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Blog Archive

Meet Dr. Scott Hoopes Mar 13th, 2024

In the heart of Meridian, Idaho, there's a beacon of hope for those grappling with mental health challenges – Live Well Psychiatry, where Dr. Scott P. Hoopes, MD, serves with empathy, experience, and dedication. As an esteemed psychiatrist, Dr. Hoopes has traversed a remarkable journey in both academia and clinical...

What's the Difference Between Psychiatrists and Psychologists? Mar 3rd, 2024

In the realm of mental health, the terms "psychiatrist" and "psychologist" are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct professions with different roles and approaches. Understanding the difference between the two can help individuals seeking mental health support make informed decisions about their care. Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs...

Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine Feb 20th, 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

Telemedicine Feb 5th, 2024

What is telemedicine? At Live Well Psychiatry, telemedicine appointments are similar to office visits, but you don’t have to come into the office. You can attend telemedicine appointments from your home, office, or any other private place where you have a reliable internet connection.  The team provides all of the...

A Guide to Reading and Understanding Health Insurance Bills Jan 29th, 2024

Health insurance bills can often resemble a complex puzzle, filled with medical jargon, codes, and numbers that may seem confusing at first glance. However, deciphering these bills is crucial for ensuring that you understand your healthcare expenses and are not overcharged. Mistakes happen on claims, and it's important that we...

Get Your Refills! Jan 21st, 2024

Maintaining mental health often involves a combination of therapy, self-care, and for many, the use of psychiatric medications. However, ensuring a consistent supply of these medications can sometimes be a challenging aspect of the journey. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore practical steps to navigate the process of getting refills...

Taking the First Step Towards Mental Wellness: Your Guide to Seeking Help at Live Well Psychiatry Jan 14th, 2024

Embarking on a journey towards mental wellness is a brave and crucial step. At Live Well Psychiatry, we understand that recognizing the signs and seeking professional help can be challenging. This blog post aims to shed light on when it might be time to talk to a psychiatrist, what to...

Navigating the New Year: A Guide to Streamlining Your Medical Insurance Jan 6th, 2024

As the new year unfolds, many of us find ourselves faced with the annual task of dealing with medical insurance. Whether you're sticking with the same coverage from the previous year or transitioning to a new plan, managing your health insurance can be a daunting process. In this blog post,...

Embracing the New Year with a Mindful Heart Jan 2nd, 2024

As we bid farewell to 2023 and step into the canvas of 2024, it's only natural to reflect on the journey we've traveled. At Live Well Psychiatry, we believe in the power of self-reflection, gratitude, and the importance of acknowledging both the highs and lows of the past year. This...

Embracing Joy: A Guide to Happy Holidays Dec 18th, 2023

As the holiday season approaches, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of preparations, gift shopping, and social events. However, amidst the chaos, it's essential to remember the true essence of the holidays – a time for joy, connection, and reflection. Here are some tips to...

Navigating the Holidays: Managing Anxiety with Grace Dec 10th, 2023

As the holiday season draws near, filled with festive lights and warm gatherings, it's essential to recognize that this time of joy can also be a source of anxiety for many. Whether it's the pressure of finding the perfect gift, navigating family dynamics, or the overall hustle and bustle, anxiety...

A Guide to Pushing Through Depression During the Holidays Dec 3rd, 2023

As the holiday season approaches, adorned with twinkling lights and festive cheer, it's essential to acknowledge that this time of year is not universally joyous. For many, the holidays can intensify feelings of loneliness, sadness, and despair, serving as a stark reminder of personal struggles. If you find yourself grappling...

Transforming Lives: The Unique TMS Experience at Live Well Psychiatry Nov 19th, 2023

In the realm of mental health treatments, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a groundbreaking therapy, and Live Well Psychiatry is paving the way for a unique and transformative experience. Patients are not just receiving a standard TMS treatment; they are embarking on a journey of healing guided by...

Exploring TMS Therapy at Live Well Psychiatry: Pros and Cons Nov 12th, 2023

Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of a person's life. Traditional treatments like therapy and medication have been effective for many, but they may not work for everyone. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, offered at Live Well Psychiatry, is an innovative and...

Prioritizing Mental Health for a Peaceful End-of-Year Holiday Sprint Nov 5th, 2023

The end of the year often feels like a whirlwind of holiday preparations, festivities, and a dash to meet year-end goals. Amidst all this hustle and bustle, it's crucial to prioritize your mental health. Let's explore some ideas to help you navigate the end-of-year holiday sprint with a focus on...

Crafting Your Morning Self-Care Checklist for a Healthier Start to the Day Oct 28th, 2023

Mornings can set the tone for your entire day. How you start your morning can significantly impact your mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Creating a morning self-care checklist is a wonderful way to prioritize your mental and physical health. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of...

A Surprising Boost for Your Mental Health Sep 20th, 2023

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of stress, anxiety, and negativity. However, amidst the chaos, there is a simple yet potent antidote that can work wonders for our mental health - gratitude. Cultivating gratitude can have a profound...

Taking Mental Health Moments at Work: Your Guide to Refresh and Recharge Sep 17th, 2023

In the fast-paced world of modern work, taking care of our mental health is more crucial than ever. Amidst tight deadlines, meetings, and endless to-do lists, it's easy to neglect our well-being. However, incorporating mental health moments into your workday can make a significant difference in your overall productivity and...

Maintaining Good Mental Health from Summer to Fall Sep 11th, 2023

As the leaves start to change colors and the days become shorter, the transition from summer to fall can bring a mix of emotions for many of us. While the cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes are eagerly awaited by some, others may find themselves grappling with feelings of melancholy...

Revolutionizing Mental Health Care: The Effectiveness of Telehealth Psychiatric Care Aug 26th, 2023

In an era where technological advancements are reshaping the landscape of healthcare, telehealth has emerged as a game-changer, especially in the field of psychiatry. Traditional barriers to accessing mental health care, such as geographical limitations and stigmas, are being dismantled through the power of telehealth. A study published in the...

Nurturing Your Child's Mental Health in the First Weeks of School Aug 20th, 2023

The first few weeks of school can be a mix of excitement and anxiety for children as they adjust to new routines, teachers, and classmates. In this blog post, we will explore some essential strategies to support your child's mental health during this transition and create a positive foundation for...

Getting Back Into The School Routine Aug 13th, 2023

As summer draws to a close, the time has come for children to bid farewell to carefree days and prepare for the new academic year. For many kids, transitioning from the relaxed summer break to the structured school routine can be challenging. We understand the importance of supporting children during...

Understanding Clinical Anxiety: Recognizing the Signs Jun 18th, 2023

In our modern, fast-paced lives, it is not uncommon to experience occasional bouts of worry or stress. However, for some individuals, anxiety can become an overwhelming and persistent presence, significantly impacting their daily lives. This may be indicative of clinical anxiety, a mental health condition that affects millions of people...

Understanding Major Depressive Disorder: Recognizing the Signs Jun 12th, 2023

In today's fast-paced and demanding world, it's not uncommon to feel down or blue occasionally. However, for some individuals, these feelings of sadness and despair can become overwhelming, persisting for an extended period and interfering with daily life. Such an experience may be a sign of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD),...

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Jun 5th, 2023

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a real and significant condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While some may be skeptical about the existence of ADHD, a wealth of scientific evidence supports its validity.  Firstly, ADHD has been recognized as a legitimate medical condition by major medical organizations, including the American...

Normal Emotions: Understanding the Spectrum of Human Feelings  May 28th, 2023

Emotions are an integral part of the human experience, shaping our thoughts, behaviors, and interactions with the world around us. But what exactly are emotions, and how can we distinguish normal emotions from more concerning states such as mood disorders?   First and foremost, it's important to understand that emotions are...

What are Normal Emotions? May 21st, 2023

Normal emotions (euthymia)  Emotion is commonly thought of as opposed to reason, but emotion works with reason to enable us to navigate our world. Unfortunate people with damage to their emotional brain reason less well than people whose emotional and rational brains are intact.  Our emotional brain, like every other...

Understanding the Relationship Between Depression and Anxiety: Why Misdiagnosis is Common May 13th, 2023

Anxiety, like a sore throat, has many different causes. When we go to our medical provider for a sore throat, we expect the provider to determine what kind of a sore throat it is before prescribing a treatment. Similarly, to treat anxiety effectively it is important to determine what is...

MNI Coordinates for TMS Treatment Targets May 5th, 2023

Spreadsheet with published MNI coordinates for TMS treatment targets: Siddiqi & Beam F3 MNI Spreadsheet   Mir-Moghtataei, Brain Stimul. 15(2022) 291-295 Updated scalp heuristics for localizing the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex based on convergent evidence of lesion and brain stimulation studies in depression - Brain Stimulation: Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research...

Wake Up Refreshed: How to Achieve Optimal Sleep Hygiene Apr 25th, 2023

Sleep plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being. It helps us feel refreshed and energized, boosts our immune system, and improves our cognitive function. Poor sleep hygiene can lead to insomnia, daytime fatigue, and other health issues. Here are some tips for improving your sleep quality and...

Diagnosis at Live Well Psychiatry Apr 12th, 2023

At Live Well Psychiatry, we believe in providing accurate diagnoses to our patients as the foundation for effective treatment. Our diagnostic process uses a standardized interview based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the gold standard for psychiatric diagnosis.  At the first appointment, we...

Why Rating Scales? Apr 2nd, 2023

At Live Well Psychiatry, we're dedicated to helping our patients overcome depression and anxiety. To ensure we're providing the best possible care, we developed a custom-coded application to collect and aggregate patient data from depression and anxiety rating scales. This approach has helped us identify areas for improvement in our...

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Mar 30th, 2023

Have you ever noticed feeling down or moody during the winter months? If so, you're not alone. Many people experience changes in mood and energy levels during the winter, and for some, these changes can be debilitating. This condition is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and affects up to...