Author Archives: Shervan K Shahhian, LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, The Most Comprehensive Online Library Regarding Mental Health, Psychology and Parapsychology in the World.

(VMET) The Veteran’s Administration Mental Health Teams, what do they do:

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does provide a wide range of mental health services and support for veterans, but VMET is not a standard term used.

The VA’s mental health services are designed to address the mental and emotional well-being of veterans. These services may include:

1. Counseling and therapy: The VA offers individual and group counseling, as well as specialized therapy for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
2. Medication management: For veterans who require medication to manage their mental health conditions, the VA provides medication management services.
3. Crisis intervention: VA mental health teams can provide crisis intervention and support for veterans in urgent need.
4. Treatment for co-occurring disorders: Many veterans may struggle with both mental health and substance use issues. The VA can provide integrated treatment for these co-occurring disorders.
5. Rehabilitation and recovery programs: The VA offers a range of rehabilitation and recovery programs to help veterans regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
6. Support for family members: The VA recognizes the importance of supporting the families of veterans, and they provide services and resources to help family members understand and cope with their loved one’s mental health challenges.
7. Suicide prevention: Given the high rate of suicide among veterans, the VA has extensive suicide prevention programs and resources in place.

It’s important to note that the specific services and programs offered by the VA may vary by location, and they continuously work to improve and expand their mental health services to meet the evolving needs of veterans. If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of mental health support, it is advisable to contact the VA directly or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information on available services and resources.

Shervan K Shahhian

Why is Early Mental Health Evaluation so Important:

Early mental health evaluation is important for several reasons:

Early Intervention: Identifying mental health issues in their early stages allows for timely intervention and treatment. Just like with physical health problems, addressing mental health concerns early can prevent them from worsening and becoming more challenging to treat.

Preventing Escalation: Untreated mental health issues can lead to a worsening of symptoms and the development of more complex conditions. Early evaluation can help prevent the escalation of these problems and reduce the long-term impact on an individual’s life.

Improved Outcomes: Early intervention often leads to better treatment outcomes. With appropriate support and treatment, individuals with mental health concerns are more likely to experience symptom relief, improved functioning, and a better overall quality of life.

Reducing Suffering: Mental health issues can cause significant emotional distress and suffering. Identifying and addressing these issues early can alleviate the pain and distress experienced by individuals and their families.

Impact on Daily Life: Mental health problems can interfere with various aspects of a person’s life, such as relationships, work, and daily activities. Early evaluation and treatment can help individuals regain their ability to function effectively in these areas.

Reducing Stigma: Encouraging early mental health evaluation helps reduce the stigma associated with mental health concerns. When people seek help early, it promotes a culture of openness and understanding about mental health issues.

Prevention of Harm: In some cases, untreated mental health issues can lead to self-harm or harm to others. Early evaluation and intervention can prevent such incidents and protect the safety of the individual and those around them.

Enhanced Coping Skills: Early intervention can teach individuals coping strategies and skills to manage their mental health, which can be invaluable in preventing future relapses or issues.

Family and Social Support: Early evaluation can help families and social support networks better understand an individual’s mental health challenges and how to provide appropriate support and care.

Cost-Effective: In the long run, early mental health evaluation and treatment can be cost-effective, as it may prevent the need for more extensive and costly interventions in the future.

It’s essential for individuals, their loved ones, and society as a whole to recognize the importance of early mental health evaluation and to promote a proactive approach to mental well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns, seeking help early from a mental health professional is a crucial step towards recovery and improved quality of life.

Shervan K Shahhian

Mental Health Evaluation Units, what do they do:

Mental Health Evaluation Units (MEUs) are specialized units or facilities within the mental healthcare system that provide comprehensive assessments and evaluations of individuals experiencing mental health crises or requiring urgent mental health care. The specific functions and services provided by MEUs can vary by location and healthcare system, but their primary purposes generally include:

1. Assessment and Evaluation: MEUs are equipped to conduct thorough assessments of individuals to determine their mental health status, needs, and any potential risks to themselves or others. These assessments may include psychiatric evaluations, psychological assessments, and medical examinations.
2. Crisis Intervention: MEUs are often involved in crisis intervention, providing immediate support and stabilization for individuals in acute mental health distress. This can involve managing psychiatric emergencies, de-escalating crises, and preventing self-harm or harm to others.
3. Treatment Recommendations: Based on their assessments, MEU staff may make treatment recommendations, which can include inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, outpatient treatment, medication management, therapy, or other forms of mental health care.
4. Referral Services: MEUs often serve as a point of entry into the mental health care system. They can help individuals access appropriate mental health services and connect them with the necessary resources, whether it’s outpatient therapy, support groups, or inpatient care.
5. Coordination with Law Enforcement: In some cases, MEUs work in conjunction with law enforcement agencies to provide an alternative to arrest or incarceration for individuals with mental health issues. This is sometimes referred to as crisis intervention team (CIT) collaboration.
6. Crisis Prevention and Education: MEUs may also be involved in community outreach and education to promote mental health awareness and prevent mental health crises.

It’s important to note that the availability and organization of MEUs can vary significantly by location and healthcare system. They are often part of larger mental health service networks, and their specific roles and services can be tailored to the needs of the community they serve. Additionally, developments in mental health care and the organization of services may occurred, so it’s advisable to check with local healthcare authorities or organizations for the most current information about MEUs in your area.

Shervan K Shahhian

(SMART) Mental Health Evaluation Response Teams, what do they do:

(Systemwide Mental Assessment Response Team) Mental Health Evaluation Response Teams may be a widely recognized or standardized term or concept in the field of mental health or emergency services. However, it’s possible that such teams have been developed or gained recognition.

Generally, teams focused on mental health crisis response can serve several purposes, such as:

1. Crisis Intervention: They may respond to situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises, providing immediate assessment, support, and de-escalation techniques to help individuals in distress.
2. Evaluation and Assessment: Teams may conduct on-site assessments to determine the level of risk and the appropriate course of action for individuals in crisis. This may involve evaluating their mental health status and potential danger to themselves or others.
3. Referral and Connection: Teams can help connect individuals in crisis to appropriate mental health services, whether that involves directing them to crisis helplines, emergency psychiatric care, or community-based mental health resources.
4. Collaborative Approach: They may work collaboratively with law enforcement, emergency medical services, and mental health professionals to ensure a coordinated response to mental health-related incidents.
5. Follow-Up and Support: These teams may also provide follow-up support, ensuring that individuals receive ongoing care and services after the initial crisis response.

The exact roles and responsibilities of these teams can vary based on regional policies, available resources, and the specific needs of the community they serve. SMART Mental Health Evaluation Response Teams have become more prominent and evolved. I recommend checking with local mental health or emergency services organizations or official government websites for the most up-to-date and specific information regarding their functions and activities.

Shervan K Shahhian

(UCMHT) Unarmed Crises Teams, what do they do:

Generally, unarmed crisis teams or crisis intervention teams are specialized units or groups of professionals trained to respond to various types of crises, including mental health crises, domestic disputes, or other non-violent situations that do not require an armed law enforcement response. These teams typically include professionals such as social workers, mental health professionals, and crisis negotiators who are trained to de-escalate situations, provide support, and connect individuals in crisis with appropriate resources and services.

I would recommend checking more recent sources or contacting local authorities or organizations in your area for up-to-date information on their roles, responsibilities, and activities.

Shervan K Shahhian

Mind-altering ketamine can cause: hallucinations, troubling thoughts and visual disturbances:

Ketamine is indeed a mind-altering substance that can lead to a variety of effects, including hallucinations, troubling thoughts, and visual disturbances. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, and its effects can vary depending on the dose and individual response. Some of the potential psychological and perceptual effects of ketamine use may include:

1. Hallucinations: Ketamine can induce hallucinations, which are experiences of things that are not actually present. These hallucinations can be visual, auditory, or tactile in nature. Some people may find these hallucinations to be enjoyable or intriguing, while others may find them distressing.
2. Visual Disturbances: Ketamine can alter one’s perception of visual stimuli. Users may report distorted colors, shapes, and patterns, as well as a feeling of detachment from their surroundings.
3. Troubling Thoughts: Ketamine can lead to intense and sometimes troubling thoughts or introspection. Some individuals may experience a sense of detachment from their body or ego, which can result in a dissociative state. These effects can be disconcerting for some users.

It’s important to note that the effects of ketamine can vary widely from person to person, and the experience may not be the same for everyone. Additionally, ketamine is a controlled substance, and its use for recreational or non-medical purposes can be illegal and potentially dangerous. Using ketamine without proper medical supervision and for non-medical purposes can lead to physical and psychological risks, including addiction, cognitive impairment, and other health issues.

If you or someone you know is struggling with ketamine use or its effects, it’s important to seek help from a medical professional or a substance abuse treatment program. Substance abuse can have serious consequences, and it’s essential to address these issues with appropriate support and guidance.

Shervan K Shahhian

The National Guidelines for Behavioral Heath Crises Care-SAMHSA, what is it:

The National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care, often referred to as the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Guidelines, are a set of recommendations and best practices for providing care and support to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. SAMHSA is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that focuses on promoting mental health and substance abuse treatment services.

These guidelines aim to improve the quality of care and outcomes for people in crisis, including those with mental health issues, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions. The guidelines provide a framework for the development of crisis services and systems that are recovery-oriented, person-centered, and trauma-informed. They emphasize the importance of providing timely and appropriate care to individuals in crisis while minimizing the use of law enforcement or emergency departments as the primary response.

The SAMHSA National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care offer recommendations on various aspects of crisis care, including:

1. Crisis Intervention Services: Strategies for immediate response and de-escalation of crises.
2. Mobile Crisis Teams: The use of mobile crisis units staffed by trained professionals to provide on-site crisis assessment and intervention.
3. Crisis Stabilization Services: Providing short-term, acute care to individuals in crisis, which may include residential or inpatient services.
4. Peer Support: Involving individuals with lived experience in the delivery of crisis services to offer support and understanding.
5. Cross-System Collaboration: Encouraging coordination between mental health, substance abuse, and other relevant systems to provide comprehensive care.

These guidelines help communities and service providers develop crisis care systems that prioritize the well-being and recovery of individuals in need while minimizing the potential harm associated with traditional crisis responses. It’s important to note that specific guidelines and recommendations may evolve over time, so it’s essential to refer to the most up-to-date SAMHSA materials for the latest guidance on behavioral health crisis care.

Shervan K Shahhian

Behavioral Health Acute and Crisis Services, what do they do:

Behavioral Health Acute and Crisis Services are specialized healthcare services designed to provide immediate and intensive care for individuals experiencing severe emotional, psychological, or psychiatric crises. These services aim to assess, stabilize, and support individuals who are in acute distress or experiencing a mental health crisis. The specific functions and offerings of these services may vary depending on the healthcare system, region, or facility, but they typically include the following components:

1. Crisis Assessment: Behavioral health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or crisis intervention teams, conduct rapid assessments to determine the nature and severity of the crisis. They evaluate the individual’s mental health status, risk of harm to themselves or others, and any underlying conditions contributing to the crisis.
2. Stabilization: The primary goal of acute and crisis services is to stabilize the individual. This may involve interventions such as medication management, therapy, or other therapeutic approaches to address immediate symptoms and distress.
3. Safety Planning: Healthcare providers work with the individual to develop a safety plan, which includes strategies for managing and preventing future crises, as well as identifying support systems and resources available to them.
4. Inpatient Hospitalization: In some cases, when an individual’s crisis is severe and they are at risk of harming themselves or others, they may be admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit for more intensive care and observation.
5. Crisis Intervention: Crisis intervention techniques are used to help individuals cope with their emotional distress, develop problem-solving skills, and manage their symptoms more effectively.
6. Referral and Follow-up: After the acute crisis is addressed, individuals may be referred to longer-term mental health services or outpatient treatment for ongoing support and therapy.
7. Connection to Community Resources: Behavioral Health Acute and Crisis Services often connect individuals to community resources, support groups, and outpatient mental health providers to promote recovery and long-term well-being.
8. 24/7 Availability: Crisis services are typically available 24/7, as mental health crises can occur at any time. This ensures that individuals can access help when they need it most.
9. Mobile Crisis Teams: Some regions also have mobile crisis teams that can provide on-site support in the community, responding to crisis situations where they occur, such as homes, schools, or other community settings.

These services are crucial in providing timely and effective care to individuals in acute distress, with the goal of preventing harm to themselves or others and facilitating their path to recovery. Access to behavioral health acute and crisis services can vary by location, so it’s important to be aware of the available resources in your area if you or someone you know is in need of immediate mental health support.

Shervan K Shahhian

Tunnel Vision, How do people process stress under pressure:

Stress under pressure can affect people in various ways, and how individuals process stress in high-pressure situations can vary greatly. “Tunnel vision” is a term often used to describe a cognitive phenomenon where individuals become narrowly focused on a specific task or goal while neglecting peripheral information or considerations. This can happen when people are under significant stress or pressure.

Here are some ways people may process stress under pressure:

1. Fight or Flight Response: When confronted with a stressful or high-pressure situation, the body’s “fight or flight” response is activated. This physiological reaction prepares the body to respond to the perceived threat by releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This can lead to increased focus and alertness, but it may also result in tunnel vision as the brain prioritizes the most immediate threats.
2. Narrowed Attention: Stress and pressure can cause people to focus intensely on the most critical aspects of a situation while filtering out distractions. This narrowed attention can help in completing urgent tasks but may also lead to missing important details.
3. Reduced Cognitive Flexibility: Under pressure, individuals may become less flexible in their thinking and problem-solving. They may stick to well-practiced routines and strategies rather than exploring new approaches, which can be both an advantage and a limitation.
4. Performance Variation: Stress can impact individuals differently. Some people might perform exceptionally well under pressure, while others may experience performance deterioration. Factors such as experience, personality, and how an individual perceives and copes with stress can influence their performance.
5. Emotional Regulation: People may experience a range of emotions under stress, including anxiety, frustration, and even panic. Effective emotional regulation techniques can help individuals manage their stress and maintain focus and composure.
6. Task Prioritization: Under pressure, individuals may naturally prioritize tasks based on perceived urgency. This can be an adaptive response, but it can also lead to neglecting less urgent but equally important tasks.
7. Training and Experience: Training and experience can play a significant role in how individuals process stress under pressure. Those who have been exposed to high-pressure situations and have received relevant training are often better equipped to handle stress and maintain focus.
8. Preparation and Mental Resilience: People who have developed mental resilience and stress management techniques are generally more capable of processing stress under pressure. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk can be beneficial.

It’s essential to note that the term “tunnel vision” is often used in a negative context because it can lead to overlooking critical information or making impulsive decisions. However, in some situations, a narrow focus and heightened attention can be an advantage, enabling individuals to complete tasks more efficiently.

Ultimately, how an individual processes stress under pressure depends on their unique personality, coping mechanisms, prior experiences, and the specific demands of the situation. Learning to manage stress effectively and maintain focus under pressure is a valuable skill that can be developed through training and practice.

Shervan K Shahhian

Tunnel Vision due to Anxiety and Stress:

Tunnel vision is a term often used to describe a perceptual phenomenon where an individual’s field of vision narrows, making them focus intensely on a single point or a limited area, while ignoring the surrounding environment. It can be related to anxiety and stress, among other factors. Here’s how anxiety and stress can contribute to tunnel vision:

1. Fight-or-Flight Response: When you experience anxiety or stress, your body’s fight-or-flight response is activated. This physiological reaction is designed to prepare your body to respond to a perceived threat. As part of this response, your body redirects blood flow to essential organs and muscles, including the heart and skeletal muscles, in preparation for a potential threat. This can lead to a narrowing of peripheral vision as your body prioritizes resources for immediate survival.
2. Hyper-Focus: Anxiety and stress can lead to heightened alertness and hyper-vigilance, causing you to become overly focused on a perceived threat or source of stress. This intense concentration can make you feel like you have tunnel vision because you are fixated on a specific concern or problem while neglecting peripheral information.
3. Cognitive Overload: When you are overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, your cognitive resources may become strained, leading to difficulties in processing and integrating information from your surroundings. This can result in a narrowed perception of your environment.
4. Emotional Impact: Anxiety and stress can also have emotional effects that contribute to tunnel vision. For example, intense fear or worry can make you feel as though your attention is constricted to the source of your distress, causing you to neglect other stimuli.

It’s important to note that tunnel vision due to anxiety or stress is a temporary and adaptive response to perceived threats or stressors. However, prolonged or chronic stress and anxiety can have negative effects on your overall well-being, so it’s essential to manage and address these issues effectively. Techniques such as relaxation, deep breathing, mindfulness, and seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, can be helpful in reducing the impact of anxiety and stress on your perception and overall mental health.

Shervan K Shahhian