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Recent Announcements

  1. The National 988 Suicide Lifeline Has Launched - Here’s How It Works

    The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available nationwide! If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, text or call 9-8-8 to get assistance and support from trained counselors or help with finding local resources.
    By Roger Murray
  2. Telemynd Achieves HITRUST CSF® Certification to Manage Risk, Improve Security Posture, and Meet Compliance Requirements

    HITRUST CSF Certification validates Telemynd is committed to meeting key regulations and protecting sensitive information.
    Maynard, Massachusetts, December 6, 2021 – Telemynd, a leading provider of behavioral health solutions, today announced the MyCare telebehavioral health solution has earned Certified status for information security by HITRUST.
    HITRUST CSF Certified status demonstrates that the organization’s MyCare telebehavioral health solution has met key regulations and industry-defined requirements and is appropriately managing risk. This achievement places Telemynd in an elite group of organizations worldwide that have earned this certification. By including federal and state regulations, standards, and frameworks, and incorporating a risk-based approach, the HITRUST CSF helps organizations address these challenges through a comprehensive and flexible framework of prescriptive and scalable security controls.
    “Organizations, like ours, are under more pressure than ever to meet complex compliance and privacy requirements that include technical and process elements such as NIST, ISO, and COBIT,” said Patrick Herguth, Chief Executive Office at Telemynd. “We are pleased to demonstrate to our customers the highest standards for protecting sensitive data and information by achieving HITRUST CSF Certification.”
    “The HITRUST CSF Assurance Program is the most rigorous available, consisting of a multitude of quality assurance checks, both automated and manual,” said Bimal Sheth, Vice President of Assurance Services, HITRUST. “The fact that Telemynd has achieved HITRUST CSF Certification attests to the high quality of their information risk management and compliance program.”
     About Telemynd
    141 Parker Street, Suite 306
    Maynard, MA 01754
    (866)991-2103
    Telemynd Media Contact                                                   
    Roger Murray
    Marketing Director
    rmurray@telemynd.com
    By Roger Murray
  3. Choosing Between A Prescriber Or Therapist?

    Both therapists and prescribers work with you to help improve your mental health, but they offer vastly different services. If you’ve decided it’s time to see a provider but you’re not sure what kind of support you need, read this guide to find out which could be the best fit for you.
    Therapist or Prescriber — Which Is Right For Me?
    By Roger Murray

Recent Blog Entries

  1. Ensuring Quality Care in Behavioral Health Services

    We are excited to introduce a new risk and compliance-focused series designed to enhance your understanding of key regulations and practices within behavioral health services. Our goal is to provide valuable insights and guidance to ensure providers have a strong foundation in compliance and quality care.  
    At Telemynd, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional behavioral health services. Behind the scenes, our Clinical Risk and Compliance Department upholds the high standards that our clients deserve. Transparency, accountability, and adherence to state and federal regulations, as well as payor standards, are essential in fostering a supportive and professional environment for our clients and providers. 
    What Is Compliance in Behavioral Health? 
    Compliance in the behavioral health sector encompasses the policies, procedures, and regulations that govern our practices. This includes ensuring confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA, fraud waste and abuse prevention, ethical practices and quality treatment for clients. Our Compliance Department partners with the Clinical Department and our Operations and Billing Teams to work diligently to ensure that our practices align with these standards, enabling us to maintain the highest level of care and trust.  Additionally, our team is available to assist our providers with compliance questions and/or risk consultations. 
    Meet our Team 
    The Compliance Department is led by Karen Dexter, Sr. Director of Clinical Risk & Compliance. Karen is an Independently Licensed Clinical Social Worker and attorney licensed in Massachusetts. Karen is also a military spouse. Karen has been with Telemynd since 2021. The focus of both Karen’s clinical and legal career has been serving children and families, whether through direct care, policy development, advocacy or education. 
    Andrew “Drew” Pontbriand, Compliance Specialist, joined the team in 2022. Prior to Telemynd, Drew worked in various compliance related project leader roles, as well as serving as a Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Liaison.  
    Carrie Perez, Clinical Risk & Compliance Coordinator, recently joined the team after starting with Telemynd as a Clinical Operations Supervisor in 2023. Carrie is a board certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the social work field since 2006, during which time she also served as an active duty officer in the Air Force.  
    What to Expect 
    In this series, we will share insights into our compliance initiatives, updates on relevant regulations, and tips on how we can all contribute to a culture of compliance within our organization. We’ll also highlight success stories and best practices that illustrate our commitment to behavioral health and ethical care. We invite you to join us on this journey – together, we can ensure that our practices not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients. Stay tuned for our upcoming posts, and feel free to engage with us—your feedback is invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance our services. 
    Thank you for being a part of the Telemynd community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve and in creating a positive workplace for our provider network. 
    If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future topics in  our compliance series, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at compliance@telemynd.com. 
  2. How Veterans Can Obtain A VA Referral For Mental Health Services

    If you’re a Veteran seeking a new referral from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for Community Care through Telemynd, follow these steps:
    Step 1: Schedule an Appointment with Your VHA Primary Care Provider (PCP)
    Contact your PCP’s office to discuss your mental health needs and request a new referral for services with Telemynd. You can also send a message on MyHealtheVet to set up an appointment through our online portal.
    Step 2: Discuss Your Mental Health Needs
    During your appointment, explain your specific mental health concerns and why you believe the Community Care Network (CCN) might be the best fit for your situation. Mention the Mission Act as a reference for eligibility. Your PCP will assess your needs and determine if a CCN referral is appropriate, providing guidance on the next steps.
    Step 3: Request a Referral
    If your PCP agrees that a CCN referral is necessary, ask them to submit the referral to Telemynd. Your PCP will submit the referral for services to the VA. Once approved, you will be notified by your VA care team.
    Step 4: Follow Up
    After the referral is submitted, follow up with the Office of Community Care Network to ensure timely processing. Call the CCN Customer Support line at (877) 881-7618 to confirm your referral status. If asked for a provider preference, request Telemynd. Remember to record key details like the referral number and dates.
    Step 5: Coordinate Your First Session
    Once approved, you’ll receive information about your assigned Community Care provider. If Telemynd is your provider, we will contact you to choose a provider and schedule your first appointment.
    Step 6: Stay Engaged and Advocate for Your Care
    Remain proactive throughout the process. If you encounter challenges or delays, reach out to our VHA Community Care team at (888) 966-1665 for assistance. We are here to help ensure a smooth transition to Community Care.
    These steps serve as general guidance. Always consult your VHA health care team for specific instructions tailored to your situation.
    Already Receiving Care Through The VA?
     You can always ask your current mental health provider to refer you out for community care You can also call the CCN Customer Support line at (877) 881-7618 and ask to be switched to community-based support with Telemynd. Once approved, they will send us a referral for services. We will contact you to choose a provider and schedule your first appointment.
     
  3. How Extracurricular Activities Benefit Students

    Extracurricular activities are more than just fun and engaging ways for students to boost their college admission prospects. They also allow youth to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and discover what they’re passionate about.
    Participating in extracurricular activities helps nurture students’ minds, bodies, and souls. Students build fundamental skills that empower them to dream big and achieve bigger. Learn more about the benefits of extracurricular activities and how to support and encourage your child throughout these moments.
    Broadening Perspectives
    Extracurricular activities help students learn practical life skills they otherwise wouldn’t practice in school. Students can gain new skills and hone in on current ones while connecting with themselves and learning to navigate challenges.
    These activities also strengthen the lessons learned in the classroom. Students can apply these lessons in the real world, enhancing their education and preparing them for the future. Still, the essential lessons students learn from extracurricular activities benefit them beyond the classroom. Here are some vital skills that extracurricular activities amplify.
    Social Awareness
    Social justice clubs and community service increase students’ compassion and social consciousness. These activities expose students to society’s needs and encourage them to do their part to help others. Students foster a sense of civic responsibility through volunteering or fighting for a cause they believe in. Community service can broaden a student’s perspective of the struggles people face every day and nurture a genuine interest in the well-being of others.
    Serving others and fighting for equality helps improve empathy and leadership skills. Social justice activities help students learn to investigate and challenge inequality within their schools and society. Students develop skills to become active change agents and stand up for what they believe in.
    Debating Skills
    Debate clubs and teams teach students how to communicate their thoughts and feelings. They explore real-world topics and issues and create ethical, factual, logical, and emotional arguments to persuade others that their beliefs are correct. Debating encourages students to dive deep into complex information and analyze it from multiple sides.
    By expressing their opinions about a particular topic with others, students learn to engage in critical thinking while considering multiple viewpoints. Debating also requires them to reflect on their personal views while exploring those of others. In addition, social skill development builds confidence and nurtures collaboration and respect for peers.
    Strategic Thinking
    Competitive sports and chess clubs can help students develop strategic thinking. Strategy is crucial for these activities, which require students to analyze strengths and weaknesses, develop a game plan, and adapt in real time. These activities constantly challenge students and encourage them to achieve a common goal as a team.
    Practice and evaluating past performances also help students gain decision-making skills, discernment, and risk assessment. Students develop problem-solving skills and strategic planning, which are essential in academics, daily life, and the future.
    Culinary Skills
    Culinary clubs and cooking classes help students learn about nutrition while exploring creativity. Cooking is a form of expression and hands-on learning. Students learn about food chemistry, budgeting, and creating balanced, nutritious meals. This practical knowledge applies to daily life, helping students understand the significance of portion control, cooking techniques, and time management.
    Learning these valuable skills at a young age can empower youth to make healthy food choices, contributing to their overall health. Cooking can also inspire experimentation and cultural appreciation as they discover different flavors, cuisines, and techniques. Furthermore, learning culinary skills could spark interest in a career students often don’t explore in standard academia.
    Creativity
    Visual and performing arts build self-confidence and creative expression. Students can become more self-assured and recognize and appreciate their talents and abilities. Extracurricular activities like art, drama, and music enhance emotional intelligence by allowing students to be present.
    Focus and mindfulness can manage stress and regulate emotions. These creative outlets empower students to channel negative feelings into a positive, meaningful activity. They also promote problem-solving abilities, helping students handle constructive criticism and use it for improvement.
    Physical Wellness
    Fitness, sports, and dance can reveal fun ways for students to maintain their physical health. These activities encourage fundamental aspects of wellness, like regular exercise and healthy eating. Physical wellness activities help students create healthy habits from a young age that will have a positive impact on success and overall well-being.
    Regular exercise benefits physical and mental health. Students can benefit from better endurance, weight control, lowered risk of health conditions, and reduced depression and anxiety. Incorporating fitness can set students up with a healthy routine to stay active and maintain their overall health.
    Enhancing Personal Development
    Studies show that students who participate in extracurricular activities exhibit multiple benefits in terms of overall psychological growth. Students demonstrated substantial character development, higher levels of academic achievement, elevated social development, and an improved understanding of the importance of community involvement. Furthermore, students who participate in extracurricular activities reported increased self-worth and self-concept.
    Extracurricular activities, like volunteering, sports, and arts, are vital for self-empowerment. Volunteering opens the doors to new skills, experiences, passions, and interests while helping others. According to research, community involvement promotes a sense of belonging and encourages students to contribute to society. Playing sports encourages team spirit, discipline, and accountability. The arts foster self-expression, creativity, and self-awareness. These crucial life skills paint a bigger picture of resilience, self-esteem, and character building.
    These activities also nurture teamwork and leadership skills. Students learn to consider other’s needs and gain insight into the role their actions play in achieving an overall goal. By working with teammates or partners, students can grasp the significance of being a team player and the concept of good sportsmanship. They also practice working with different types of people who may not always share the same beliefs or opinions.
    Students become better leaders by learning how to effectively engage with others. Many extracurricular activities require critical and strategic thinking, communication, organization, charisma, and problem-solving. These qualities create exceptional leaders who are self-aware and considerate of others.
    Mental Health Benefits
    Reduced anxiety and depression are some of the most significant mental health benefits of extracurricular activities. Researchers found extracurricular activities create a sense of school belonging among adolescents, improving mental health outcomes. As students spend much of their days in school, the experiences they have there often influence mental health. Students who participate in extracurricular activities showed reduced depression, anxiety, loneliness, and conduct problems. They also reported higher well-being.
    Extracurricular activities create spaces for expression, connection, self-exploration, and overall mental wellness. Being active can boost self-esteem, increase concentration, and encourage restful sleep.
    Participating in extracurricular activities also creates an outlet for stress relief. Without a positive outlet, school and home stressors can take a toll on adolescents. Students learn to channel negative emotions into positive activities that help them cope with life struggles. That can improve mental well-being, focus, and academic performance, leading to higher academic achievements.
    Supporting Your Child in Extracurricular Activities
    Supporting your child in extracurricular activities can encourage them to keep growing and exploring. Here are some simple tips to help your child stay involved in extracurricular activities:
    Explore their interests: Self-exploration is key in extracurricular activities. Help your child create a list of activities they enjoy and discover activities at school. Encourage them to try something new: Inspire your child to try something out of their comfort zone. Explain the benefits, insights, skills, and connections they can build to help them grow in vital life areas. Use gentle guidance: If your child tries an activity once and wants to quit, gently urge them to try again. You can do your part by making them feel confident and explaining that the key to success is completing what they start. Motivate them to showcase their talents: Every child has innate talents that extracurricular activities can nurture. If your child loves singing, encourage them to join a performing art class to explore their talent. Reward the effort: Encourage your child to focus on the effort, not the outcome. That can help them build perseverance and motivate them to keep practicing and trying, no matter the result. Be involved: Show up for them by attending their games, debates, recitals, and more. Your child will feel encouraged to keep going if they know you’re always there to support them. Balancing schedules can be challenging with such a busy life. Understanding time management can ensure students can perform wholeheartedly in academics and extracurricular activities. To reduce the likelihood of burnout, students should prioritize academics and set limits on their commitments.
    Here are some strategies to help students with balancing schedules:
    Choose activities that they are committed to. Track assignments, extracurricular activities, and other priorities using a planner or calendar. Ask for help. Practice self-care. Take breaks. Plan ahead.  
    Extracurricular activities benefit students beyond academics, enhancing personal development, leadership skills, and social skills. These essential life skills foster growth and impact success. When students participate in extracurriculars, it can help shape them into the best versions of themselves, promoting overall health and a bright future.

Latest Handouts

  • Quality mental health care should be available to everyone, no matter where they live. That’s why we built Telemynd, an easy-to-use telebehavioral health platform where you can see therapists and prescribers virtually so that you can always feel confident about the future of your mental health.
  • We understand that needs vary from person to person, and unlike many telebehavioral health providers, we offer services that are specifically designed to support people living with more severe behavioral health conditions.
  • Demand for mental health services grew in the pandemic, and telebehavioral health was the solution. Research says telehealth demand will stay high post-pandemic.
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