Harbor Psychological Associates

11/05/2025

You don't have to do this alone... Extra support is available at HPA for you and your loved ones

11/04/2025

11/02/2025

Reminder: Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 2 a.m. local time, when clocks "fall back" an hour to 1 a.m.

10/29/2025

It's National Cat Day!

Owning a cat can significantly improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, easing loneliness, providing companionship, and fostering a sense of purpose. Cats offer a calming presence, lower cortisol levels, and increase oxytocin, promoting relaxation and bonding. They can also be a great source of emotional support, especially for individuals living alone or experiencing challenging times.

Scroll below to see HPA showing off our Cats & More!

Study finds thinking about one’s pet is as beneficial as thinking about friends.

10/26/2025

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Remember, you are not alone. Advocates are available for you 24/7 💜
📞 Call: 1-800-799-SAFE(7233)
💬 “START” to 88788
💻 Chat: the hotline.org

More resources are available at
https://www.domesticshelters.org/about

Use most popular search tool to review 3,000 domestic violence programs and find one that is right for you based on your location, language and service needs.

10/24/2025

Affirmations for Embracing Change:

I welcome change with an open heart.

I trust the process of transformation.

I am open to the beauty of transformation.

Change creates space for new opportunities.

I find peace in the shifting seasons of my life.

10/22/2025

Meet Blake Martinez, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Martinez received his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology at Union Institute & University. His areas of focus include the effect of family dynamics, culture and systems on an individual’s mental health. He primarily operates from a psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral framework, while integrating other evidence-based practices to meet client needs.

During his training, he completed 12-month rotations in both diagnostic and therapeutic placements in Chicago, Illinois. Within his practicum experiences, Dr. Martinez worked in a psychiatric hospital, where he gained proficiency with a wide variety of psychological assessment instruments, across diverse population demographics, as well as conducted group psychotherapy with adolescents focusing on a broad range of topics. He also had the opportunity to train at a community-based counseling center, where he conducted individual and family therapy with a client population consisting of children, adolescents, and adults from inner city, impoverished neighborhoods.

Outside of his practicum experiences, he was employed as a Mental Health Specialist for several years in a psychiatric hospital setting. This experience provided a strong foundation of knowledge for mental health services and various acute mental illnesses.

Dr. Martinez is originally from West Michigan where he grew up with 4 brothers and one sister. He has a lovely wife and a furry little dog named Pooch. He completed his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, and shortly after moved to Chicago to expand his experience within the mental health field. He joined Union Institute & University’s Psy. D program and attained his doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology in 2017. Dr. Martinez completed a dissertation on the impact of supervision practices within the field of psychology. He as a wide variety of personal interests including backpacking, hiking, spending time with family and friends, listening to music, traveling, photography, and a great love for soccer.

10/19/2025

My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?
Take a moment to consider how your symptoms impact your daily life.

If these activities do not help or symptoms worsen, talk to a health care provider.
There are ways to help you feel better. Common treatment options include therapy and medication. Learn more about getting help.
Harbor Psychological Associates may be able to help, call 231-726-2299 for more information.

If you are having thoughts of su***de or urges to hurt yourself, get immediate help.
Call or text the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support. Call 911 in life-threatening situations.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

10/17/2025

HAPPY NATIONAL PASTA DAY!
Fettuccini, Tortellini, Rotini, Ravioli, Spaghetti!

National Pasta day is celebrated every October 17. The folks who created pasta definitely knew what they were doing. Hundreds of years of Italian tradition go into this simple meal. Each October, we devote a special day to this incredible dish. Pasta come in many shapes and sizes but no matter the form, it’s something nearly every American Family has grown up with.
...And... Pasta has some health benefits... did you know it can also make you HAPPIER?

A team at the Neuromarketing Behavioral & Brain Lab at Italy’s Free University of Languages and Communication (IULM), wanted to see if there was a real, testable connection between how people respond emotionally and neurologically to eating pasta. The study, one of the many on the benefits of past...

10/15/2025

The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

Elevating psychology around the world and taking collective action to address global issues.

10/12/2025

5 Action Steps to Help Someone Having Thoughts of Su***de
We can all take steps to help prevent su***de. Knowing the warning signs for su***de and how to get help can save lives.

Ask
Be There
Help Keep Them Safe
Help Them Connect
Follow Up