Hillside Blog - Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC

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Myths About Suicide

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC / July 7, 2023

With the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, many myths have developed that often prevent people from seeking the treatment or help they need. Debunking…

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LGBTQ Suicide Rates — Why LGBTQ Communities Are at Higher Risk

LGBTQ Suicide Rates — Why LGBTQ Communities Are at Higher Risk

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC / June 30, 2023

Members of the LGBTQ community are at a higher risk of suicide than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Studies show LGBTQ individuals are up to three…

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How Do Suicides Differ Among Minority Communities?

How Do Suicides Differ Among Minority Communities?

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC / May 25, 2023

Suicide is complex, and people with specific backgrounds and identities are at higher risk. Specifically, minority communities face disproportionate factors linked to suicide, like substance…

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Overcontrolled Behavior vs. Undercontrolled Behavior

Overcontrolled Behavior vs. Undercontrolled Behavior

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC / January 30, 2023

As children grow and their personalities continue to develop, many engage in distinct patterns of behavior that may become ingrained. There is a wide range…

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The New Mental Health Parity Act

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC / August 31, 2022

Many advocates, agencies, families and caregivers are celebrating a roller coaster 2022 General Assembly with the passage of HB 1013, otherwise known as the Mental…

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Finding Clarity Through Compassion: Mental Health in the Music Charts

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC / August 31, 2022

American singer-songwriter Em Beihold’s song “Numb Little Bug” went viral on TikTok in early 2022. In her lyrics, Beihold asks the listener: “Do you ever…

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Finding Clarity Through Compassion: Issue 2. Trauma and the Algorithm

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC / July 20, 2022

Trauma- books about it dominate bestseller’s list, movies exploit it and prosper at the box office, new social media trends about it pop up everyday:…

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Finding Clarity Through Compassion Issue I. What Euphoria Can Teach Us About Compassion?

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC / June 2, 2022

The hit HBO series Euphoria is a boundary-pushing show. Depicting the “real” lives of teenagers, it is a contemporary version of Degrassi and Skins. Some,…

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Hillside’s in the Media – Podcast Features & Interviews

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC / April 7, 2022

We at Hillside have dedicated ourselves to improving the lives of children and families since 1888. We have supported young people and their families in…

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How to File a Mental Health Parity Claim

How to File a Mental Health Parity Claim

By Gaan Akers, LPC, NCC / April 6, 2022

One in six children have mental, behavioral or developmental disorders. Without the proper treatment, the symptoms of various mental health conditions can have severe implications…

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