Blog

Beyond Awareness: MHS Chief Science Officer Jenni Pitkanen on Mental Health

Mental health support is often framed around the resources available to people, but thoughtful, sustainable support also depends on the environments we foster, how we respond when people reach out, and the respect and understanding we show for different lived experiences.  This World Mental Health Day, the theme

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The Gifted Students We Didn’t Identify

Imagine a student who asks insightful questions that reveal connections, possibilities, and perspectives beyond the expected, but struggles to complete written work.  Or a student who recently arrived in the country and is still learning English.  Or a student whose ADHD symptoms are noticed long before their exceptional reasoning abilities.  Or a student...

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Moving Beyond Defiant: Understanding the Behavior

Key Takeaways  “Defiant” describes behavior, not necessarily its cause.  The same behavior can reflect very different underlying needs, skills, or environmental demands.  Understanding what is driving the behavior and what function it serves can lead to more targeted assessment and support.  A student crosses their arms, refuses to start their work,...

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Shaping the Field: A Conversation with Dr. Sam Ortiz for Hispanic Heritage Month

A note on terminology: Hispanic and Latino communities represent a rich diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences. Although the terms Hispanic and Latino are sometimes used interchangeably, they are distinct, and individual preferences regarding identity and language vary.    Representation matters. In psychology and mental health, culturally responsive approaches that recognize...

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Conners CBRS® 2: Moving from Complexity to Confidence

A trusted broadband assessment, reimagined with updated norms, expanded content, and a modern domain framework to support clearer diagnostic, eligibility, and intervention decisions. A Growing Need for Clarity in Youth Assessment  Youth receiving psychological services rarely arrive with a single, clearly defined concern. More often, they present with complex, overlapping behavioral, emotional,...

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Off-the-Shelf or Custom-Built? Understanding the Trade-Offs in Risk/Needs Assessment

Key Takeaways  A custom-built assessment is not inherently more accurate, useful, or defensible than a well-established off-the-shelf assessment with a substantial evidence base.  Local norming and validation can strengthen assessment practice without redesigning the off-the-shelf tool itself.  Effective implementation, training, and ongoing evaluation often matter as much as the choice...

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Beyond Work Setting: Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Feedback

Key Takeaways:   Feedback conversations are rarely simple. Whether they happen across a desk, through a screen, or somewhere in between, they require self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to manage emotion in real time.  Our research found that emotional intelligence was a stronger predictor of feedback comfort than work setting. Individuals...

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Emily Kircher-Morris: On the State of Gifted Education

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of Multi-Health Systems Inc. (MHS, Inc.). The article has also been edited for clarity.  In the heat of summer, Emily Kircher-Morris finds herself in Little Rock, Arkansas. She came to speak at the 2026 School-Based Mental...

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What Clinicians Value Most About ASRS Adult

Choosing a narrowband assessment, which targets and focuses on specific aspects of an individual's functioning (i.e., particular behavior or challenge), should involve the following consideration: Does the assessment have strong psychometric properties? Can this assessment support a diagnosis? How is the assessment administered? Can the assessment work alongside other sources...

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Making Coaching Impact Measurable with EQ-i 2.0

At a glance:  Coaching can influence some of an organization’s most important outcomes, but proving its impact is often a challenge.  The Emotional Quotient-Inventory™ 2.0 (EQ-i 2.0®) helps make emotional intelligence measurable by translating behavior change into observable, trackable progress.  When organizations can connect emotional intelligence development to leadership effectiveness and workplace...

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