News & Views
Resources for those affected by COVID-19
I am based in Colorado, so this roundup of resources offering help during the COVID-19 outbreak is state-specific. However, I hope it provides some ideas for others compiling similar lists. Regardless of where you are, please contact me if you have a link to share....
Reframe COVID to manage emotional stress
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing much stress and distress as it disrupts so many things at the core of our lives, including our education, finances, health and social interaction. Stress specifically affects our mental health. It leads to biological changes in the...
Introducing impACT for Canine-Assisted Therapy
I am pleased to share this treatment guide, "impACT: Animal-Assisted Therapy Manual", which can be used in conjunction with “impACT: An MI/ACT Trans-Diagnostic Manual for Substance Use and Co-occurring Problems.” Both are yours, free for the download. About...
Vaping victim: ‘We’re going to end up on oxygen in our 20s and 30s’
Vaping rapidly has become one of the most troubling addictions for a generation of adolescent Americans.
Thurstone named 5280 ‘Top Doc’ for 9th consecutive year
I am deeply grateful to all of the Colorado physicians who took the time to recognize my work with a ninth consecutive "Top Doc" award in 5280 magazine. Thank you. Substance Use Disorder is one of our country's most damaging and pressing public health problems, and...
Thurstone to Colorado Public Radio: State has almost no treatment for kids who vape
I am glad for this report from Colorado Public Radio about the state's highly disturbing rate of teen vaping and its lack of resources to help these young people beat an addiction that studies show affects their brain development and increases the likelihood that...
Thurstone named Director of Behavioral Health Services at Denver Health
It is my great honor to serve as Denver Health's new director of Behavioral Health Services. I deeply respect the hospital's mission to provide everyone world-class healthcare -- and without regard for their ability to pay for it. In coming months, I will share new...
Denver Health provides first-of-its-kind military training
Since joining the U.S. Army Reserve seven years ago, I have had a lot of time to study the military training needs for Army Mental Health Specialists. I am grateful to my employer, Denver Health, and to my colleagues there -- especially Dr. Scott Simpson, director of...
The marijuana, psychosis connection
More research, this time from King’s College in London, reinforces the strong association between marijuana use and psychosis. We provide an extensive list of research citations to aid the growing number of parents who contact us.
Thurstone named Denver ‘Top Doc’ in 2018
I'm humbled by the praise of my physician peers, who named me a Denver "Top Doc" for the eighth consecutive year in in 5280 magazine. To those of you who thought of me and took the time to cast this vote of confidence in my work, thank you so much. I count on many of...
Read the book
Clearing the Haze is a guide designed to help parents determine whether their child may have a substance problem and, if so, how to begin to address it. This book includes the voices and insight of experts in substance abuse counseling, young people in recovery, and parents who have lived the nightmare of adolescent addiction.