Nondrug Emotion Regulation Therapy Enters Pilot Program as Federal Mental Health System Faces Major Disruption
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6:48 PM on Tuesday, January 27
The Associated Press
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 27, 2026--
As the U.S. mental health system faces sustained funding instability, workforce burnout, and rising demand for rapid, nonpharmaceutical support, JOYELY, LLC, an emotional regulation pilot program, is launching in California this February.
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JOY Intelligence™ (JQ) is the ability to move through emotions with precision and purpose, using emotional information as data rather than something to suppress or override. The JQ Emotions Map™ was created to bring structure and simplicity to emotional processing so people can respond with greater presence and intention in real time. Rooted in neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and behavioral psychology, the system integrates principles of brain-heart coherence, vagus nerve regulation, self-regulation, resilience, and pattern interruption. These disciplines support the understanding that emotions are not obstacles to performance, but signals that inform decision-making and behavior. While more than 3,000 emotions have been identified in research, the JQ framework refined this landscape into 160 core emotions, then 80 clearly defined emotions that are accessible and easy to use. For learning and development, 20 foundational emotions build fluency and real-time emotional awareness.
The timing reflects growing strain across the mental health ecosystem. Federal agencies and community providers have faced staffing disruptions and grant uncertainty, while public concern about emotional well-being continues to rise.
The JOY Intelligence™ framework, formalized as Emotional Recognition Baseline Therapy (ERBT) for clinical application, developed by Sheryl Lynn and Bailey Romatoski, addresses what traditional systems often cannot: teaching leaders and professionals to regulate emotions under pressure, preventing communication breakdowns, therapist burnout, and escalating mental health crises.
A pilot program using the JQ System and Integrated Valence Theory begins in February in California under the direction of Ehsan Gharadjedaghi Psy.D., Founder and Clinical Director of Norooz Clinic Foundation, a nonprofit mental health community center providing affordable behavioral healthcare and training for emerging therapists.
"When clients learn to recognize and process emotions with structure and safety, therapy becomes less about reacting and more about navigating," said Dr. Gharadjedaghi. "ERBT offers a science-informed way to reframe emotional experience and support lasting change."
Internal data from thousands of participants from previously conducted user experiences shows 94% reported immediate relief post-session. In a healthcare worker pilot (n≈80), self-regulation scores improved 68% on average. These findings are being formally evaluated in the pilot program.
Grounded in the patent-pending Integrated Valence Theory, the methodology begins with the Chair of JOY®, a 60-second guided practice to sit, breathe, think, and feel without judgment.
Pilot programs beginning in February will evaluate the framework's application beyond suicide prevention, to workplace leadership, crisis communication, and the daily emotional regulation required to function under pressure. A public demonstration featuring 60 speakers takes place on January 28 in Las Vegas.
JQ60 VOICES Event:
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Livestream:https://joyely.com/jq60/
For more information:
JOYELY: https://joyely.com
About
Chair of JOY, Inc. is a nonprofit organization operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.
Chair of JOY provides global support services that help individuals and families build emotional regulation skills that strengthen mental health, resilience, and connection. Its programs serve family-owned businesses, veterans, and seniors, focused on creating emotional safety, steady presence, and sustainable well-being across all stages of life.
SOURCE: JOYELY
View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260127009923/en/
CONTACT: Media Contact: Victoria Ojuola
949-303-5219
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA NEVADA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PHILANTHROPY MENTAL HEALTH HEALTH OTHER PHILANTHROPY FITNESS & NUTRITION FOUNDATION CLINICAL TRIALS
SOURCE: JOYELY
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PUB: 01/27/2026 07:48 PM/DISC: 01/27/2026 07:49 PM
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