SPBH | Healing Begins Here

Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare Honored with 2020 Local Focus. Lasting Impact Award.

We are proud to announce that we have been recognized by the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida for our Care Coordination program. Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare is being recognized for our collaborative efforts to reduce re-admission rates amongst people experiencing mental health crises and substance use disorder crises. The Care Coordination program uses a wrap-around service model to link individuals to community services such as Gateway Community Services and Mental Health Resource Center. The program then provides follow-up beyond the initial referral to increase the likelihood of a person continuing into recovery programs. Read about it in the Florida Times-Union here.

Starting Point Joins With Tobacco Free Florida to Raise Awareness of Connection Between COVID-19 and Tobacco Use

Starting Point has partnered with public health experts in northeast Florida to raise awareness of the connection between tobacco use and COVID-19—as well as provide free resources to help people quit tobacco.

Early research suggests smokers who become infected with COVID-19 may be at higher risk for serious health complications. We also know that using e-cigarettes can increase your odds of developing respiratory disease by 95%. Quitting tobacco has always saved lives. But today, it may save even more lives. Visit tobaccofreeflorida.com to access free tools and services for quitting or to learn more about tobacco use and COVID-19. For tips on how to talk with kids about vaping, please visit this blog.

Starting Point Encourages TeleHealth Online Appointments

During this uncertain time, we want to assure you that Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare is dedicated to providing our services to those who need them, including Emergency Assistance. We are focused on helping you through this stressful period by providing information and access to our staff with online appointments.

Starting Point encourages the use of Telehealth for our clients. This includes all medication management, individual, and group therapy services. If you are not familiar with how to use Zoom, someone on our staff can help you. You also can call into the session with your own secure meeting ID#.

We have 2 client Telehealth offices available on site for those who do not have access to a computer or smartphone. We continue to offer Open Access for new patients each morning on a limited basis.

Starting Point is committed to helping our community through this difficult time.

The outbreak of the Coronavirus has caused a lot of anxiety and stress for everyone. Those with existing mental health concerns may experience greater difficulties. Starting Point has prepared information and resources you can use to get the latest information on COVID-19 and learn how to manage anxiety and stress during social isolation and quarantine.

Here are some tips from the CDC to help manage stress and anxiety or you can visit our special section on COVID-19.

November 24 Being Well, Starting Now Rescheduled For December 3

November 16, 2020

The second of a two-part series on surviving the demands of the virtual world has been rescheduled from November 24 to December 3. Being Well, Starting Now “Screen Time Part 2” will explore Media Overload and Zoom Fatigue. If you are feeling a little “zoomed out” and anxious from all the digital media, join the…

Starting Point Is One of Only 20 Selected for A National Project on Trauma, Racism, and Resilience-Oriented Care

October 21, 2020

The Only Provider in Florida Chosen Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare (SPBH) is one of only 20 providers nationally – and the only one in Florida – chosen to participate in the Trauma-Informed, Resilience-Oriented Equity Call to Action Community of Practice, sponsored by the National Council for Behavioral Health. This project will provide training to SPBH…

Domestic Violence & Substance Use

October 9, 2020

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so we want to address this important issue in some of our blog posts. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention found that 1…

Talking About Suicide

September 24, 2020

The way we communicate about a subject conveys how we feel about that subject, so being aware of our language is important, especially when talking about suicide. People struggling with thoughts of suicide, attempt survivors, and suicide loss survivors often experience feelings of isolation and judgement due to how society thinks and talks about suicide.…

Being Well, Starting Now To Explore The Recovery Process

September 22, 2020

Sept. 29 Session Wraps Up National Recovery Awareness Month Individuals recovering from a mental illness or addiction are celebrating their success and hard work during September, which is National Recovery Awareness Month. For many, it has been a long process involving deep emotional difficulties. But with the help of medical and Behavioral Health professionals, millions…

Say This, Not That, About Recovery

September 15, 2020

Recovery Supportive Language The word “stigma” is defined as “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.” People with substance use disorder often deal with stigma due to misunderstandings of what causes substance use disorder; many people think it’s related to the morals or will-power of the person suffering, when in…

Suicide in Specific Communities

September 12, 2020

Some Populations Are At A Higher Risk Certain communities and populations are at an increased risk for suicide due to various factors such as discrimination, health problems, and trauma. Suicide is preventable and being aware of the risk factors and protective factors can help us identify when a friend is struggling. The LGBTQ+ Community: Surveys…

How to #BeThe1To Help in 5 Steps

September 11, 2020

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Friends and family of someone in crisis are often caught off-guard, unprepared and unsure of what to do. Learning how to #BeThe1To help can save a life. Ask: Talk openly and honestly. Ask questions such as, “Are you thinking about suicide?” This shows that you’re open to talking…

Starting Point to Discuss Suicide Prevention in Next Online Discussion

September 10, 2020

Being Well, Starting Now on September 15 Suicide is devastating to family and friends of anyone who attempts or completes the act. With more than 44,000 Americans dying each year from suicide, it has become a national mental health focus. On Tuesday, Sept. 15 at Noon, Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare will present a virtual program…

Staggering Statistics on Suicide Show Need for Increased Awareness and Efforts

September 10, 2020

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day Sept. 10, 2020, Tallahassee, Fla.—Today is World Suicide Prevention Day – a time to remember those impacted by suicide, and to raise awareness of resources and services available for all Floridians, especially those who may need support. The Centers for Disease Control recently conducted a survey on mental health, substance…