Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center Blog

Spotlight On Our Team Members – Meet: Michael Peral, Therapist

February 29, 2024

Michael’s personal and professional experiences have allowed him to see the transformative effects that therapy can have for many individuals, especially when their struggles are commonly stigmatized.

He has always had a natural strength in understanding people as well as being comfortable with emotionally difficult conversations. In addition, his background has allowed him to develop strong analytical skills which he incorporates into his work. Combining these skills and strengths seemed like a great fit for becoming a psychotherapist.

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Peace of Mind: Does Insurance Cover Therapy for Mental Health?

January 30, 2024

Although mental illnesses are prevalent in many populations throughout the United States, many people tend to avoid seeking psychiatric services. One of the main reasons: fear of the overall price of treatment. Fortunately, you might be able to benefit from insurance to receive the proper care you deserve to improve your mental and emotional well-being. Read on to learn more about health coverage for therapy so you can minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.

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Spotlight On Our Team Members – Meet: Kristen Heristchi, Psychiatric Physician Assistant

January 18, 2024

Born in Pennsylvania and raised in Winter Haven, FL, Kristen has been working in Internal Medicine and primary care for over two decades. Having grown up on a dairy farm, she grew a passion for animals and wanted to be a veterinarian at first. She even studied pre-veterinary medicine as an undergraduate at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

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What Are the Signs of Holiday Depression and Anxiety?

December 15, 2023

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, warmth, and celebration. However, for some people, it can be a challenging period marked by heightened stress, loneliness, and emotional turmoil. Holiday depression and anxiety are more common than we may realize, and it's crucial to recognize the signs. In this blog post, you’ll learn which signs might indicate holiday-related mental health challenges.

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Welcome to the Team – Meet: Larry Zimmerman,  Licensed Social Worker

December 7, 2023

We are happy to welcome LSW (Licensed Social Worker) Larry Zimmerman to the Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center team!

After growing up being trained and working as an actor, Larry decided that he wanted to use his life experiences to help others. This eventually saw him graduate from Montclair State University and Rutgers University as well as training at the Identity House Counseling Center in NYC. He also has experience serving in psychiatric units at Trinitas Hospital.

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Top 5 Ways to Deal with Stress & Depression During the Holidays

November 14, 2023

If you’re experiencing some stress or working through depression, then you might feel anxious about the holiday season. While the festivities can be exciting, they can also leave you nerve-wracking about various things, such as shopping for gifts and traveling, especially if you’re already feeling emotionally drained or dealing with loss. To help you cope with the tensions you may feel this time of year, here are five tips for managing stress and depression during the holidays.

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October is ADHD Awareness Month

October 16, 2023

This year, the ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Awareness Month Coalition is partnering with Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center, along with other mental health organizations worldwide, to achieve the common goal of: “Moving Forward with ADHD” by sharing reliable information about ADHD and its treatments.

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Spotlight On Our Team Members – Meet: JoAnne Piaggio, Nurse Practitioner

September 22, 2023

"Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center has been fantastic, understanding, compassionate and supportive. Their staff is always friendly and go out of their way to help. Joanne P. is who I see every month. She has been a guardian angel to me. She has helped tremendously with my mental illness and is always available in a pinch. She takes her time with you and listens. Overall I can’t say enough about this facility and the employees! I highly recommend this practice to everyone! Thanks for everything!!" - Patient, Danielle

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Effective Coping Skills for Social Anxiety Disorder

August 30, 2023

Social anxiety is a common challenge that many of us face at some point in our lives. It's that familiar knot in the stomach before a social event, the racing heart during a conversation, and the persistent worry about being judged or embarrassed. However, with the right coping skills, managing social anxiety becomes not only possible but empowering. In this blog post, we'll explore effective strategies to help you navigate social situations with confidence and ease.

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All About SPRAVATO®

August 25, 2023

At Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center, we are proud to offer SPRAVATO® - the only FDA-approved nasal spray for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). We are the largest certified SPRAVATO® treatment center in the Westfield area.

SPRAVATO® esketamine nasal spray, is an innovative prescription medication, that when taken along with an oral antidepressant, may offer greater relief from depression symptoms for adult patients suffering from TRD or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

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