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Live Oak Insights
September - Tackling the Hardest Topic to Think About
Last night at the dinner table, our 16âyearâold son asked why we hadnât posted anything for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It was a good question â and I knew the answer. Itâs because this subject hurts. Awareness and communication matter precisely because we donât want to think about suicide. I donât want to revisit the people weâve lost, the warning signs I wish Iâd recognized sooner, or the help I wish theyâd received. These memories are heavy, and they stay close. Bu

Hope Ruiz
1 min read


A Quick Guide to Using OutâofâNetwork Mental Health Benefits
Outâofânetwork (OON) mental health care is common. Here is a quick guide to file for reimbursement from your insurance provider.
Pam Spieler
1 min read


Finding Your Place Again: The Challenges Veterans Face After Returning to Civilian Life
Leaving the military is often viewed as the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunity and freedom. While that may be true for many veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life is rarely simple. For countless men and women who have dedicated years to serving their country, returning home means navigating a completely different way of livingâone that can feel unfamiliar, overwhelming, and isolating. The military provides structure, purpose, camarader

Shaneiria Crews
3 min read


Using Tech to your advantage, Not the other way around.
Let's face it, we're not going back to flip phones and creating authentic videos - technology is moving in one direction, into your life. The average American spends over 7 hours a day in front of digital screens. Thatâs a lot of time not spent making real world connections or grounding yourself in quiet. This constant connectivity can turbo-drive productivity into burnout, reduce time spent outdoors, and simply limit how much your own mind charts the course of your thoughts

Mark Ruiz, PhD
1 min read


Setting Healthy Boundaries: Protecting Your Mental Health and Relationships Amid Political Turbulence
In today's fast-paced world, political news seems to flood every corner of our livesâsocial media feeds, family dinners, group chats, and even interactions with you kids teacher. While it's important to stay informed, the constant barrage of headlines and debates can take a toll on your mental health and your relationships. As a psychology professional, I want to share science-backed insights and practical strategies you can use to set boundaries, ensuring that political turb

Mark Ruiz, PhD
3 min read


Finding the Best Fit Therapist
Choosing the right therapist is a crucial step in your path toward personal growth and emotional well-being. The therapeutic relationship can significantly influence your progress, so itâs important to find someone who truly fits your needs. Here are three key factors to consider when selecting a counselor or therapist: 1. Relatability and Comfort Itâs essential to feel comfortable and understood during your counseling sessions. A therapist who is relatable can help foster an

Mark Ruiz, PhD
2 min read


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