter has come! Last week brought the full fury of winter down on many parts of the country, particularly the East Coast. You might think the world is coming to an end with dire weather reports announcing the arrival of “bomb cyclones” and another polar vortex. Parents scramble to occupy their children at ho ..