New England Psychologist
Psychologists weigh in on benefits, pitfalls of AI
By Ami Albernaz
Can it improve assessment, diagnosis? Five, 10, 20 years from now, what role will AI play in psychology? Chatbots-as-therapists may come to mind for some (indeed, several commercially available apps already offer AI-based mental health support), but psychologists also see considerable potential in other areas. New England Psychologist spoke with a few psychologists to understand some of the ways they see AI advancing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as the potential pitfalls of using AI. AI’s ability to analyze… Read more »
Leading Stories
Disparities between mental, medical use reimbursements highlighted
Is telehealth here to stay?
InStride Health gets $30M investment
CT moving toward peer-run respite centers
Psychologists weigh in on benefits, pitfalls of AI
RI bills aimed at improving treatment coverage
Blue Envelope Program supports neuro-diverse drivers
FAIR Health study: claims, diagnoses increase
CT suicide numbers higher and younger
Bryant University launches doctoral clinical psychology program
NH has new group home for LGBTQ youth
Telehealth follies
Practice of sending defendants to prison’s IMHU continues until 2027
APA updates guidelines for older adult patients
Practical Practice
Changed: Independent Practice in the Age of Cyberterrorism
By Ellen Anderson, Ph.D
I became aware of a problem related to patient claim submission in late February, when the electronic claim submissions through my electronic medical record platform ground to a halt. As most psychologists are aware, Change Healthcare, a clearinghouse that processes approximately one-third of all medical claims in the United States was hacked. The U.S. Hospital Association called the hack the most impactful and consequential cybersecurity attack on the healthcare system in U.S. history. By March 5, the U.S. Health and… Read more »
Practical Practice: What is your favorite client resource?
By Ellen Anderson, Ph.D
It is impossible to keep up with the wide array of potential patient resource material, given the breadth of the mental health field. In the digital age, it is not feasible to stay abreast of the myriad books, podcasts, apps, websites, and communities available on Facebook and other social media. Over time, I have learned that checking out resource material recommended by patients is never a waste of time. My favorite and most often recommended resources have always come recommended… Read more »
I’m dead, now what?
By Ellen Anderson, Ph.D
This provocative title caught my eye at the local bookstore several years ago. It is a practical workbook that functions as both an organizer and end-of-life planner. My siblings (who share a similar dark and cynical sense of humor) appreciated it as a unique holiday gift during the pandemic. The thought occurred to me that this type of planning does not always occur for psychologists in practice. Fewer than half of Americans have a will, according to several Gallup polls… Read more »
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Interview of the Month
NH psychologist combines running, therapy
By Catherine Robertson Souter
If “motion is lotion” for the body, what must it do for the mind? With evidence backing the theory that exercise provides a therapeutic boost for mental health, a small but growing movement in psychology has taken a next step by combining the two. The result is offering movement-based therapy sessions out on the road, beach, nature paths, or rail trails. Beth Connolly, Psy.D., started her Hampton, NH-based practice “This is My Happy Pace: Therapeutic Running Services,” in 2019, after… Read more »
Older Interviews...
Publisher's Note by John M. Grohol, Psy.D.
Revisiting AI
Just a year ago, I wrote about the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence (A.I.) and its potential to help in mental health treatment. The field continues to suffer from a shortage of therapists, especially those trained in specific types of treatments to help with specific disorders (specialists). Artificial intelligence won’t be a cure-all and it’s not going to replace your job anytime soon. What it can do, however, is help in increasing access to care by patients, reduce certain mind-numbing… Read more »
Thoughts on this issue’s topics
This is an interesting issue in which our contributors explore a wealth of timely topics for clinicians. Our cover story by Phyllis Hanlon takes a deep dive into the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) movement. DEI has increased in recent years not only in visibility and initiatives, but in results too. Our Q&A with Aaron Y Chew, Ph.D., MSCP talks about why diversity matters and should be more than just checking things off a list. I’m heartened to see that… Read more »
Older Publisher's Notes...
In Person with Alan Bodnar, Ph.D.
Reflections on Totality
Words are the first to go. When all that is left of the sun is a circle of light surrounding the black disk of the moon, you are reduced to simple instructions and expressions of wonder. You point to the sun and tell your companion, “Look there,” and say over and over to no one in particular something like, “Oh my.” My wife says, “It moves,” and only later explains that seeing that instant when the moon slides in front… Read more »
Remembering Dan Wakefield
When acclaimed author Dan Wakefield passed away on March 13, the world lost a voice of compassion and conscience, and I lost a kind and generous mentor. Dan was a journalist, novelist, screenwriter, memoirist, and writer of non-fiction books on topics including the world of Spanish Harlem and the literary and cultural scene of his eponymous “New York in the Fifties.” In his first assignment for the Nation magazine, Dan covered the trial of two men charged and then acquitted… Read more »