Today and every day, we celebrate mothers and mother figures in our lives and recognize the care they give to their families, their communities and their careers. This Mother’s Day, we asked Stephanie Parmely, PhD, a Behavioral Health Psychologist at Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group and mom, to weigh-in on how she navigates motherhood, her career and most importantly, self-care.

Feeling stressed? You’re not alone. Stress levels among Americans are on the rise largely on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent study by the American Psychological Association (APA). April is National Stress Awareness Month and while stress is a natural human emotion that helps us prepare and perform as necessary (think “fight or flight” mode), it can also negatively impact our health.

Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group Behavioral Health and Sacramento County have partnered in creating a new program to support children and families who are at risk of becoming homeless or are currently experiencing homelessness. The Children's Program applies a holistic approach to health. It treats both physical and mental health, while making sure families feel safe and self-sufficient.

Dignity Health Medical Groups rapidly scaled their virtual care capabilities at an unprecedented rate at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many patients have since enjoyed the safety and convenience of virtual visits. Dignity Health Medical Group Behavioral Health patients have especially shown a great interest in video visits, with more than 85% of appointments being conducted virtually since the beginning of the pandemic.

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8, serving as an opportunity to advocate for gender equality, celebrate the accomplishments of women around the world and highlight women’s rights, including women’s health.

In commemoration of this day, we’re spotlighting women physicians from Dignity Health Medical Groups who have contributed greatly to their respective practices and passing along their professional insight within their specialities in support of overall women’s health.