How to Know When Therapy Is Not Enough for Mental Health Support
Starting therapy is a meaningful step toward caring for your mental health. For many people, weekly therapy provides relief, insight and emotional support. But what happens when you are doing the work, showing up consistently and still not feeling better? This is a question many people wrestle with quietly. They worry that needing more support means they are failing, being dramatic or overreacting. In reality, recognizing when therapy is not enough is often a sign of self-awareness, not weakness. Why People Stay Stuck Even When Therapy Is Not Working Many people remain in therapy longer than they need to without [...]
Can I Work or Go to School While in Outpatient Treatment?
One of the first questions people ask when considering outpatient mental health treatment is whether they can continue working or going to school. For many professionals, parents and students, the fear of losing income, falling behind academically or disrupting daily responsibilities can feel overwhelming. This concern comes up constantly during intake calls, and for good reason! Life does not stop when someone needs mental health support. The good news is that outpatient treatment is specifically designed to provide meaningful care while allowing people to stay engaged in their everyday lives. Why This Concern Is So Common Many people assume that [...]
Biofeedback and Stress: How This Science-Backed Technique Can Help
Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can take a toll on your mental, emotional and physical health. From headaches and fatigue to anxiety and difficulty sleeping, chronic stress can impact every aspect of your well-being. One innovative tool that’s helping people better manage stress is biofeedback—a technique that teaches you to understand and control your body’s responses in real time. At High Focus Centers, biofeedback is used as part of a comprehensive approach to helping clients build healthier coping strategies. What Is Biofeedback? Biofeedback is a mind-body therapy that uses sensors to measure [...]
Building Strong Refusal Skills for a Healthier, Substance-Free Life
Peer pressure, social expectations, and challenging situations can make it difficult to stick to your values and goals—especially when it comes to avoiding drugs, alcohol or risky behaviors. Whether you’re a teen navigating social circles or an adult in recovery, learning and practicing refusal skills can empower you to make choices that protect your health and well-being. At High Focus Centers, we work with clients to build the confidence and communication skills needed to say “no” effectively and maintain a positive path forward. What Are Refusal Skills? Refusal skills are strategies and techniques that help you resist pressure from others [...]
What Is Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)?
When someone is struggling with substance use or another behavioral challenge, it’s common to feel conflicted about making changes. Part of them may want to recover, while another part resists the idea—this inner tug-of-war can stall progress before it even begins. motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is designed to help break through that ambivalence and strengthen a person’s own commitment to change. Understanding Motivational Enhancement Therapy Motivational enhancement therapy is a counseling approach that focuses on building intrinsic motivation rather than using confrontation or persuasion. Unlike some traditional treatment methods, MET isn’t about telling a person why they need to change—it’s [...]
The Half-Life of Mental Health Medications: Why Timing and Consistency Matter
When it comes to treating mental health conditions like anxiety, depression or mood disorders, medication can be a powerful tool. But to get the full benefit, it’s essential to take prescriptions exactly as directed—on time, consistently and under the guidance of a medical provider. One of the most important (but often misunderstood) concepts in medication management is something called “half-life.” Understanding the half-life of your medication can help you make sense of why timing matters, why skipping doses can lead to withdrawal or relapse and how medications stay in your system even after you stop taking them. At High Focus [...]
Alcoholism in Native American Communities: Raising Awareness During National Minority Mental Health Month
August is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the unique mental health challenges faced by underserved and historically marginalized communities. One such community is Native Americans—who continue to experience disproportionately high rates of alcohol use disorder (AUD), often rooted in generations of trauma, systemic inequality and limited access to culturally sensitive care. At High Focus Centers in Georgia, we believe in recognizing these disparities and providing inclusive, evidence-based treatment that respects the cultural and historical contexts behind addiction. By acknowledging the challenges faced by Native American individuals, we can help break cycles of [...]
What Is the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)?
If you or someone you care about is starting to question their relationship with alcohol, it can be difficult to know where to begin. One of the most widely recognized tools for identifying risky drinking behaviors is the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test—better known as AUDIT. At High Focus Centers, we believe that early identification and awareness are key to recovery. The AUDIT provides a structured, science-backed way to evaluate alcohol use and determine whether further support might be needed. In this article, we’ll explore what the AUDIT is, how it works and why it’s a valuable tool for both [...]
Klonopin Side Effects: Understanding the Risks
Klonopin (generic name clonazepam) is a widely prescribed medication known for its calming effects on the brain and body. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)—the brain’s natural “calm-down” chemical. When taken as prescribed, Klonopin can offer short-term relief for anxiety, panic disorders and seizure conditions. But like all medications that act on the central nervous system, Klonopin comes with side effects, including the potential to lower blood pressure in some individuals. At High Focus Centers, we’re committed to helping individuals understand how medications [...]
Preparing for Your First Outpatient Behavioral Health Appointment: Guidance for Teens and Adults
Starting outpatient behavioral health treatment is a courageous and essential step toward mental wellness. Whether you're a parent helping your teen prepare or an adult beginning your own journey, approaching this experience with understanding and openness can lead to meaningful progress. High Focus Centers is here to support both teens and adults as they take the first step toward healing. Why Preparation Matters Entering therapy can feel intimidating, whether it's a teen's first experience or an adult seeking help after years of struggle. Thoughtful preparation can: Ease Anxiety: Understanding the process reduces fear of the unknown. Encourage Openness: Feeling prepared [...]
Embrace the Season of Change: Why January Is the Best Time to Prioritize Mental Health and Recovery
As winter settles in and the new year begins, it’s natural to slow down and reflect. Much like the natural world enters a season of hibernation, this quiet period offers the perfect opportunity to focus on mental health, substance abuse recovery, or addressing co-occurring disorders. High Focus Centers is here to provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment to support lasting wellness. Harness the Power of Winter for Mental Wellness Winter invites us to turn inward, making it an excellent time to prioritize mental well-being. The colder, quieter months encourage introspection and self-care—key components of recovery and personal growth. January symbolizes a fresh [...]
What to Know About Out-of-State Addiction Treatment Therapy and Mental Health Disorder Treatment
Choosing an out-of-state recovery facility for addiction treatment therapy or mental health disorder treatment can be a significant step toward a new, healthier future. Deciding on a distant location might feel daunting, but many find that leaving familiar surroundings can provide a beneficial environment for focused healing. If you or a loved one is considering out-of-state treatment, here are some key points to help ease this transition and ensure you are well-prepared for the journey. Benefits of Out-of-State Recovery Going out of state for treatment can provide numerous advantages. Many individuals choose this option to create distance from the routines [...]