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Change — The Only Constant

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Summer is here—conjuring up the earthy scent of fresh-cut grass, the beauty of blossoming magnolias and the welcomed recognition of new beginnings and acceptance of change. 

With this in mind, we say auvoir this month to Ann Gossy who has guided Counselor for the past year and half. Ann has done a splendid job and we wish her all the best as she leaves to pursue new challenges. Ann’s outgoing message:    

“I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to contribute to the addiction field through my work on this magazine. I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the columnists and authors with whom I have had the pleasure to interact. I am also grateful to our subscribers for their continued support of the magazine,”  

May heralded positive change for the mental health field as President Obama proclaimed May 2013 as National Mental Health Awareness Month. He called upon citizens, government agencies, organizations and healthcare providers to raise mental health awareness and continue helping Americans live longer, healthier lives.     

As is the case with alcoholics and drug addicts, the first step in recovery is admission that there is a problem. With that admission comes a call for action and a cry for help—talking about the problem with someone whom the sufferer can trust, which frequently involves consulting with a healthcare provider.

Addicts with co-occurring mental health issues still face a stigma through negative public perception and a lack of understanding that often prevents or delays people from seeking help. The president urges our nation to recognize that “asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it is a sign of strength.”    

Thankfully, the president and his administration have made unprecedented commitments to improve mental health care and resources through the Affordable Care Act, which will expand behavioral healthcare benefits for 62 million Americans. Please read David Powell’s opinion column for his insight on the impact of this important issue.  

 EDITORIAL ANNOUNCEMENT   

Robert Ackerman, PhD, well-known author, researcher and international speaker, has been named Editor of Counselor: The Magazine for Addiction Professionals, effective July l, 2013. The announcement was made by Peter Vegso, President of Health Communications, Inc. and Publisher of Counselor.