SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Acacia Mental Health (“Acacia”), the leader in rapid, medication-free treatment of depression and anxiety, announced that it has achieved the prestigious Program Validation from Validation Institute for its BRAIN protocol. The Program Validation delivers unmatched cost reductions and better outcomes for treatment-resistant Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Per the independent analysis, the BRAIN™ protocol is cost-effective in addressing treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder, with remission rates >30%.  Further, 58% have a meaningful response.

“It’s been remarkable to see people regain hope, when nothing else worked before,” says David Carreon, M.D., CEO

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PET Scan Showing biological changes in psychiatric illness

This validation follows scientific publications co-authored by Acacia scientists.  This research showed that remission was possible in many cases. Remarkably, the remission of symptoms was rapid – relief was experienced in days or weeks after treatment.

The approach is safer and less costly than the standard of care.  “It’s been remarkable to see people regain hope,” says David Carreon, M.D., Acacia’s co-founder.

Acacia is the first mental health vendor and only the third solution provider to achieve a Program validation.  They join two other companies, Kaia Health, and Virta Health, as program-level validated vendors.

“In a crowded marketplace, Acacia’s innovative OCD treatment with Behavioral Response Augmented Intelligent Neuromodulation™ (BRAIN) treatment stands out for proven impact on health outcomes and driving significant cost savings,” said Benny DiCecca, CEO of Validation Institute.

Robust solutions to the mental health crisis have never been more critical. Acacia treats a full range of patients, from depression and anxiety to severe OCD. “OCD has a 10x higher suicide rate compared to depression.  Our rapid-acting, medication-free treatment available for OCD as part of a health benefit plan could be lifesaving,” said Owen Muir, M.D., SVP of Strategy for Acacia and a dual board-certified child and adult psychiatrist in Acacia’s New York Center of Excellence, Fermata.

Meanwhile, payers struggle to manage skyrocketing employee medical costs. The Department of Labor issued recent guidance that could “crackdown” on mental health parity violations.  Unlike mental health solutions that offer only medication or therapy, the Acacia approach goes further– even when other treatments have not helped.  

Guarantees of Valid Outcomes Measurement

Validation Institute confers Program-Level Validation only for vendors whose savings or outcomes are backed by actual double-blinded trials rather than participants-vs-non-participants or other methodologies.  Validation Institute backs the mathematical integrity of these validations with a unique $50,000 Credibility Guarantee.

Al Lewis, generally acknowledged as the country’s leading outcomes reviewer and author of the only textbook on vendor outcomes measurement, is adding his own $100,000 guarantee separately. He says: “No vendor in OCD even approaches this level of integrity in study design or outcomes. And certainly not both together. No need to take my word for this. I guarantee it.”

Read the Validation Report here.

Here are the Rules for the Al Lewis guarantee

About Validation Institute

Validation Institute is an independent, objective, third-party organization on a mission to improve the quality and cost of healthcare. Based in Woburn, MA the organization is made up of a network of health benefits purchasers, health benefits advisors, and healthcare solution providers focused on delivering better health value and stronger outcomes than conventional healthcare. www.validationinstitute.com

About Fermata

Fermata is a psychiatric clinic in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, specializing in accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation and other novel treatments. Fermata offers a supportive and welcoming environment to help our patients feel at ease during treatment.

https://www.fermata.health/

About Acacia Mental Health

Acacia Mental Health, based in Sunnyvale, California, is a physician-led company providing interventional psychiatric care for complex cases and a leader in groundbreaking industry-sponsored research. 

To learn more:
AcaciaClinics.com
For plan sponsors, [email protected]
For prospective patients, [email protected]  
Phone: (650) 993-9996

SOURCE Acacia Mental Health

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Judge Matthew D’Emic beams with pride in his chambers, holding the Lifetime Achievement Award he earned for his transformative work at the intersection of mental health and criminal justice. Photo courtesy of the Center for Justice Innovation.

A beacon in the realm of mental health and criminal justice, Brooklyn Mental Health Court Justice Matthew D’Emic, has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Judges and Psychiatrists Leadership Initiative. 

The award pays tribute to his tireless work over the past two decades to improve outcomes for people grappling with behavioral health issues who are involved with the criminal justice system.

“It was a very pleasant surprise,” said Justice D’Emic, who serves as the administrative judge of the Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term. “And I’m happy to see that mental illness in criminal justice is in the forefront of this recognition.”

The Brooklyn Mental Health Court, under the guidance of Judge D’Emic, has been pivotal in keeping individuals suffering from severe mental illnesses out of jail and in treatment for over 20 years. As the first of its kind in New York State, the program’s success has ignited the development of special court programs for people with mental illness nationwide.

Judge D’Emic has been a fixture in the court since its establishment in 2002, spearheading the innovative approach of offering individuals with mental illnesses an alternative to jail by committing to treatment. Under his watch, more than 1,300 people have graduated from the program to date.

The judge illustrated the work of the court with compelling stories of the lives it has transformed, such as a college student diagnosed with schizophrenia after his arrest for robbery. The student successfully completed the court’s treatment program, avoided a lengthy prison sentence, and is now pursuing a master’s degree in graphic design, having stayed out of trouble for two decades.

Similarly, a middle-aged woman, also diagnosed with schizophrenia and facing a potential life sentence, managed to turn her life around through the court’s program. She landed an internship at a bakery while enrolled in the court and transitioned into a full-time baker upon graduating.

“These are not isolated stories,” Judge D’Emic noted. “There are countless others, and each of the participants has affected my life.”

The mental health court is a stark contrast to traditional prosecution, where those with mental health issues would most likely face jail time, exacerbating their mental health struggles. Thanks to the efforts of Judge D’Emic and his team, many instead are living fulfilling lives in their communities, fostering a positive impact on themselves and those around them.

Whippoorwill Appearance At The Wicked Monk

In order to protect his own mental health, Justice D’Emic regularly plays in the classic rock cover band Whippoorwill in and around Brooklyn. On Sunday, June 11, starting at 5 p.m., the judge will perform alongside bandmates John Lepore and Paul Cassone at the Wicked Monk in Bay Ridge.

Members of Whippoorwill from left: Hon. Matt D’Emic, John Lepore, and Paul Cassone at the Wicked Monk in 2018. Eagle file photo by Robert Abruzzese.

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Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress can have a profound impact on a student’s academic performance. These issues can make it difficult for students to focus on their studies, leading to poor grades. Furthermore, mental health issues can cause students to experience difficulty in retaining information, which can affect their performance in exams and tests.

In addition to academic performance, mental health issues can also cause increased absenteeism. Students who are struggling with mental health problems may miss classes or even entire days of school, which can interfere with their learning and progress. Moreover, students who are frequently absent can experience social isolation, which can further exacerbate their mental health issues.

The impact of mental health on academic achievement is not limited to the classroom. Students who are struggling with mental health issues may also experience difficulty in extracurricular activities and socializing with peers. This can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of motivation to succeed in all aspects of their lives.

It is important to recognize the signs of mental health issues in students and provide them with the support they need to succeed. Schools can implement programs to promote mental wellness, such as counseling services, support groups, and mindfulness programs. Additionally, teachers can be trained to identify signs of mental health issues in students and provide appropriate resources.

In conclusion, mental health is a crucial component of academic success. The hidden impact of mental health on student performance and academic achievement cannot be ignored. It is essential to provide students with the support they need to overcome mental health issues and succeed in all aspects of their lives. By addressing mental health issues, we can create a healthier and more successful learning environment for all students.

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