Introducing Cerebral Way: Your Personalized Path to Feeling Better

Historically, our society has focused health-related conversations on the physical, treating mental illness as something private, strengthening the stigma that keeps many from seeking help. In reality, 90% of the American public believes we are in a mental health crisis, with 33% of American adults citing that they have felt anxious “often or always” within the last year according to a survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and CNN. In the wake of global, unprecedented challenges, the demand for accessible and effective mental health services has never been more urgent. However, stigma and limited accessibility has created a critical need for a digital revolution and a new era of mental health support that breaks down these barriers. Barriers to access: why are so few people getting treatment? Accessibility Accessibility remains a significant barrier to mental health treatment, particularly for underserved populations. Similarly, mental health challenges, traumas, and triggers can strike at any moment, underscoring the critical need for improved accessibility to care outside the constraints of traditional healthcare models. Addressing these accessibility barriers requires a multifaceted approach, including expanding offerings, increasing the diversity of providers, implementing culturally competent care practices, and investing in community-based initiatives to reach those most in need. Effective Care Even if patients can overcome the issue of accessibility, they will often experience a barrier to effective care. While access is essential, the quality and effectiveness of care is equally crucial. In many cases, individuals may not receive evidence based treatments tailored to their specific needs leading to less than ideal outcomes. Disparities in treatment modalities and lack of treatment measurements can contribute to unoptimized quality of care. Furthermore, the rampant stigma surrounding mental illness may deter individuals from seeking help altogether, slowing their access to effective interventions and prolonging silent suffering. Trust in the Healthcare System Combined, these barriers continue to break down trust in the healthcare space. For underserved communities, a data-driven approach is not only an innovation, but a foundational standard. Building trust and encouraging the public to engage in their mental health care looks like proactive care, meeting people where they are, and providing products and services with long term, meaningful value. While the mental health space has made transformative strides in the last four years since the COVID-19 pandemic, we must move beyond telehealth 1.0 in order to set up consumers for their utmost success. Cerebral’s Mission: Creating A New Era of Care  The reality for many patients is that it has been very hard for them to get help. We believe that improving the quality of care requires addressing both effectiveness of and access to healthcare. Cerebral is creating a new era of mental health care that goes beyond a static virtual model. By delivering dynamic care that combines a personalized, integrated approach with innovative accessibility, we’re empowering each individual to take control of their health on their terms. And the outcomes are the proof: As of March 2024, the majority of Cerebral clients with moderate to severe anxiety and/or depression report a significant reduction in GAD-7 and/or PHQ-9 scores. We understand that outcomes and measurement are sorely lacking in the mental health space, a bar which must be raised. By tracking meaningful and actionable clinical quality indicators, we monitor effectiveness, efficiency, safety, and timeliness of care, adding value beyond the traditional mental health care model. Finally, the Cerebral Way takes radical transparency seriously. Our clinicians take your goals, needs, and life experiences into account so you get a personalized plan for treatment. This collaborative approach means you will know what to expect along your way to mental wellness. Plus, all Cerebral clinicians are thoroughly vetted, credentialed, and trained to provide the highest level of care, driving home the mission of addressing both effectiveness and trust. What’s next? The current standard of effectiveness and access is not enough. At Cerebral, we are committed to facing this challenge head on and we will continue to create affordable, high-quality mental health care for everyone. It’s time to take control of your health on your terms.

Therapy is a complex and often misunderstood aspect of modern mental healthcare. As the destigmatization of mental health has grown, so too has the interest and awareness of therapy.  However, with this comes a range of myths and misunderstandings that could be preventing people from seeking the help they need.  Busting seven all-too-common myths, this article serves as an essential guide for anyone curious about therapy and mental health. Myth 1: Therapy is only for people with severe mental illness Up until recent decades, mental health treatment was often reserved for severe or acute psychiatric conditions. That could be where this misconception comes from, but there also still can be a limited understanding of the scope and purpose of therapy.  This myth is one of the most damaging ones, as it overshadows the everyday benefits of therapy and creates a barrier for many individuals who may be in need of help but do not feel like their problems are ‘serious enough.’  Fact: Therapy can help you with a wide range of issues The truth is, therapy can benefit anyone who wants to understand themselves better or improve their life in any way. In-person and virtual therapists are equipped to tackle a vast array of issues, from everyday stress to diagnosable mental health conditions.  The bottom line: It's not about the severity of the problem; it's about the opportunity for growth and healing that therapy provides. Myth 2: People will think I’m crazy or weak if I go to therapy Historically, mental health issues have been cloaked in shame and secrecy, leading to the erroneous belief that needing psychological help equates to a personal failing or a lack of mental stability.  This notion is magnified by cultural narratives that valorize self-reliance and position emotional vulnerability as a weakness. These harmful misconceptions can discourage people from seeking the help they need, fearing judgment or ostracization from others.  The truth: Being in therapy is a sign of self-awareness and strength Going to therapy is not a sign of weakness because it’s all about confronting personal challenges and working toward improved mental resilience. Seeing a therapist is a brave and proactive step towards mental well-being. Society's perceptions are shifting, and more people than ever are recognizing the benefits of therapy. In fact, those who attend therapy are often admired for their courage and willingness to prioritize their health. Think of it this way: ​​You wouldn’t judge someone for going to the gym to improve their physical health. Going to therapy is no different, as it’s all about fortifying one’s mental health. Myth 3: You have to see a therapist forever People often harbor the belief that once someone starts therapy, they're bound to it for life due to the depth and complexity of mental health issues.  This view may be influenced by depictions in media that dramatize therapy as an intensely long-term commitment or from anecdotal stories of individuals who have been in therapy for many years.  Fact: The choice to continue therapy is fundamentally yours Therapy duration is highly variable and dependent on individual circumstances. For some, short-term therapy may be enough to address immediate concerns and provide tools for managing mental health. For others, long-term work may be necessary.  A good therapist will work with you to set clear goals and reevaluate your progress as you go.  The bottom line: The aim is for you to gain the skills you need and feel comfortable managing your mental health independently. Myth 4: Therapy is too expensive It’s a common misconception that it’s an unaffordable luxury. The societal stigma surrounding mental health can contribute to the hesitation to invest in therapy, as people might not view it with the same necessity as physical health services.  Particularly when it comes to in-person therapy, the cost of a session can also vary widely depending on a variety of factors like qualifications, location, and session length. This can lead to the perception that it’s prohibitively expensive.  The truth: Affordable therapy options are available Online therapy options are typically more affordable than traditional in-person therapy, which can often range from $100 to $200 per session. One reason why online therapy often costs less than that range is because teletherapy has removed a lot of the barriers that come with in-person therapy., For instance, Cerebral offers different monthly online therapy subscriptions based on your needs and budget. You also don’t need to worry about transportation costs, arranging childcare, or any of the other expenses or logistics that come with traditional therapy.  Additional options to make therapy work within your budget can also include: Finding a therapist that offers sliding-scale fees based on income Selecting a provider that works with your insurance to minimize out-of-pocket costs  Searching for a community health center that offers affordable therapy services Determining if your employer offers any mental health benefits Seeing if the cost qualifies as an HSA/FSA expenditure if you have an account The cost of in-person or teletherapy should be viewed as an investment in your long-term well-being. It’s also important to recognize the value it provides. The bottom line: Therapy can be an accessible and critical component of overall healthcare. It just may take a little time to find a solution that fits your financial needs.  Myth 5: All therapy is the same Some may mistakenly think of therapy in broad, undifferentiated strokes — envisioning a patient lying on a couch, talking while a therapist passively listens and occasionally asks, ‘And how does that make you feel?’  Fact: Therapy is a highly personalized experience  There are a diverse array of therapeutic approaches designed to cater to a wide range of psychological needs. What works for one person may not work for another. Whether you’re seeing a virtual therapist or an in-person one, sessions will be tailored to your specific needs.  Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, and art therapy are just a few examples. Each approach has its own philosophy and methods. Explore more: What Are The Different Types of Therapy? It's important to do your research and find an in-person or online therapist who uses an approach that resonates with you. Myth 6: Therapy is about exploring childhood trauma The belief that therapy primarily revolves around dissecting childhood trauma might stem from the prominence of Freudian psychoanalysis in popular culture, which often emphasizes exploring early life experiences as the root of adult psychological issues.  The truth: It’s just as much about addressing the present and the future Why the past matters: The purpose of exploring past events is to understand how those experiences may be affecting your current mental state and behaviors. However, therapy is not solely about uncovering trauma. It's about helping you do the following:  Build better relationships  Improve self-esteem and self-worth Manage stress Develop coping strategies Identify needs and wants Develop action plans to meet goals Navigate change  All of these outcomes are applicable to your present and future experiences, and ultimately will help you lead a more fulfilling life. Myth 7: I’ll feel immediately better after each therapy session Many people might hold the misconception that in-person or online therapy offers a quick fix. This expectation may stem from the desire for instant gratification. Our fast-paced, solution-oriented culture often anticipates immediate results in many areas of life, including self-improvement and health.  Additionally, portrayals of therapy in the media can contribute to this misunderstanding, where characters are often shown having breakthroughs and resolving deep-seated issues in a single session.  Fact: Therapy is a process In some cases, you may experience relief or clarity after a session, but the work of therapy has different stages, and some require more time than others. Whether you choose in-person or virtual, therapy will lead to gradual progress with consistent effort. Like any form of personal growth, the path to emotional well-being will include peaks, valleys, and plateaus. Remember: Feeling worse before feeling better is not uncommon as therapy can bring up difficult emotions and challenges. This is all part of the healing process. Removing the stigma of therapy Therapy is a highly valuable tool for maintaining good mental health, yet it continues to be plagued by outdated beliefs and misconceptions. Gaining a more accurate understanding of the practice ensures that we don’t perpetuate a harmful stigma of mental health that can lead to people neglecting their mental well-being or delaying this treatment option.  Whether you have a diagnosed mental illness or are simply looking for ways to live a more meaningful life, therapy can provide the treatment, guidance, and support you need. At Cerebral, we develop personalized plans to ensure you get the most value and benefit from our unique results-oriented program. Discover how our online therapy experience is different from other services. Image by Freepik.

It goes by many names: sunlight lamp, daylight lamp, happy light, and probably a few more, but it all involves utilizing artificial or natural light to help you feel better. Light therapy is a form of therapy that can be used to treat a range of conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), bipolar disorder, and depression.  In this guide, we'll dive into the numerous benefits of light therapy for mental health and provide tips for anyone looking to start light therapy. What is light therapy? Light therapy is a low-risk medical treatment that has shown remarkable efficacy in managing various mental health disorders. This therapeutic approach aims to reset the body's internal clock and promote a sense of balance and well-being by exposing you to specific wavelengths of light or utilizing lightboxes.  Typically performed in the morning hours, light therapy can not only enhance your mood and sleep patterns, but also contributes to an overall improvement in your quality of life.  The science behind light therapy The theory behind light therapy suggests that exposure to specific wavelengths of light can increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, helps regulate mood. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to symptoms of depression and anxiety. When light enters your eye, it stimulates the production of serotonin, which can help restore the balance of this neurotransmitter in your brain. By enhancing serotonin levels, light therapy aims to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, promoting a more positive and stable mood. Light therapy can also help in regulating your body's internal clock. Exposure to bright light during specific times of the day helps synchronize circadian rhythms, leading to improved sleep quality. Types of light therapy There are several types of light therapy. One commonly used method is bright light therapy, which involves exposure to lightboxes or bright lamps that simulate natural outdoor light. This type of therapy is often used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mood disorders.  Another form is dawn simulation which mimics the gradual increase in natural light at dawn. This can be particularly beneficial for you if you struggle with waking up in the morning or experience disrupted sleep patterns.  Blue light therapy involves exposure to blue light, which is believed to stimulate the production of serotonin, helping to treat sleep disorders and jet lag. There’s a range of light therapy options so be sure to do some digging when deciding which might be best for your specific condition.  Mental health benefits of light therapy Light therapy is shown to be effective in helping to treat a number of mental health disorders including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), depression, and anxiety. Light therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder  Less natural sunlight during the winter months can lead to SAD—a type of depression. Reduced sunlight can also decrease your serotonin levels, affecting your mood, and disrupting your melatonin levels, throwing off your sleep pattern. By exposing yourself to light therapy for 30 minutes in the morning, you can treat SAD, improve your mood, boost your energy levels, and reset your circadian rhythm. Light therapy for depression According to Harvard Medical School, light therapy can be as effective as antidepressant medications, or popular forms of psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Studies show each of these different therapies improves depression symptoms in between 40% to 60% of people. Combining any of these therapies together — light therapy and medications — tends to help even more. Light therapy for anxiety Light therapy can also be effective in treating anxiety disorders. By regulating the circadian rhythm and increasing serotonin production, it can help improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted in people with anxiety. Light therapy can also improve overall mood, helping reduce anxiety symptoms. How to use light therapy effectively Before starting light therapy be sure to do the following: Consult your doctor: Discuss your individual health needs and potential risks before starting light therapy. This is especially crucial if you have any pre-existing eye conditions, are taking medications, or have a history of skin cancer. Choose the right device: Look for light therapy devices that are FDA-cleared and emit only safe levels of visible light, with no ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Check the lux rating (measure of light intensity) and choose one appropriate for your condition and needs. Consider eye protection: While not all devices require goggles, some individuals with sensitive eyes or specific conditions may benefit from wearing them during sessions.  During use: Follow instructions carefully: Each device comes with specific instructions on usage duration, distance, and positioning. Ensure you understand and adhere to them meticulously. Avoid direct eye contact: Don't stare directly at the light source. Position the device so the light illuminates your face or upper body indirectly. Start gradually: Begin with shorter sessions (e.g., 15 minutes) and gradually increase the duration as recommended by your doctor or the device instructions. Maintain distance: Position the light source at the recommended distance from your face to avoid potential eye strain or discomfort. Time it right: Use the light therapy device at the appropriate time of day, as advised by your doctor. Generally, morning sessions are recommended for SAD, while evening sessions might be suitable for sleep regulation. Listen to your body: Stop using the device if you experience any unusual discomfort, headaches, or eye irritation. Consult your doctor immediately if these symptoms persist. Cerebral's approach to light therapy Cerebral provides talk therapy and medication management by experienced professionals—100% online. As previously mentioned, combining the treatments we offer with light therapy can help enhance their effectiveness, allowing patients to more quickly overcome their mental health challenges and get to a good place. Get started with Cerebral by signing up. Image by diana.grytsku on Freepik