In this SMI Spotlight Q&A episode, Dr. Xavier Amador—founder of the LEAP approach and renowned clinical psychologist—answers real questions from our viewers about living with, supporting, and advocating for people with severe mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.From managing stress-induced symptom spikes to navigating HIPAA, helping loved ones accept medication, and addressing substance use, Dr. Amador offers practical advice and compassionate insight backed by decades of experience.Video Sections:

• (00:00) - Intro
• (00:57) - Welcome!
• (01:06) - Q1 - Managing spikes in symptoms from stress
• (03:34) - Q2- Asking others to use LEAP methods
• (06:39) - Q3 - In relationships, avoiding triggering each other's SMI symptoms
• (08:14) - Q4 - Managing hallucinations when medicated and otherwise stable
• (11:38) - Q5 - What support resources for early days of recovery?
• (14:39) - Q6 - How to use LEAP when delusions/paranoia have estranged someone from you
• (17:44) - Q7 - Encouraging taking meds and accepting outcomes if meds aren't taken
• (20:24) - Q8 - Using LEAP with a teenager
• (21:36) - Q9 - Encouraging someone with SMI to stop using substances
• (24:33) - Q10a - Navigating HIPAA
• (28:25) - Q10b - How can HIPAA be fixed?
• (34:37) - Contact us!