“There is no right or wrong way to feel when you are diagnosed with cancer. You are not alone. There is support available and you are worthy of having that support.” Discover the powerful impact of psycho-oncology with Dr. Kara Buda, a psychologist at Penn Medicine Princeton Health Cancer Center’s Psychosocial Oncology Clinic. This eye-opening video reveals how emotional and psychological support can transform the cancer journey, offering hope, strength, and healing beyond medicine. Watch to learn more about the important role mental health plays in cancer care.   Watch this podcast on Youtube: https://youtu.be/2oBhNaXbahg?si=uHKFt3jp53jFYk14      

In this episode, Andy Dean, LCSW, is once again interviewed by his friend and colleague Pete Maclearie, LCSW, Site Director at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown location. Andy talks about how he helps clients change the way they relate to their anxiety when it shows up — instead of trying to make it disappear. Andy shares some of his favorite analogies for understanding anxiety treatment and explains why waiting for motivation to strike can sometimes make things worse. If you’ve ever wondered how to approach anxiety in a more workable, compassionate way, this episode is for you.   Change How You Relate to Anxiety — Not How You Feel - YouTube

When it comes to treating anxiety disorders, not all therapies are created equal. In this episode, Andy Dean, LCSW, is interviewed by his friend and colleague Pete Maclearie, LCSW, Site Director at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown location. talks about why ACT and ERP have earned a permanent spot in his toolkit — and how they’ve changed the way he works with clients. Expect practical insights, a few personal stories, and a clear explanation of what makes these approaches so powerful.   Watch this video on Youtube:   The Two Therapies I Trust Most for Treating Anxiety Disorders

In this episode, Andy Dean, LCSW, opens up about his personal journey through anxiety recovery — the well-intentioned strategies that backfired, and the lessons he learned the hard way. Interviewed by his friend and colleague Pete Maclearie, LCSW, Site Director at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown location. Andy shares what actually helped him move forward and what he wishes he’d known back then. If you’ve ever tried to “fix” your anxiety only to make it worse, this candid conversation will help you take a kinder, more effective approach to recovery.   To watch the video of this podcast click here:  Mistakes I Made in My Anxiety Disorder Recovery (and How You Can Avoid Them)

In this episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Bizzarro — Clinical Director of Treatment Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health — dives into the daily trauma and high-stakes stress that First Responders face, and how it can take a serious toll on their mental health. He also shares common missteps clinicians make when working with this unique population, and why he feels a deep sense of purpose and gratitude in serving those who serve others.   Watch this podcast on Youtube:  The Hidden Toll: Trauma and Stress in First Responders    

In this episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, retired New Jersey Corrections Officer and Certified Peer Support Specialist Ken Burkert shares his personal journey through mental health challenges — and how the intense pressures of working in corrections compounded his struggle. Now at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, Ken opens up about what truly helps First Responders facing similar issues, how leadership is responding to the growing mental health crisis, and why he’s so deeply committed to supporting this community.   Link to Video: The Weight of the Badge: A Corrections Officer’s Story  

In this powerful episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Bizzarro — Clinical Director of First Responder Services and a former police officer — opens up about his deeply personal battle with addiction. He also sheds light on the unique mental health struggles faced by today’s First Responders, and the barriers that often keep them from seeking help. It’s an honest, unfiltered conversation that’s as raw, heartfelt, and necessary as it gets.   Link to Video Click Link to Watch on Youtube   Princeton House Behavioral Health | Penn Medicine

Evidence-based treatments, such as DBT, CBT, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) really do help moms with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD).  But finding a community of new mothers can also really make a difference. Host Andy Dean and Lisa Tremayne discuss PMAD risk factors, ways to find a supportive community in your area, and how therapy can help.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Parenthood is tough, and most veteran parents don’t share how hard it is in the first year. Host Andy Dean and Lisa Tremayne, RN, PMH-C, CBC keep it real sharing stories of new parenthood and the inadequacy of the existing screening tools. They also share risk factors for PMAD and some of the biological reasons for PMAD.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

New mothers are talking, or tweeting, or posting about their experiences.  Many curate beautiful (and probably unrealistic) images of the halcyon days of motherhood.  Others are starting to describe what it’s really like.  This week host Andy Dean speaks with Lisa Tremayne, RN, PMH-C, CBC, Founding Director, Center for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders about the new way the clinical community describes what many moms are experiencing, and how sharing can help other families.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

The tables turn today on the Mind on Mental Health podcast as host Andy Dean, LCSW, is interviewed by Ken Pecoraro, LCSW, LCADC from CPC Integrated Health in Monmouth County, NJ.  Andy’s private practice focuses on working with adults with severe anxiety disorders including obsessive compulsive disorder, and in this episode he discusses why approaching fears, instead of avoiding them is so helpful with anxiety.   You can view the Youtube video of this podcast here:   Facing Your Fears: Andy Dean, LCSW on Exposure Therapy   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

In this final episode with Elizabeth Turk-Karan, PhD, she and Andy sit down to discuss how to go about finding effective treatment for anxiety disorders and what strategies tend to be the most helpful.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Overcoming anxiety often requires spending time purposefully being uncomfortable. Host Andy Dean and Elizabeth Turk-Karan, PhD explain exposure therapy and how it works for many who experience anxiety disorders.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Join us for the first of a short series on anxiety disorder with renowned expert Elizabeth Turk-Karan, PhD of the Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety at Penn Medicine. Starting with the basics of defining the difference between the anxiety we all experience and debilitating anxiety disorder, host Andy Dean and Dr. Karan share their experiences working with patients whose disorder interferes with everyday life in many ways.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Host Andy Dean nerds out with Ken Pecoraro about current therapy modalities for addiction treatment. Both have years of experience in the field, and they will share their thoughts on the best mix of treatment practices. The common thread in all of them: making a connection.   Video:  Practical Strategies for Engaging Clients in Substance Use Treatment   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

With a combined 45 years working in mental health and addictions treatment, host Andy Dean and guest Ken Pecoraro, LCSW, LCADC have helped thousands of family members to engage loved ones with addictions in treatment. While there are no easy answers, Ken and Andy share tips on how to support a loved one in finding or staying in treatment.   Video:  Practical Strategies for Engaging Clients in Substance Use Treatment   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

The disease model of addiction is a framework that views addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease. It posits that addiction is caused by changes in brain chemistry and neurobiology that make it difficult for individuals to control their substance use behavior. Harm reduction is a newer treatment modality that focuses on the person with the addiction making incremental changes to reach a goal they set. How do these two models co-exist? Host Andy Dean speaks with Ken Pecoraro, LCSW, LCADC, CCS a longtime therapist and educator with CPC Integrated Health in Monmouth County, NJ.   Video:  Practical Strategies for Engaging Clients in Substance Use Treatment   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

When there just aren’t words to express the feelings. When you don’t even know what’s bothering you. When you are open to a new experience. These are all examples of when art therapy may help. As Andy Dean and art therapist Jenna Pattison discuss, art therapy lets you keep your defenses and still make progress toward healing.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

What does it take to be an art therapist? What’s the difference between an art teacher helping you learn the craft and an art therapist who is helping you to consider what’s under the surface of your art? Andy Dean and Jenna Pattison dive deep into art therapy this week. Join them.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

What’s the difference between art and art therapy? That’s the question host Andy Dean explores with art therapist Jenna Pattison. Listen in to learn about Andy’s own experience finding therapeutic release through art.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh