Rachel Sussman is a member:
Here’s Why Everyone Is Getting Back With Their Ex Right Now
Refinery29
At the start of the pandemic, it was reported that around 1 in 4 people texted an ex while quarantining. Now that millions of people are vaccinated, we all seem to be at a similar romantic crossroads — but for a completely different reason. After all, in March 2020, many of us felt lonely and bored. But now, some people might just know what they want. “I think COVID has been really hard on so many people, and there’s just been a lot of time for soul-searching,” therapist and relationship expert Rachel Sussman, LCSW tells Refinery29.

More Wisconsin Police Departments Are Adding Social Workers To Respond To Crisis Calls
Wisconsin Public Radio
Social workers hope the co-response model in law enforcement is one that will grow in use among agencies nationwide, including Marc Herstand, executive director for the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. “It would be great if every police department, and even sheriff’s department, had access to mental health professionals that could at least go out with them on a situation where there’s a mental health crisis,” said Herstand.

Nikita Banks is a member:
If you keep putting work before health and happiness, you may be suffering from internalized capitalism
AZ Central
Nikita Banks, a licensed clinical social worker who says she sees many clients who struggle with the feeling that they are only contributing to society if they are producing, said internalized capitalism can manifest as burnout, depression and overall dissatisfaction. “There’s never just a time where you’re able to sit back and smell the roses or even give yourself grace for the accomplishments. The things that you achieved are not enough,” she said. “I don’t think that as an American you can escape it.”

Douglas Braun is a member:
[Audio] LGBT Older Adults Face Challenges Like Discrimination and Isolation
Ideastream Public Media
According to the national advocacy organization SAGE, older adults in the LGBT community are less likely than their heterosexual peers to reach out to health care providers, senior centers, meal and other entitlement programs, because they fear discrimination and harrassment based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Lucy Cannon is a member:
Mental Health Counselors More In-Demand Than Ever Since Pandemic Start
WSB-TV
Dr. Lucy Cannon, a licensed clinical social worker, says it helps when it comes to developing an effective treatment plan and establishing patient/therapist trust to understand the client’s experience. “Black counselors are about 8 to 9% of the mental health workforce and not just counselors but social workers psychologists,” Ferebee said. “Yes, we have a huge shortage of African-American men and women therapists and we really need it.”

Florida Institute for Child Welfare Awarded $10 Million to Revitalize Child Welfare System of Florida
Florida State University
The Florida Institute for Child Welfare, housed in the Florida State University College of Social Work, will receive $10 million in recurring funding from the state budget, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed earlier this month. With approval of the appropriation, the Institute will have the resources to execute legislative mandates established in measures passed by the Florida Legislature in both the 2020 and 2021 legislative sessions.

Micki Grimland is a member:
Understanding gender identity
KHOU
June is Pride month, celebrating the social, self-acceptance and achievements of the LGBTQ community.  A relatively short time ago, same sex sexual activity was against the law in all fifty states. In 2015, LGBTQ Americans won the right to be legally married.  In addition, some states have added protections against various forms of discrimination.  There are still many legal and social challenges, however.  Change starts with understanding.  Clinical psychologist and physician, Colt St. Amand, Ph.D., M.D., and therapist, Micki Grimland, LCSW, ACSW, of Southwest Psychotherapy and Associates, helped us understand some of the terminology when it comes to gender identity and sexual orientation.  Both have a professional understanding of the LGBTQ community.

Allison Roberts is a member:
Venturing out again
Martha’s Vineyard Times
On June 18, they enjoyed a social with the Sharks, playing baseball on the MVRHS field during practice. A ukulele group, including Gail Stevenson and her friends, led the gang in some singing. As always, one of the aims of the program is for it to be fun for caregiver and client alike, because, as Allison Roberts, LCSW, executive assistant/social worker, says, “Caregiving is a huge task, but these experiences are also good for people with cognitive challenges.”

Brookdale: Preparing The Next Generation Of Social Workers
Brookdale Community College Newsroom
Our partnership with NASW-NJ helps to connect our students with their professional organization before they enter a BSW program. This offers our students additional grounding in the social work profession, as they have opportunities to learn about the Code of Ethics, career options in Social Work, professional identity, and the social work licensing process, not to mention opportunities to network with professional social workers.

Laura Mutrie is a member:
Youth homicides are up in CT. How should you talk to your kids about a friend’s death?
The Register Citizen
Parents also need to keep a watchful eye on children and their emotional responses, said Laura Mutrie, a licensed clinical social worker and clinical assistant professor of social work at Quinnipiac University. “Parents need to look out for any changes in behaviors or feelings,” she said. “It’s really about how these kids are experiencing this and how they internalize what’s happening.”

Mary Ryan is a member:
Dispelling myths of BMI
Jackson Hole News & Guide
Oversimplified and inaccurate ingrained beliefs like these have led to cultural weight bias, an obsession with the number on the scale and weight-centered approaches that are harming, not helping, health. “Humans are not machines,” says local Registered Dietitian and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Mary Ryan. “Sending the message that weight loss is simple, straightforward and promises improved health without cost is harmful when we have no proven long-term strategies for safe, effective weight loss that work for everyone.”