Building the Raft While Drowning: Searching for Mental Health Help & Hope in Rural America

Episode Description:
In this episode, I sit down with Aline Muhimpundu, a licensed addiction counselor, to explore what it truly means to provide culturally competent mental health care for individuals from diverse backgrounds—especially refugees and New Americans.

Aline shares thoughtful insights on how mental health and substance use are viewed in different cultures, and how those perspectives can shape the way people seek help—or don’t. We talk about the importance of cultural humility in counseling, and Aline offers practical tips for recognizing signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges in people who may express distress in unfamiliar or culturally specific ways.

Whether you're a mental health professional, someone working with resettled communities, or simply curious about how culture influences care, this conversation is a must-listen.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988. For additional mental health resources visit any of the following links:

Veterans Crisis Line 

Refugee Behavioral Health Services

The Trevor Project

BIPOC Mental Health Services

In this episode, I sit down with Aline Muhimpundu, a licensed addiction counselor, to explore what it truly means to provide culturally competent mental health care for individuals from diverse backgrounds—especially refugees and New Americans.

Aline shares thoughtful insights on how mental health and substance use are viewed in different cultures, and how those perspectives can shape the way people seek help—or don’t. We talk about the importance of cultural humility in counseling, and Aline offers practical tips for recognizing signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges in people who may express distress in unfamiliar or culturally specific ways.

Whether you're a mental health professional, someone working with resettled communities, or simply curious about how culture influences care, this conversation is a must-listen.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988. For additional mental health resources visit any of the following links:

Veterans Crisis Line 

Refugee Behavioral Health Services

The Trevor Project

BIPOC Mental Health Services

In this episode I am joined by Dr. William Burns, Director of the North Dakota State University Counseling Center and Katie Fitzsimmons, Director of Student Affairs for the North Dakota University System.

During our time together we discuss mental health services for college students across the state, the epidemic of lonlieness that has reached our campuses, and the role that talk therapy can have on improving anyone's life.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988. For additional mental health resources visit any of the following links:

Veterans Crisis Line 

Refugee Behavioral Health Services

The Trevor Project

BIPOC Mental Health Services

In this episode I’m joined by Clinical Psychiatrist, Dr. Morris Hund, and Sarah Kemp-Tabbut, Licensed Social Worker and Community Engagement & Partnerships Coordinator for the Fargo Veterans Association. 

Dr. Hund, Sarah and I discuss the issue of suicide prevention for our military veterans. Together we explore factors that can either support or prevent veterans from seeking help including stigma, treatment myths, and access to benefits. Along with looking at some of the challenges of meeting the needs of our veterans, we also find hope in sharing the many community-based suicide prevention trainings that are available for medical providers and families.

During our conversation we touch on issues affecting veterans including:

• The power of stigma and seeking help for PTSD
• The role of education and funding in increasing utilization of veterans' services
• The impact of provider burnout on veterans' services
• Available suicide prevention trainings for both veteran and non-veteran families and medical providers

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988. For additional mental health resources visit any of the following links:

Veterans Crisis Line 

Refugee Behavioral Health Services

The Trevor Project

BIPOC Mental Health Services

In this epsiode I am joined by Jeremy Brown, Outreach Director for FirstLink. Based out of Fargo, ND FirstLink is a free, confidential service that offers listening and support, referrals to resources, and crisis intervention 24 hours a day. 

Jeremy and I will be talking about 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that was signed into law in 2020. We’ll discuss the importance of 988 within the larger scope of North Dakota’s Behavioral Health System and how FirstLink plays a critical role in its implementation. We also discuss some of the most common questions related to 988 including:

• What are examples of when I should call 988?
• Can you call the number if you speak another language?
• Is the number only for suicide crises?
• What is the difference between 211 and 988?

#mentalhealth #crisis #community

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988. For additional mental health resources visit any of the following links:

Veterans Crisis Line 

Refugee Behavioral Health Services

The Trevor Project

BIPOC Mental Health Services

In this episode, I visit with Statewide Clinician Leads and experts in the field of mental health and substance use, Tarah Cavett and Laura Gitter.   Tarah and Laura provide consulting and leadership in North Dakota's ongoing work to improve and expand the existing system. 

In our hour together, Laura and Tarah offer a closer look at the current structure of the crisis response system, the challenges of meeting the growing mental health crisis, and the ways in which the system supports ongoing efforts to reduce the stigma of mental health. Some of the issues/questions we discuss:

• What is the crisis response system?
• What can people expect when entering the crisis response system?
• What can be defined as a mental health or substance use crisis?
• What kinds of changes need to happen in the current system?
• How does 988 play a role in the crisis response system?

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988. For additional mental health resources visit any of the following links:

Veterans Crisis Line 

Refugee Behavioral Health Services

The Trevor Project

BIPOC Mental Health Services