When someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts or going through a mental health crisis, it can feel like hope is out of reach. In these moments, having a concrete, personalized plan can make all the difference. A safety plan is a written list of coping strategies, supportive contacts, and resources to use when things feel overwhelming. It is a simple tool that can provide structure, reassurance, and a path toward safety.

These plans are not just crisis tools. They are reminders that even in the darkest moments there are steps that can help you stay safe and connected.

One of the most powerful tools we have to prevent suicide is connection. A simple conversation can be a turning point for someone who feels alone, hopeless, or overwhelmed. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a reminder that you do not need to have all the answers to make a difference. You just need to be willing to reach out, listen, and show you care.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we see every day how connection can open the door to healing. Even small moments of compassion can break through isolation and remind someone they matter.

Every September, communities across the country recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It is a time to share resources, reduce stigma, and remind each other that help is always available. Suicide impacts people of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences. It is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, yet it is also preventable when people have access to timely, compassionate support.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we believe in the power of early intervention. We know that starting conversations about mental health and providing support early can save lives.

Transitions are hard. Whether it’s starting a new school year, moving to a new home, changing jobs, or navigating any big life change, the chaos can feel overwhelming. It’s normal to feel anxious, tired, or off-balance during these times.

Integrative mental health offers a way to move through transitions with more ease and care. It looks beyond just symptoms and treats you as a whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

LITTLE ROCK, AR – August 26 – Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, a national leader in brain-first, integrative psychiatric care, has announced a pivotal leadership transition designed to support the company’s rapid expansion and deepen its impact in advancing psychiatric science.

Founder and CEO Brian Mears, DNAP, APRN, CRNA, PMHNP-BC, who established Alleviant in 2017, will now focus his leadership on propelling the company’s national expansion, forging high-value strategic partnerships, and advancing the cutting-edge psychiatric and neurophysiological innovations that distinguish Alleviant in the field. Remaining as CEO, Mears will continue to provide visionary direction while spearheading the research and clinical advancements that shape the future of the company’s transformative care model.

As an educator, you play a huge role in shaping how students think about learning, relationships, and even themselves. What many people don’t realize is that you also shape how they view mental health.

Kids and teens are always watching. They notice how you handle stress. They pick up on your tone when something goes wrong. And when you speak honestly (without going too deep), they learn that it’s okay to talk about emotions and challenges.

A new school year brings more than fresh supplies and lesson plans. It brings a quiet pressure that many people outside the classroom don’t always see.

There’s the excitement of a fresh start, yes, but also the weight of expectations, shifting routines, and the emotional energy it takes to show up for so many others, every single day.

Teachers carry a mental load that goes far beyond the job description. And as the first day of school gets closer, that load can feel heavier.

Life gets busy and it’s easy to let your mental health take a backseat. But spending just 10 minutes a day checking in with yourself can make a big difference. This simple practice helps you notice how you’re feeling, manage stress before it builds, and keep your emotions balanced.

You don’t need special tools or training, but rather, just a little time and kindness toward yourself.

As a parent or caregiver, you know how important it is to stay connected with your pre-teen or teen. But getting them to talk about their day can feel like trying to crack a secret code. They may be tired, distracted, or just not in the mood to share. The good news is that the drive home from school offers a quiet, natural space to start a conversation without pressure.

At Alleviant, we understand that mental health isn’t just about managing symptoms. It’s about supporting the whole person, including the connections that matter most. Taking just a few minutes each day to check in with your child builds trust, opens communication, and helps you notice how they’re really doing beneath the surface.

Talking about mental health with kids can feel tricky, even for the most loving and attentive parents. Maybe you’re not sure what to say. Maybe you don’t want to scare them or say the wrong thing. Or maybe you’re worried that bringing it up will make things worse.

But here’s the truth: your child doesn’t need perfect words. They need your presence. They need to know it’s okay to talk about feelings, especially the hard ones.

When mental health becomes something we talk about openly, it loses some of its power to scare or isolate. It becomes something we care for—together.

August can feel like a pressure cooker for teens. The slower pace of summer is coming to an end, school is right around the corner, and for many young people, there’s a quiet (or not-so-quiet) sense of dread building beneath the surface.

Maybe your teen is feeling anxious about grades or friend groups. Maybe they’re dreading early mornings or dealing with body image stress as they head back into more social settings. Even if they don’t say much, you may notice changes in their mood or behavior this time of year.

Not all struggles look the way you’d expect. Kids are incredibly resilient, but they also feel more than they often say. And during the school year, their emotional world can get a lot heavier.

There’s academic pressure, tricky social situations, bullying, schedule overload, and the struggle to stay organized in a busy environment. Many parents assume their child will speak up if something’s wrong. But often, school-related stress shows up in quiet, hard-to-read ways.

You know your child better than anyone. And still, it’s easy to miss the signs that they’re struggling.

For many families, the end of summer brings a mix of emotions. Maybe your child is counting down the days until they see their friends again, or maybe they’re dragging their feet and dreading the first bell. Either way, it’s common for kids to feel a little off as summer winds down and school starts back up.

This seasonal shift can be a lot. Going from long, carefree days to early mornings, busy schedules, and new classroom routines is a big adjustment. Some kids handle it easily. Others feel anxious, irritable, or even sad and don’t know how to talk about it.

Summer often means late nights, relaxed schedules, and days that feel wide open. But as the new school year approaches, shifting back into a routine can be challenging for both kids and parents.

Getting back into structure doesn’t have to be stressful. With some gentle planning and patience, you can help your whole family adjust smoothly and start the school year feeling calm and ready.

As summer starts to wind down, it’s natural to feel the pressure of everything picking up again. School is on the horizon, routines are shifting, and calendars are filling fast. In the middle of all this, it can be tempting to put your mental health on hold and think, “I’ll deal with it in September.” But the truth is, starting now can make a big difference.

Taking care of your mental health before life gets hectic gives you the tools and space you need to handle stress with more ease. Think of it like checking in with yourself before a big season begins. You’re more likely to feel steady, prepared, and supported.

Sometimes getting support for your mental health feels harder than it should. You might be busy, overwhelmed, or just not up for an in-person visit. That’s where telebehavioral health comes in.

Telebehavioral health is mental health care that happens virtually. You meet with your provider through a secure video call, from wherever you feel most comfortable—your home, your car, a quiet corner during your lunch break. It’s real, personal care that fits into real life.

When kids get upset or overwhelmed, it can be hard for them to calm down on their own. That’s where teaching emotional regulation becomes so important. One of the simplest and most effective tools for managing big feelings is something we all have with us all the time: our breath.

At Alleviant, we believe that helping kids learn how to use their breath to manage emotions can give them a skill they will carry for life. It’s a way to pause, feel grounded, and make choices instead of reacting in the moment.

When family life feels out of sync, it often shows up in small but noticeable ways. Maybe your kids are crankier than usual, everyone’s glued to a screen, or no one is getting good sleep. As routines shift with the school year or summer break, these habits can slip, and they can take a toll on your family’s mental health.

At Alleviant, we understand how foundational sleep, screen time, and emotional balance are for the whole household. The good news? A few intentional changes can help get your family back on track.

Being a parent or caregiver means wearing a lot of hats. You’re the protector, the guide, the comforter, and often the emotional anchor. You’re the one your children turn to when they’re scared, overwhelmed, or unsure of the world. It’s a role filled with love, but it can also leave you feeling drained.

At Alleviant, we believe mental health care is for the whole family. That includes you, the one holding it all together. If you’ve ever felt like you’re supporting everyone else while struggling to stay afloat, this is for you.

Mental health is something the whole family feels. When a parent or caregiver is stressed, it doesn’t just stay with them. It affects everyone in the home, especially children. At Alleviant, we know that caring for kids means caring for the entire family, including the emotional health of those who take care of them.

Caregiver stress can come from many places. It might be work, money worries, health problems, or just the everyday challenges of parenting. Feeling overwhelmed sometimes is normal. But when stress sticks around for a long time, it can impact not only your own health but also how your children feel and behave.