I Don’t Need Anyone’s Help!

By: Jason Ulanet, PLPC

Social Services Clinican

Sometimes current events give bloggers a nice; easy, perfect segue into what they want to write about. This is ALMOST one of those times. The major headlines of the last few days all include news of the New England Patriots’ tight end Aaron Hernandez, who has found himself in serious legal trouble. Such a dramatic reversal in fortune for this young man reminded me of something I’ve returned to over the years in my conversations with those who’ve been in treatment, or are considering seeking it.

HIPPA, Privacy Rights and Improved Patient Outcomes

By Rich Faillla, CEO
I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal about the problems that family members run into when they try to get information on their adult children who suffer from mental illness. Due to HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and the other privacy rules family members cannot get any information about their loved ones without a signed release. This is especially troubling for families of patients who are diagnosed with schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.

Oftentimes if the family of these patients knew that they were not taking their medication, or refused community living arrangements, or did not make an outpatient follow up appointment, the families could intervene. Many times Psychiatric patients loose all touch with reality and have hallucinations, delusions, or hear voices which make them paranoid.