News & Views
Recommended reading: Jesus and Mary Jane
My wife and I are always honored when someone seeks our help with the treatment of addiction and mental health. The call we received from Charlie Granade, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Rogue River, Ore., was certainly no exception. He and the Rev. Barnabas...
Thurstone talks mental health in the days of COVID-19 with 9News
Today, KUSA 9News in Denver helped advance the mission of Mental Health Awareness Month with a panel discussion examining things to consider about mental health during in these days of the coronavirus known as COVID-19. I am honored to have been invited to...
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...
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.