Clinician's Corner

Mental health professionals are committed to lifelong learning. Staying informed about new research, treatment modalities, and evolving clinical practices is crucial to providing effective care. However, with demanding schedules and heavy caseloads, finding quality continuing education can be challenging. One significant advantage of working with a large mental and behavioral healthcare company like LifeStance is its simplified approach to offering accessible and broad continuing education tailored specifically for mental health professionals. LifeStance prioritizes clinician professional growth by providing a wide array of live clinical education programming. These interactive, peer-to-peer learning sessions, each lasting approximately 60 minutes, are developed by the Clinical Leadership Team and facilitated by internal LifeStance clinicians. This peer-focused approach encourages meaningful interactions and collaborative discussions and offers Continuing Education (CE) credits for live participation. LifeStance prioritizes clinician professional growth by providing a wide array of live clinical education programming. LifeStance’s clinical education opportunities include three main formats: Grand Rounds Multidisciplinary presentations featuring some of the latest research, clinical insights, and innov...

I recently attended Chicago’s Comic and Entertainment Expo C2E2 (2025) and had the fortune of attending the live panel where, for the first time in 40 years, all five main Breakfast Club cast members (Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Ally Sheedy) were in attendance. Audience members’ ages ranged across the lifespan, which was indicative of the enduring legacy John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club (1985) has had in pop culture. Considered a genre defining movie and amongst the peak of teen comedy films, The Breakfast Club transcends generations and still remains highly relevant and impactful 40 years after its initial release. The Breakfast Club is about five teenagers who received Saturday detention for various reasons. They all belong to different cliques (e.g. brain, athlete, rebel, princess, and the oddball) and the film illustrates that, despite belonging to different cliques and surface level differences, the main characters have more in common than what appears. Shared experiences and subsequent bonding provide a snapshot of what being one’s genuine and authentic self with others can lead to with regards to developing meaningful and complex relationships. What makes The Breakfast Club stand out the most is its fearlessness to go beyond being “just a comedy” and explore t...

Mental health professionals dedicate their lives to helping others navigate emotional challenges, but who helps the helpers? Research paints a concerning picture: between 21-67% of mental health workers experience high levels of burnout. In some settings, more than half report high emotional exhaustion, with many also experiencing depersonalization and reduced feelings of personal accomplishment. When Healers Need Healing The irony isn’t lost on those in the field. The very professionals trained to recognize and treat mental health concerns in others often struggle to address their own wellbeing. Burnout doesn’t simply make work more difficult—it fundamentally undermines a practitioner’s health, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and physical health problems. More troubling still is how burnout ripples outward to affect patient care. When mental health professionals experience burnout, their patients may receive decreased qu...

The mental health field is booming, with employment growth for psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors, psychiatric aides, and social workers expected to be three times the projection for a typical U.S. job, according to a CNN analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This rapid expansion makes mental health careers a strong investment in education and training. However, even in a high-demand job market, landing a role with competitive benefits and a supportive work environment remains highly competitive. To stand out, psychotherapists and psychologists need more than credentials—they need a strategic, well-crafted resume that highlights their expertise, achievements, and unique contributions to the field. Chuck Solomon, MSW, Director of Employer Brand & Recruitment Marketing for LifeStance Health, shares his insights on what recruiters prioritize when reviewing resumes, common mistakes to avoid, and actionable tips for presenting yourself as an exceptional candidate. By implementing these strategies, mental health professionals can confidently navigate the hiring process and secure their ideal roles in this growing industry. 1. Credentials Are Key: Make Them Easy to Find The first thing recruiters look for is whether a candidate is properly credentialed. To make this informa...

Telehealth and virtual therapy have undeniably become the norm for people seeking mental health services, offering accessibility and convenience. However, the experience of visiting a therapist’s office carries unique therapeutic advantages. It provides a physical and psychological separation from one’s everyday environment, allowing patients to “leave it all behind.” This transition into a therapist’s dedicated space can help create a profound sense of safety and immersion in the therapeutic process. Being at home during a virtual session may lack this full immersion, as patients remain within their familiar surroundings, potentially facing distractions and difficulties in fully detaching from their daily stressors. In-office therapy offers the opportunity for a transformative and focused therapeutic experience that can be challenging to replicate virtually. Many mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, who see patients in their offices (aka. IRL experience) have the creative freedom to decorate their offices in a way that reflects their personality and therapeutic approach. While this can be a fun and rewarding endeavor, it can also be a struggle for some. The process of choosing the right decor is a delicate balance, as it must be both welcoming and c...

Embarking on a career in mental health therapy is a noble and fulfilling pursuit. As therapists gain experience and expertise, many may consider the prospect of opening their own private practice. Telehealth has revolutionized the mental health profession, empowering countless professionals to operate solo practices from the comfort of their own homes. The advent of remote therapy and counseling platforms has eliminated the need for a traditional office space, making it cost-effective and convenient. Therapists and counselors can now connect with their clients via secure video calls, fostering a sense of privacy and intimacy. This shift not only reduces overhead costs but also broadens their reach, allowing professionals to serve clients from different geographic locations. While the idea of running a solo practice from the comfort of your own home can be enticing, it is essential to acknowledge and prepare for the challenges that come with it. On the other hand, joining a large group practice offers benefits that may align more closely with certain therapists’ goals and preferences. In this article, we will explore the challenges faced by therapists who decide to open a solo practice and highlight the benefits of joining a large group practice....

Mental health and psychiatry are incredibly fascinating fields with so many different aspects to explore. You’ve got subsets that revolve around working with individual patients or specific groups, and then there are those that dive into the broader impact on communities or even policymaking. So, if you’re in med school or simply intrigued by psychiatry, … Continued