May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health America founded Mental Health Month in 1949, and since that time, every May has been a time to unite millions of people to promote awareness, provide vital resources, and advocate for everyone's mental well-being.
1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year¹. Mental health affects us all, and it's critical that we move beyond awareness to take meaningful steps for our well-being and that of our community.
How can I help?
- Avoid using stigmatizing language.
- Screen for mental health conditions as routinely as you screen for other chronic conditions.
- Treat in-office with medication and refer as necessary.
- Become familiar with mental health providers in your area, as well as providers who offer telehealth/virtual visits.
- If additional support is needed, submit a Prescription for Wellness.
- Offer integrated care models within your practice.
- Seek information to learn more about working with those who struggle with mental health conditions.
These free continuing medical education (CME) courses centered around mental health aim to help you increase the depth and quality of care you provide:*
Suicide and Depression in the Primary Care Office
- Get information on the prevalence of depression, suicide, and suicidal thoughts. Learn about the importance of screening for depression and suicide within primary care (including an overview of screening tools), best practices for the treatment of depression (including prescribing practices for antidepressants), preferred pathways for primary care to treat and/or refer patients to best address their behavioral health needs, and behavioral health resources and tools provided by UPMC Health Plan.
Pediatric Behavioral Health: Best Practices for Primary Care
- Enhance your knowledge pediatric screening for behavioral health issues.
*Provider is responsible for verifying CME eligibility.
This is MHA’s 2025 slogan for MH Awareness month