tag:Medical Facilities & Services

One in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). If you are struggling with your mental health, the first step is to contact a physician or mental health professional to discuss your experiences and determine the best path forward for care.

How do I know when it is time to seek mental health support?

Recognizing the need for help can be difficult, but you are not alone. According to NAMI, mental illness impacts one in five adults annually, affecting everything from daily work to family life. If you find yourself questioning whether you need assistance for mental health or addiction issues, you should reach out to a physician or a qualified mental health professional. These experts can help you assess your feelings and connect you with appropriate resources.

Did you know?

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 at any time to connect with trained specialists who provide immediate support.

Where can I find mental health resources in central Ohio?

For those living in central Ohio, several organizations provide pathways to care. If you do not have a primary care physician, major health systems and private practices can help you find a doctor accepting new patients. Additionally, the following organizations offer specific support:

Physicians CareConnection (PCC): Affiliated with the Columbus Medical Association, PCC coordinates care for vulnerable adults. You can reach them at (614) 884-2441 for assistance with mental health or addiction challenges.
ADAMH of Franklin County: This program connects residents to local, affordable care, including crisis services, counseling, and recovery programs. Details are available at adamhfranklin.org.
NAMI Franklin County: This local chapter provides support groups and resources for individuals living with mental illness, as well as their families and caregivers. Learn more at namifranklincounty.org.

What community-wide changes are improving access to care?

Central Ohio is shifting toward more comprehensive crisis response models. Last year, the ADAMH Franklin County Crisis Care Center opened in Franklinton, marking a first-of-its-kind facility providing 24/7 services for adults dealing with addiction or mental health issues. Furthermore, following the approval of Issue 5 in Columbus, the city is expanding its Department of Public Safety to include a division of community crisis response. This initiative will deploy trained clinicians, social workers, and peer supporters to handle mental health-related emergency calls, ensuring that the response matches the specific needs of the individual.

Mental health tips from 75 therapists

Pro tip:

You can help break the stigma surrounding mental health by sharing your own story or utilizing educational toolkits. Resources for raising awareness are available through the American Psychiatric Association Foundation’s Mental Health Care Works website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am in a mental health crisis?

If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 immediately. This service connects you with trained specialists who can provide the support you need.

How can I find a physician if I don’t have one?

You can contact major health systems or private practices in your area to find a physician accepting new patients. In central Ohio, organizations like Physicians CareConnection can also help coordinate care.

Is there a way to help others struggling with mental illness?

Yes. You can help by sharing resources and facts to reduce stigma. Organizations like NAMI and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation provide downloadable toolkits to help you start conversations.

Nita Bhatt, MD, MPH, DFAPA, is a psychiatrist and a member of the Board of Directors at the Columbus Medical Association. For more health-related information, visit columbusmedicalassociation.org/askthedoc.

Share your thoughts: Have you used local resources like the ADAMH Crisis Care Center? Let us know your experience in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on community health initiatives.

The Rising Tide of Non-Compete Litigation in Healthcare

The healthcare industry is currently facing a dual crisis: a shrinking pool of qualified clinical talent and a surge in aggressive litigation over non-compete agreements. A recent legal battle in Iowa, where Abode Healthcare Inc. Has sued a former executive for launching a competing hospice service, highlights a growing trend that could reshape how talent moves within the medical sector.

As organizations fight to retain proprietary data and staff, the legal definitions of “confidential information” and “unfair competition” are being tested in courts across the country. For healthcare providers, the stakes are not just financial—they involve the continuity of patient care in an already strained market.

The War for Talent: Why Healthcare is Ground Zero

The shortage of nurses, hospice aides, and administrative leadership is no longer a localized issue; it is a systemic national challenge. When a high-level executive leaves to start a competing firm, they often take more than just experience—they take institutional knowledge, referral networks, and, in some cases, staff.

Fired north Iowa doctor files lawsuit against hospital

In the case of Abode Healthcare versus Rick W. Breuss III, the plaintiff argues that the defendant leveraged internal databases and strategic personnel data to gain an unfair advantage. This reflects a broader shift: companies are increasingly viewing their internal human resource strategies as trade secrets protected by law.

Pro Tip: Healthcare organizations should audit their employee contracts regularly. Ensure that non-compete and non-solicitation clauses are narrowly tailored to the specific state laws, as jurisdictions are increasingly hostile toward broad or indefinite restrictive covenants.

Shifting Legal Landscapes and Future Trends

While some states have moved to ban or heavily restrict non-compete agreements, others continue to uphold them as necessary tools for protecting business investments. We expect to see the following trends emerge over the next few years:

Increased Scrutiny of “Trade Secrets”: Courts will likely require more granular proof that the information taken by an employee constitutes a true trade secret rather than general industry knowledge.
Focus on Non-Solicitation: Instead of blocking a former employee from working entirely, companies may pivot toward more enforceable non-solicitation agreements that specifically prevent the poaching of staff and patients.
Alternative Retention Strategies: As litigation becomes more expensive and unpredictable, providers will likely invest more in “stay bonuses,” equity stakes, and improved workplace culture to prevent the brain drain that triggers these lawsuits.

Did You Know?

The healthcare sector has one of the highest turnover rates for specialized administrative and clinical roles. Studies indicate that losing a single senior-level manager can cost a healthcare organization up to 200% of that person’s annual salary when factoring in recruitment, training, and the loss of institutional expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are non-compete agreements still enforceable in healthcare?
Enforceability varies significantly by state. While some states have outright bans, many allow them if they are reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic area. Always consult with legal counsel regarding local regulations.

What is the difference between a non-compete and a non-solicitation agreement?
A non-compete prevents an individual from working for a competitor within a specific market. A non-solicitation agreement specifically prohibits the individual from poaching clients or employees from their former employer.

Can a company sue if a former employee starts their own business?
Yes, if the former employee uses proprietary data, confidential trade secrets, or violates a signed restrictive covenant. However, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff to show that actual harm was caused by the competition.

Moving Forward

The tension between individual career mobility and corporate protectionism is at an all-time high. Whether you are an executive in the healthcare space or a business owner, understanding the legal boundaries of your employment contracts is essential for navigating this volatile environment.

What are your thoughts on the role of non-compete clauses in the medical field? Do they protect innovation or stifle the growth of new, patient-focused care providers? Join the conversation in the comments section below or subscribe to our industry newsletter for more deep dives into healthcare law and management.