A new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows a dramatic increase in suicides among middle-aged women, and experts are wondering what has caused the startling jump. According to the report, women aged 50 and older showed a 49 percent increase in emergency room visits for drug-related suicide

In its August issue, Counseling Today delves into the merits of animal-assisted therapy and how a four-legged colleague can help break down barriers with counselors’ toughest clients. But new studies reveal that pet ownership provides similar emotional and social support for people who aren’t necessarily facing physical or mental health challenges.