Author Archives: Jamar Little

Innovative Uses of Technology to Enhance Access to Services Within the Crisis Continuum

Introduction Technology is ubiquitous, yet psychological, psychiatric, substance use, and public mental health engagement and treatments have historically been in-person and resource intensive and not hightech. The disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed mental health providers to adopt technology to … Read More

Facilitating Rapid Access to Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Use Care

Introduction: Access to Behavioral Health Services According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), in 2021, approximately 40% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, and 57% of female and 29% of male high school students reported experiencing persistent feelings … Read More

Intersectionality: Faith, Mental Health, and Community Partnerships

INTRODUCTION Spirituality and religion are important aspects of the lives of many Americans. They have a protective effect on mental health and well-being. In most communities, faith leaders serve in positions of authority and are often called upon to address … Read More

Crisis Services: General Medical and Psychiatric Approaches to Care Delivery

Introduction The promise of 988 and the new National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care offer a different path for individuals experiencing a crisis related to mental health, substance use, or other emotional or trauma-related challenges. The guidelines outline the … Read More

The Well-Being of LGBTQ+ Youth in Foster Care: The Youth Acceptance Project

This presentation will first dive into sexual orientations and gender identities outside the binary to ensure that participants understand the many identities LGBTQ+ youth embody, as well as their unique needs. LGBTQ+ children and youth are among the most vulnerable, … Read More

Penalized for Their Prescriptions: Parents Using Legal Addiction Medications Face Ongoing Discrimination in the Child Welfare System

s this country battles yet another drug epidemic, medical authorities and the federal government continue to promote “medication-assisted treatments” like methadone as the most-effective frontline defense against the ravages of opioid addiction. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the bedrock … Read More

Social Media and Children 2024 Legislation

As concerns arise regarding the effects of social media usage on children’s mental health, state legislators are introducing measures to protect children while using the internet and internet-based forms of communication, including social media. The legislation includes bills and resolutions … Read More

The Relationship Between Resilience and Child Health Behaviors In A National Dataset

Health behaviors are responsible for a substantial burden of poor health outcomes across the lifespan, including mental health disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. In children, unhealthy patterns of diet and physical activity are associated with higher rates of obesity, diabetes, … Read More

Fatherhood, Family, And The Crisis Of Boys And Men

Scholars and think-tank researchers, as well as mainstream media and social media, increasingly focus on the “trouble with men.” This attention is well deserved. Wholesale economic shifts have hollowed out the secure, well-paying jobs in the middle of the economy … Read More

An Overview and Panel Discussion of the Multi-Systems Integration Pilot Program

Characteristics and Outcomes of Multi-System Youth READ MORE