Behavioral Health Today

As the demand for mental health services continues to rise, access to care and finding the right therapist remain pressing challenges. How can we close the gap between growing awareness and ensuring sustainable, effective treatment for everyone in need? In this episode, Sharlee Dixon speaks with Ram Krishnan, CEO of Valant, a leading EHR software provider for behavioral health practices. With a background in healthcare information management and a history of driving market-changing innovations, Ram began his career as a systems engineer and holds an MBA from the University of Chicago. Since joining Valant in 2020, Ram has led the company through significant growth, prioritizing customer feedback and building strong teams. Under his leadership, Valant continues to enhance its service to the behavioral healthcare market. We're thrilled to have Ram back to discuss the latest trends in mental health accessibility and how we can improve access to care.

For more information about Valent, please visit: https://www.valant.io

Collective healing starts with self-awareness and intentional action. By confronting our biases, nurturing connection, and embracing both personal and communal responsibility, we can mend our fractured society and move toward genuine growth. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Minaa B., a licensed social worker, mental health educator, and author of “Owning Our Struggles.” Minaa’s extensive experience spans psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as work in early childhood programs, private practice, and community mental health. With a graduate degree from New York University, she is also the founder of Minaa B. Consulting, where she focuses on cultivating psychological safety within organizations. As a mental health educator and coach, Minaa integrates mental health with social justice, empowering individuals and communities. Based in New York City, Minaa is committed to fostering personal growth and societal healing. We’re excited to have her back to discuss self-efficacy, community building, and her book, Owning Your Struggles: A Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World."

For more information about “Owning Our Struggles: A Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World” by Minaa B., LCSW, please visit: https://www.minaab.com/books

For more information about Minaa B., please visit: https://www.minaab.com

To learn more about Mindful with Mina podcast, please visit: https://www.minaab.com/mindful-with-minaa-podcast

Connect with Minaa on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/minaa-b

Connect with Minaa on Instagram at: http://facebook.com/minaablmsw

Invisible losses often trap us in survival mode, leaving us living a life that doesn’t align with who we truly are. By acknowledging and validating these unseen wounds, we unlock the potential for healing, self-compassion, and reclaiming our authentic selves. This episode takes listeners behind the proverbial therapy door, offering insight into the processes and techniques that guide therapeutic healing. In this Clinicians Series episode, Sharlee Dixon speaks with Christina Rasmussen, a renowned grief educator and bestselling author of "Second Firsts," "Where Did You Go?," and "Invisible Loss." Following the loss of her spouse to cancer in 2010, Christina developed the Life Reentry process—a compassionate approach to helping individuals navigate grief and move forward. With a master's degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Durham and currently pursuing an MFA in painting and drawing at the Academy of Art, Christina brings both personal and professional wisdom to her work. Her groundbreaking insights have been featured on ABC News, Women’s World, The Washington Post, and even the White House Blog, while also contributing to Psychology Today.

For more information about Invisible Loss: Recognizing and Healing the Unacknowledged Heartbreak of Everyday Grief by Christina Rasmussen, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1649630077

Share your own invisible losses and contribute to the Invisible Losses Library at: https://invisiblelosses.com

Connect with Christina on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/christinarasmussen7/

Connect with Christina on Facebook at: https://facebook.com/secondfirsts

Curiosity opens the door to healing—small shifts in belief can change the entire trajectory. Embrace the next play with hope, not perfection. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Jon Steele, LMFT. Jon is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has focused his private practice on treating high performance clients including athletes and professionals. With personal experience as a former collegiate athlete, Jon combines the complexities of the athlete experience with the performance of professional life. His specialties include treating anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, and building mental fitness. Whether working with athletes or high-achieving professionals, he helps his clients combat shame, build healthy coping strategies, and increase self-compassion amidst high pressure environments. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of curiosity, free from harmful judgment, and discover how to apply this mindset to support high-performing individuals in their journeys.

Watch the Mental Fitness Stories podcast with Jon Steele, please subscribe on major podcast platforms or visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttffNmewd9oJIU8b-nU9aw

For more information about Jon Steele and his private practice, please visit: https://www.jonsteeletherapy.com

In this episode, we dive into the intricate world of narcissism, examining how both grandiose and vulnerable traits influence self-esteem, relationships, and the impact of social media on these behaviors. Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Dr. Keith Campbell, Professor of Psychology at the University of Georgia and a leading expert on narcissism. Keith has authored over 200 scientific papers and several notable books, including “The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement and The New Science of Narcissism”. His work has been featured in various media outlets, from The Today Show to The Joe Rogan Experience, and he is the creator of a widely-viewed TED-Ed lesson on narcissism. With degrees from UC Berkeley, San Diego State University, and a Ph.D. from UNC Chapel Hill, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation on the rise of entitlement in modern society.

For more information about Keith Campbell, please visit: https://www.wkeithcampbell.com

For more information about “The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement” by W. Keith Campbell, PhD, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Narcissism-Epidemic-Living-Age-Entitlement-ebook/dp/B00256Z3AY?ref_=ast_author_dp

For more information about “The New Science of Narcissism: Understanding One of the Greatest Psychological Challenges of Our Time—and What You Can Do About It” by W. Keith Campbell, PhD, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Narcissism-Understanding-Psychological-Time-ebook/dp/B089LGLN1D?ref_=ast_author_dp

Grief touches every part of us—mind, body, and spirit—but through LIGHT, we remind people they're not alone, offering somatic tools to help them ‘grow from grief’ and stand in solidarity with others. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Amy Pickett-Williams, LCSW, a seasoned psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience specializing in grief, trauma, and somatic therapy. Amy is the founder of LIGHT (Love In Grief, Held Together), a movement focused on collective healing and support. With a holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit, Amy’s work draws from both her personal journey and extensive professional background. In addition to her psychotherapy practice, she is a certified yoga instructor with diverse experience across medical, school-based, and private settings, working with clients of all ages. Today, Amy shares the transformative impact of the LIGHT Movement, emphasizing somatic healing, creativity, and connection in addressing various forms of grief.

For more information about LIGHT, please visit: https://www.lightmvmt.com

For more grief resources, please visit: https://www.lightmvmt.com/resources

When Taraji P. Henson faced challenges finding a therapist for herself and her son, it ignited a mission to tackle the mental health barriers impacting Black and marginalized communities. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Tracie Jade Jenkins, the Executive Director of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF). Founded in 2018, BLHF is dedicated to prioritizing mental health in Black communities through culturally competent resources, programs, and education across the nation. This initiative was born from a deeply personal story of loss and frustration. Taraji, alongside her close ally Tracie, launched the foundation to honor the memory of Taraji’s father, Boris Lawrence Henson—a Vietnam War veteran who faced untreated mental health issues upon his return. Witnessing the lasting impact of Boris’s struggles, Taraji and Tracie were driven to address the glaring lack of culturally relevant mental health support in the Black community. Join us as we explore Tracie’s journey, the transformative work of BLHF, and the ongoing efforts to reshape mental health support for Black communities.

For more information about the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, please visit: https://borislhensonfoundation.org

Learn more about the BLHF Joy Walk happening Oct 10th, please visit: https://borislhensonfoundation.org/joy-walk/

For more information about other BLHF events, please visit: https://borislhensonfoundation.org/events/

To get involved with BLHF, please visit: https://borislhensonfoundation.org/get-involved/

Connect with BLHF on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/blhensonfoundation/

Connect with BLHF on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/102106068/

Connect with BLHF on X at: https://twitter.com/BLHFoundation

Connect with BLHF on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/blhensonfoundation/

PSYCH-K® aligns your conscious desires with your subconscious beliefs, empowering you to reprogram self-limiting patterns and achieve true holistic success. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Martha Vargas. Martha is a Certified PSYCH-K® Instructor since June 2010. As one of only 35 Certified Instructors worldwide, she helps others reprogram their subconscious minds to overcome limiting beliefs. Inspired by Dr. Bruce Lipton, she believes that while many subconscious beliefs are empowering, a significant portion can be self-limiting. Martha uses PSYCH-K® to transform these patterns, enabling her to live a more authentic and fulfilling life. Her mission is to share these practical tools for self-actualization, helping others to actively participate in the evolution of humanity. We’re excited to have Martha with us today as we discuss limiting beliefs, and the self-realization process called PSYCH-K®.

For more information about PSYCH-K®, please visit: https://psych-k.com

Self-awareness and ancient wisdom empower us to prevent burnout, cultivate inner peace, and unlock our true potential. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Dr. Ishan Shivanand. Ishan is a distinguished mental health researcher and professor specializing in non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive meditative modalities. As the Founder of Yoga of Immortals (also known as YOI) programs, Ishan has developed innovative wellness initiatives tailored to diverse demographics, including youth, professionals, athletes, and military personnel. Rooted in ancient yogic wisdom and healing sciences of India, YOI protocols encompass breathwork, yogic techniques, and cognitive stimulation to combat stress, burnout, and promote mental resilience. With scientifically proven results demonstrating significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and insomnia, Ishan's programs have impacted over a million participants worldwide and garnered integration into numerous governmental, healthcare, and corporate institutions. We’re excited to have Ishan with us today to discuss integrating ancient meditative and holistic practices, particularly through the Yoga of Immortals, with modern scientific research to enhance self-awareness, mental health, and overall well-being.

For more information about Dr. Ishan Shivanand & Yoga of Immortals, please visit: https://yogaofimmortals.com

Aligning with nature’s rhythm reconnects you to your innate balance, transforming your health, mind, and purpose. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Michelle Oravitz. Michelle is the owner and founder of the Wholesome Lotus. She began her career as an architect but transitioned to alternative medicine after acupuncture resolved her health issues and renewed her sense of well-being. Inspired by this transformation, Michelle pursued extensive training in Ayurvedic and Oriental Medicine, graduating as valedictorian. She is passionate about healing, particularly in the areas of gynecological disorders and infertility, influenced by her own journey with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Michelle is the author of the book “The Way of Fertility” also hosts ‘The Wholesome Fertility Podcast,’ where she shares fertility tips and interviews leading professionals in the field. We’re excited to have Michelle with us today as we discuss Taoist principles emphasizing the body's inherent ability to heal itself, the importance of mind-body-spirit integration, and the journey of fertility.

For more information about Michelle Oravitz, please visit: https://www.michelleoravitz.com

For more information about “The Way of Fertility: Awaken Your Reproductive Potential Through the Power of Ancient Wisdom” by Michelle Oravitz, please visit: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility

For more information about The Wholesome Lotus Fertility, please visit: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility

Get a Free Fertility eBook: My Top 10 Fertility Boosting Tips, please visit: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/mytop10fertilityboostingtips

Connect with Michelle on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thewholesomelotusfertility/

Connect on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/?ref=bookmarks

Connect on X at: https://twitter.com/Wholesomelotus