Blog

  • Transforming behavioral health care with actionable, timely data

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    How CAT-MH® helped one practice save lives

    In the world of behavioral health, every moment counts. When someone reaches out for help, there's often a narrow window of opportunity—one that can close quickly if the right support isn't available immediately. For Bernie Dyme, a licensed clinical social worker with over four decades of experience, finding ways to maximize that critical window became essential as his practice grew.

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  • Uncovering the hidden mental health crisis behind community violence

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    CAT-MH research reveals the hidden mental health crisis behind community violence. Dr. Michael Brook's groundbreaking study shows hope

    What if the young people involved in community violence were just individuals struggling with untreated mental health conditions? 

    This question lies at the heart of groundbreaking research that's changing how we understand and address violence in our communities.

    Dr. Michael Brook, associate professor at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, has spent years studying this connection. His work reveals something most people don't realize: the majority of young people who become involved in community violence have significant histories of trauma, depression, hopelessness, and other mental health conditions that directly increase their risk.

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  • The 2025 Research Call is open for submissions!

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    Hiker with backpack facing water and mountains

    We are proud to announce the new Call for Research published by Pearson Clinical Assessment. Our goal is to ensure that Pearson assessments comply with the highest standards of quality and support research that investigates the validity or efficacy of our products. We are inviting United States-based faculty members, graduate students, and qualified researchers to submit their proposals no later than August 15, 2025.

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  • Preparing Teens for College and Career: Tips for Boosting Executive Function

    by Kara Canale M.Ed., NCSP, Clinical Assessment Consultant at Pearson

    A female graduate in a blue cap and gown hugs another woman outdoors, surrounded by lush greenery, expressing joy.

    College attendance is up. While total postsecondary enrollment was down the past few years, it finally rebounded above pre-COVID levels in the Fall of 2024, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Undergraduate enrollment rose 4.7% YoY, while freshman enrollment rose 5.5% YoY, meaning more high school students are contemplating postsecondary education. At the same time, students in this age group are grappling with more mental health issues than ever.

    High school educators have a golden opportunity to help students prepare for the transition, whether they are heading to a community college, attending a four-year school or training for a full-time career.

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  • How to start the new year on the right foot (and right mindset)

    by Natalie Barnard, M.Ed, Educational Diagnostician and Clinical Assessment Consultant at Pearson; and Kara Canale, M.Ed., NCSP, Clinical Assessment Consultant at Pearson

    Do you ever feel like you need a vacation from your vacation?

    It’s a common lament — and a reality educators may experience as they return from winter break. That’s because the holiday season can bring both excitement and exhaustion. Between checking off first-semester action items (like finalizing grades and organizing end-of-year activities) and managing personal obligations (like planning celebrations or travels), it’s easy to feel drained from wrapping up the school year. The holiday season can also magnify and compound personal struggles, which can lead to a heightened risk of depression or anxiety. Due to the “busyness” of the holidays, it can be difficult for educators to prioritize their own mental health. Yet, it can be tough to “pour” into others when one’s own mental health is compromised.

    While the time off during the holidays can be a source of much-needed rest and rejuvenation, the start of a new year can also bring its own set of pressures, from setting new goals to tackling unfinished work. Here are some tips to help start the year right with mental health as a priority. 

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  • Beyond the badge: Understanding the mental health challenges faced by police officers

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    Two police officers in bulletproof vests stand beside a patrol car, one holding a coffee cup, both equipped with radios and badges.

    Despite the high levels of stress and trauma, discussing mental health with their supervisors, families, or healthcare professionals remains a stigma within the public safety industry. Officers often fear that admitting to mental health struggles could be perceived as a sign of weakness or negatively impact their careers. This stigma frequently prevents officers, and others suffering from mental health issues, from seeking the help they need.

    Given the unique challenges faced by police officers, it's crucial to have effective tools to identify and support their mental health needs so that they can maintain fitness for duty.

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