LifeStance Insights

For years, depression was chalked up to a simple “chemical imbalance.” But today, science tells a much richer—and more hopeful—story. Depression doesn’t just affect brain chemistry; it actually reshapes the brain itself. It reduces the size and function of areas that control emotion, memory, and decision-making. But here’s the good news: your brain is capable of healing. With the right tools and support, it can literally rewire itself. How TMS and Spravato Can Help with Depression Treatment TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and Spravato (a nasal form of ketamine) are breakthrough treatments that are often able to jumpstart the brain’s ability to heal. They aim to stimulate a powerful brain chemical called BDNF—think of BDNF like Miracle-Gro for the brain. BDNF helps grow new connections, supports healthy brain structure, and repairs areas damaged by stress and trauma....

As a clinical neuropsychologist, I spend my days evaluating and supporting people’s cognitive health—especially as they age. My focus is on how thinking abilities like memory, attention, and language change over time. But my journey into this field is deeply personal. I was raised by older parents and spent most of my life around aging adults. When I was in college, my father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. That experience cemented my desire to work with older adults and to help others navigate neurodegenerative diseases with clarity and compassion. In my work, one of the most common questions I’m asked is: What’s the difference between healthy cognitive aging and dementia? It’s an important question—and one I love answering. What is Considered Age Related Cognitive Decline? Cognitive change is a normal part of aging. As we grow older, some areas of thinking decline gradually—like divided attention, processing speed, and certain types of memory. But other abilitie...

We are in the midst of a youth mental health crisis—one that is not just alarming but also has profound implications for long-term health outcomes. Globally, one in seven 10- to 19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, contributing to 15% of the global disease burden in this age group. Depression, anxiety, and other behavioral disorders have become leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Even more concerning, suicide is now the third leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 29. Yet, despite these statistics, our approach to youth mental health care remains fundamentally reactive—identifying and treating severe symptoms once they’ve fully manifested and reached crisis levels in early adulthood, rather than systematically fostering mental well-being from an early age. We would never wait until a physical condition becomes life-threatening before intervening, yet we routinely do so with mental health issues, despite mounting evidence that mental health is just as crucial to overall well-being as physical health. This reflects a broader issue in how we conceptualize healthcare: we are largely engaged in “sick care,” rather than investing in true “healthcare.” If we want meaningful change, it’s time to shift the conversation from reaction to pro-action and then take it a step further:...

When you join the military, you spend a lot of time at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). That’s where I met a guy who was heading into the Navy while I was joining the Army. He said he wanted to become a Hospital Corpsman and eventually work with the Marines—what they call going “Greenside.” I told him I was going into Military Police. We joked around—he called me an “Army Doggie,” and I called him a “Squid,” which are just playful nicknames between branches. We hit it off and became friends. Years later, he reached out to tell me he had become an Independent Duty Corpsman, which is a highly trained medic who works alone in some pretty intense situations. Later, he shared stories from his time serving with the Marines in Afghanistan. I still remember the determination in his eyes back when we were just teenagers. I wasn’t surprised at all to hear how he’d stayed calm under pressure and saved lives. Seeking therapy can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. After years of being trained to push through pain and put service before self, the idea of facing one’s own struggles can be daunting. Now, 40 more years later, I’m a psychotherapist who works with first responders and veterans. Seeking therapy can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. After years of being trained to push throu...

Abandonment issues can shape how we think, feel, and connect with others—often without us even realizing it. These deeply rooted fears usually trace back to early life experiences like loss, trauma, neglect, or emotional unavailability. And while they may begin in childhood, abandonment issues often resurface in adult relationships in painful, confusing ways. Whether you’re struggling with your own fear of abandonment or wondering how to handle a partner with abandonment issues, understanding the roots of these fears is the first step toward healing. As a therapist, I regularly work with individuals and couples dealing with these challenges. Whether you’re struggling with your own fear of abandonment or wondering how to handle a partner with abandonment issues, understanding the roots of these fears is the first step toward healing. What Are Abandonment Issues? Abandonment issues refer to chronic fears of being left, rejected, or emotionally abandoned by those close...

New data from a 2025 Researchscape International survey conducted on behalf of LifeStance reveals what many of us already feel—our screens are draining us. While social media has its benefits, a striking 76% of Americans say consider a digital detox, with Gen Z (84%) and millennials (83%) leading the way. From anxiety to sleep problems, screen time is taking a toll. But how do you digital detox in real life when your phone is also your alarm clock, your map, and your social lifeline? As a licensed therapist, I’ve helped many clients navigate this exact challenge. A digital detox doesn’t have to mean going off-grid or checking into a luxury digital detox retreat. It can start with a few hours of intentional disconnection—and grow into a sustainable mental health practice. What Is a Digital Detox? A digital detox is a deliberate break from screens, especially social media, to reduce stress, improve focus, and reconnect with your life offline. It can take many forms—from a full w...

This content has been updated from previous article on November 1, 2023. Since 2022, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have mandated that mental health and substance use disorder services be covered by insurance plans at the same level as other medical and surgical services. This means that insurance plans are generally required to provide coverage for mental health treatment, therapy, counseling, and sometimes related prescription medications. Getting mental health coverage through insurance has become easier thanks to recent federal regulations, including the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), updated significantly in 2024. Follow these three straightforward steps to confirm your mental health coverage: 1. Obtain and Review Your Health Insurance Policy Start by securing a copy of your insurance policy from your employer’s HR department or directly from your insurer’s website. Review the Summary of...