Cenpatico Blog

One of the most important parts of achieving good mental health is recognition. In honor of Depression Screening Day (October 6), Cenpatico encourages you to get a screening for depression or another mental disorder if you think you may need one.

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Crying spells
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Guilt and/or hopelessness
• Lack of energy
• Change in eating or sleeping habits
• Thoughts of suicide

There are many effective treatments available. Click on the following resources for more information about depression and other mood disorders.

• Behavioral Health Resources
• Depression Screening Tool
• About Mood Disorders (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)
• Signs, Symptoms and Treatment of Depression – (National Institute of Mental Health)

This entry is filed under Uncategorized.

It’s Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 2-8) and Cenpatico continues to work toward raising awareness and breaking down stigmas associated with mental disorders. Our extensive Behavioral Health Resources page contains helpful information about common mental illnesses as well as ways to get help.

Cenpatico also continues to be a proud sponsor of the NAMIWALK, which increases understanding about the need for treatment and recovery programs for those suffering from a mental affliction.

Click on the links below for more information about mental disorders and Mental Illness Awareness Week. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to take control of your mental health.

• Behavioral Health Resources
• Mental Illness (American Psychiatric Association)
• Mental Illness Awareness Week Resources (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

This entry is filed under Uncategorized.

Cenpatico is deploying the first of several upgrades to our Secure Provider Portal functionality on Sept. 23, 2011. The tools you know are still there, but we’re simplifying in an effort to make them better for you. All participating Cenpatico providers will now be able to submit Batch Claims via the web as well as make Claims Adjustments. There is a newly updated Secure Provider Portal User Manual that will assist you in navigating these changes. It is located under the Resources tab.

This entry is filed under News.

Tracy Eilers, Foster Care Director at Cenpatico, was a keynote speaker at the Collaboration College Conference on Sept. 7, 2011 in Nashville, TN. The Collaboration College is a year-long initiative dedicated to community building that was created by Lipscomb University, the Center for Non-profit Management, and the HCA Foundation. Lipscomb hosted the one-day conference, with representatives from the Center for Non-profit Management and the HCA Foundation in attendance.

Eilers was requested to speak at this event because of her previous role as Executive Director of the Adoption Coalition of Texas, where the organization won the 2011 National Collaboration Prize.  As a keynote speaker, Eilers spoke of working with organizations at the community level as well as building partnerships and exploring partnership options with state agencies and corporations. Eilers also shared about her new role as Foster Care Director at Cenpatico, the organization’s mission of Improving Lives, and how it takes everyone, working together, to accomplish this goal. She has been asked to serve on the Collaboration College Advisory Board over the next year to assist with any questions and provide consultation.

In her presentation, Eilers said, “Collaboration isn’t forced. You look for common goals and the passion to work together. You check your ego at the door. The mission is what drives you as well as the realization that, by working together, you can achieve more than alone.”

This entry is filed under News.

Cenpatico takes pride in recognizing this week (September 5-9) as National Suicide Prevention Week. We are committed to working with communities, stakeholders and individuals throughout the nation to raise awareness about this preventable disease.

On Tuesday, Sept. 6, the Williamson County Mental Health Task Force held a ceremony at 9 a.m. on the south steps on the Williamson County Courthouse to symbolize the 39 individuals who committed suicide last year in Williamson County, Texas. Cenpatico was pleased to donate teddy bears for the event; these bears were donated to the Children’s Advocacy Center following the ceremony. One of the speakers at the ceremony was Jeff Curley of ‘Pick with Austin’ whose son lost his battle with depression and committed suicide.

To learn more about Suicide Prevention, click on one of the following resources:

•             Who does suicide affect?

•             Suicide in America – Frequently Asked Questions (National Institute of Mental Health)

•             Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts (National Institute of Mental Health)

•             Suicide in the U.S.: Statistics and Prevention (National Institute of Mental Health)

On September 7, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is sponsoring a video cast research symposium on suicide prevention from 2 to 3:30 p.m. (Eastern). Click here for more information.

Are you in a crisis? If so, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

This entry is filed under News.