Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine - RCBM

12/19/2025

December 21 marks the shortest day and longest night of the year.

Take this seasonal shift as an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reset.
🕯️ Light a candle.
🧣 Cozy up with a warm drink.
📖 Journal your thoughts and intentions for the months ahead.

Your mental health matters - especially in seasons of stillness.

12/18/2025

As we celebrate this holiday season, RCBM extends heartfelt wishes to our patients and community. Remember, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can affect many during these colder months, but it is treatable! Check out Dr. Young's insights on managing SAD. Plus, our Holiday Giving Drive is in full swing—let’s spread kindness and support our community together!

https://conta.cc/4qaWfHs

Email from Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine Helpful resources, office closings, and ways to give back this season   Warm Holiday Wishes from RCBM To our patients, colleagues, and community: we

12/17/2025

Amanda Nuculaj is the Administrative Assistant for the Diagnostic Screening Team at RCBM. She is currently pursuing a degree in Radiologic Technology at Oakland Community College. Amanda is passionate about growing her career in the medical field and enjoys contributing to a team that supports patient care and growth.

https://www.rcbm.net/behavioral-medicine/professionals-detail-services/amanda-nuculaj/

12/16/2025

Joel Young, MD, was interviewed last night by Fox 2 Detroit regarding the tragic killing of Rob Reiner by his adult son, who was living with serious mental illness.

Cases like this are heartbreaking and deeply complex. They force us to confront an uncomfortable reality: families can do many things right and still find themselves overwhelmed by an illness that disrupts judgment, insight, and behavior in ways that are difficult to predict or control.

"In my work as a psychiatrist, I have spent many years caring for adults with serious mental illness and supporting the parents who love them. One of the most painful themes I see is the collision between parental devotion and a fragmented mental health system that often lacks continuity, authority, and timely intervention—especially once a child reaches adulthood.

These tragedies should not be reduced to blame or hindsight. Instead, they should prompt a serious, compassionate discussion about earlier engagement, sustained treatment, family inclusion, and realistic legal tools that allow clinicians and families to act before crises escalate.

My hope is that conversations like this one move us toward a system that better protects patients, families, and communities—while honoring the humanity of everyone involved."

— Joel Young, MD
Psychiatrist | Author, When Your Adult Child Breaks Your Heart

Watch the interview here at 0:51

The tragedy playing out in Hollywood — leaving film icon Rob Reiner and his wife murdered — has now put the spotlight on substance abuse and mental illness. The couple was allegedly killed by their adult son, who reportedly has been public about his struggles with addiction.

12/15/2025

Last call for donations!

We’re wrapping up our seasonal drive in support of Gleaners Community Food Bank and Teen Clean Closet - and there’s still time to give.

🎁 Drop off nonperishable food or hygiene products in the RCBM lobby this week.
💻 Donate online here for those who prefer to give from home:
https://bit.ly/4pnFSaj

Let’s finish strong and help make the holidays a little brighter for local families.

12/12/2025

🎄 Holidays aren’t always joyful for everyone. The pressure to feel festive can leave many feeling isolated or overwhelmed.

If you're feeling down this season, know that you're not alone. The "holiday blues" are real - and valid.

Reach out - even a short conversation with a friend or therapist can lighten the load.

💙 RCBM is here for you.
If you're struggling, consider speaking with a provider.
🔗 Find support: https://www.rcbm.net/behavioral-medicine/

12/10/2025

As the holidays approach and the pressure to perform, create, and cope intensifies, it's easy to fall into habits that don’t serve our well-being.

Aliya Pasik, PA-C - Director of the Addiction Medicine Program at RCBM and author of The Sobriety Manual - joined the Could Be Pretty Cool podcast to share real, compassionate strategies for navigating mental health, sobriety, and self-care during demanding times.

🎙 In this episode, Aliya discusses:
✨ How to recognize self-medicating behaviors
✨ Why mental health matters more than productivity
✨ The link between creativity and emotional well-being
✨ Sustainable self-care that doesn’t cost a thing
✨ The neuroscience of addiction and recovery

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this conversation is filled with validation, insight, and useful tools.

Listen now on the Could Be Pretty Cool podcast and learn more about addiction services and how RCBM can support you: https://www.rcbm.net/behavioral-medicine/substance-abuse-services/

12/09/2025

Talking to a loved one about mental health can be hard - but it doesn’t have to be.

In this video, Jamie Clark, LMSW, offers thoughtful advice on how to approach the conversation with empathy and clarity.

Highlights include:
- Choosing a private, safe space
- Expressing concern from a place of care
- Normalizing mental health treatment just like physical health

✨ Start the conversation. Support starts with listening.

🔗 Learn more about Jamie Clark, LMSW: https://www.rcbm.net/behavioral-medicine/professionals-detail-services/jamie-clark-lmsw/

12/08/2025

Compassion in action.

Join us in supporting Gleaners Community Food Bank as we collect nonperishable goods and hygiene items for families across Southeast Michigan.

💛 Drop-offs are welcome in the RCBM front lobby now through December 19th.
💻 Online donations are another great way to contribute - donate at:
https://bit.ly/4pnFSaj

Your generosity goes further than you think.

12/05/2025

If you missed National Cookie Day yesterday, there is still time to enjoy! National Cookie Day is celebrated annually on December 4 and is dedicated to enjoying cookies of all varieties. National Cookie Day was established in 1987 by Matt Nader of the Blue Chip Cookie Company in San Francisco. RCBM Registered Dietitians give the thumbs up to celebrating this annual occasion. https://www.rcbm.net/behavioral-medicine/services-detail-practitioners/medical-nutrition-therapy/ What is your favorite type of cookie?

12/03/2025

December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month. Seasonal Depression is a type of depression that occurs at different times of the year, usually in the winter when days are shorter. Symptoms may include low energy, changes in appetite, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, a lack of motivation, and a persistent sense of sadness. These symptoms are usually not chronic and last only briefly, but they can be challenging to cope with. There is hope for change, and you can feel better. Here are some strategies to try to improve mood during this season. For more information on seasonal depression and strategies for coping, read RCBM's Dr. Melissa Oleshansky ("Dr. O") blog, "Strategies for Coping with Seasonal Depression." https://www.rcbm.net/behavioral-medicine/blog-detail/strategies-for-coping-with-seasonal-depression/

12/02/2025

: Your small act can make a big impact.

RCBM is collecting nonperishable food and hygiene products for Gleaners Community Food Bank now through December 19.

📍Patients are welcome to drop items off in the RCBM lobby.
🌐 Can’t make it in person? Donate online:
https://bit.ly/4pnFSaj

Let’s work together to support our Michigan neighbors this holiday season.