Blog posts with the tag "Clinical Skills"

Behavioral health providers are crucial in combating the stigma that prevents service members from seeking mental health care. However, providers can inadvertently perpetuate this stigma through their language and tone. Phrases such as “depressed people,” “suffering from,” “mental illness,” or even casual remarks that minimize symptoms can alienate military clients who are already reluctant to engage.

For a long time, when it came to working with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as a behavioral health provider, my understanding was that my role ended once I successfully referred the patient to a physician (either their primary care provider or a sleep medicine physician). I understood that OSA was a potentially dangerous condition that required a thorough assessment and medical intervention. At best, I could assist by screening the patient for OSA and getting them connected to treatment.