We are Proud to Announce: Our ASC website has been voted a top rated mental health resource by Psych Central viewers. Since setting up our website over one year ago, we have heard from Deaf and hearing folks from all over the world. Many people ask us for referrals to psychotherapists in their areas. Others who are interested in working …
Read MoreThe Irony of “Inclusion”: Here’s an article on Deaf schools from our northern neighbors. In the same way as in the United States, Canadian Deaf schools face threats of closure as a result of the push toward “inclusion” or mainstreaming students. Money issues are usually the main reason for efforts to shut down Deaf schools or change them in major …
Read MoreHealing Hounds: Service dogs have been around for years, with most of them accompanying blind, mobility impaired, and even some Deaf people. A growing number of people, however, are now relying on service dogs for assistance in other ways, including support as they deal with mental health issues. Psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) have been helping people with depression, anxiety, and …
Read MoreSan Diego Conference on Deaf Domestic Violence: Call for Papers
Coming November 3-4, 2006: San Diego Deaf Mental Health Services has put out a call for proposals for its upcoming fall conference. If you work in the mental health field, this is a great opportunity to get together with colleagues and find out what’s new in the area of Deaf domestic violence. We always need more Deaf professionals to share …
Read MorePurchase of National Deaf Academy
Sold: In the news this week, the Florida-based National Deaf Academy (NDA) has been purchased by Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. (PSI). A residential treatment program for Deaf children, adolescents, and adults in need of intensive psychiatric care, NDA is one of the few inpatient programs in the United States that specifically serves the Deaf community. With the purchase of NDA, PSI …
Read MoreHome Alone: We often have parents ask us when it is okay to start leaving their children home by themselves. It depends on what state you live in. Most states don’t have laws about specific ages, but do offer parents guidelines through local child protective services. Maryland is one of the few states with a law about this. Under Maryland …
Read MoreThe FDA approved a Prozac-type drug for dogs who are depressed. This is good, because it is hard for dogs to get therapy, since they’re never allowed on the couch. Source: Colin Quinn on Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Read MoreDeaf Children = Wild Animals?: You’ve probably seen those yellow signs by the roadside that announce “SLOW Deaf Child” or “Caution: Deaf Child Area”. Are these signs really necessary? Deer, cows, and ducks may occasionally have their own signs, but do Deaf children need them? Deaf children are not wild animals. They can be taught how to play outside and …
Read MoreThe Eyes Have It: People have always been fascinated by eyes. Quotes such as “the eyes are the mirror of the soul” and “you are the apple of my eye” remind us how mysterious and powerful eyes can be. Researchers know that eyes are important perceptual signals as well. We act differently when we are being watched and we often …
Read More