In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we are honored to welcome Dr. David Mee-Lee, a psychiatrist and addiction specialist whose decades-long career has been dedicated to bridging the mental health and addiction treatment fields. Known for his innovative approach to person-centered care, Dr. Mee-Lee has worked tirelessly to dismantle stigma, foster compassionate relationships, and create healthcare systems that focus on the individual. His expertise in facilitating behavior change and treating co-occurring disorders has influenced the development of addiction treatment units and shaped managed care systems serving millions.

Now retired, Dr. Mee-Lee reflects on his transformative career and shares invaluable insights into the power of behavior change, individualized care, and the importance of respect and compassion in the healing process. From his pioneering work in the 1980s to his ongoing advocacy for effective, compassionate care, Dr. Mee-Lee continues to inspire the next generation of professionals in addiction and mental health. Tune in to hear his lessons, advice, and wisdom for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field.

In this episode, Dr. Mee-Lee discusses:

The origins of his passion for psychiatry and addiction treatment

Key lessons in creating and sustaining person-centered care systems

Effective strategies for combating stigma in healthcare

Essential messages for professionals entering the field today

Advice on navigating changes in healthcare delivery and policy

Reflections on his lasting impact and guidance for future leaders

Join us for a deep dive into the powerful, transformative potential of behavior change and the enduring importance of individualized care.

Key words: mental health, person-centered care, mental health experts, innovative approaches

Resources:

https://www.davidmeelee.com/

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW, as we delve into the intricate relationship between social connections and mental health. In this episode, we explore the profound impact of loneliness and isolation on well-being, drawing from Cornelius's extensive experience with attachment theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy. You'll gain valuable insights into how early relationships shape our ability to form meaningful bonds and discover strategies for cultivating healthy and meaningful connections. Join us in exploring the complex tapestry of social connections and mental well-being, offering practical insights and strategies for navigating the intricacies of human connection.

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Join us for an illuminating conversation with Dr. Sheila Patel, a board-certified family physician and Chief Medical Officer for Chopra. Dr. Patel explains the foundational principles of Ayurveda, along with her journey in the field of medicine and how she came to practice Ayurveda alongside Western medicine. The holistic approach of Ayurveda aims to treat the entire individual, identifying the root causes of ailments and striving for balance. She explains how, in Ayurveda, two-thirds of disease is attributed to mental and emotional factors, underscoring the interconnected nature of the mind and body. Dr. Patel describes the three psychophysiological behavior types known as doshas in Ayurveda. She advocates that we don’t need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to the prevention or management of chronic disease; we can tap into the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda that is now being validated by modern science, as well as people’s lived experiences.

Key words: ayurveda, holistic health, mental health, wellness

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Join us as we bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern mental health solutions with Dr. Howard Chen. Dr. Chen takes us on a fascinating journey through the principles and practices of Classical Chinese Medicine. He explains how emotions are connected to the organs and the interrelated nature of mental and physical wellness. Whether you're a CCM enthusiast or new to this holistic approach, this episode promises valuable insights and practical tips for cultivating a harmonious mind-body connection.

Key words: classical chinese medicine, holistic health, mental health, mind-body connection

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Fabricia Prado. In this episode, we examine the profound impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their role as the root cause of both physical and mental illness. We discuss the importance of developing a mindful relationship with our bodies and the need for understanding how healing from trauma requires a holistic approach that involves mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, in this discussion, you’ll gain insights into community-based initiatives, therapeutic interventions, and societal shifts that collectively contribute to a more supportive and nurturing environment for those affected by ACEs. Join us as we explore the intricate connections between early life adversity and its lasting effects on our well-being.

Key words: trauma, holistic healing, wellness, ACEs

Join us for a captivating interview with Dr. Harold Koenig, professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University. In this enlightening episode, we explore the vast benefits that religion offers for mental health. Dr. Koenig explains the difference between spirituality and religion, shedding light on their unique aspects, and the challenges of studying spirituality within research. You'll also hear about the significance of faith and its impact on mental well-being, and we delve into the key implications to consider when embracing the importance of religion and spirituality in public health, and explore how it translates into shaping public policy. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of a patient-centered approach when it comes to integrating religion, spirituality, and spiritually based practices like mindfulness. Finally, we touch upon the concept of moral injury and how religion can provide invaluable support in healing.Tune in and expand your understanding of the profound connections between spirituality, religion, mental health, and holistic care.

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Join us for another insightful conversation on CASAT Conversations. This week, Dr. Russel Foster joins us to discuss the importance of sleep on mental health. We discuss why sleep is crucial and how you know if you are getting enough sleep. We discuss the catastrophic impacts of not getting enough sleep and the effects of shift work. He offers real-world examples and shares the latest research.

Key words: mental health, sleep, holistic health

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Join us as we unravel the intricate connection between our gut microbiota and its profound impact on mental well-being. Dr. Dinan shares his decades of research findings and discusses how a nutrient rich diet can become a powerful tool in supporting mental health. He also discusses how certain foods and pharmaceuticals can negatively impact the gut microbiome and brain health. You won’t want to miss this important discussion highlighting the importance of food and mood.

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Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Felipe Schuch as he explores the profound impact of physical activity on mental well-being, including its profound effects on the biology of the brain. Discover how finding the exercise that suits a person best can yield remarkable benefits for mental health. Dr. Schuch sheds light on the psychological factors that drive our engagement in physical activity and reveals the dosing effect—how the frequency, duration, and intensity of exercise can positively impact mental well-being. Prepare to be inspired to get moving, as we uncover the protective effect that exercise holds for mental well-being. Tune in and unlock the transformative power of exercise for mental health.

keywords: physical activity, mental health, exercise, well-being

Join us for an intriguing and enlightening interview as we delve into the world of genetics research with Dr. Alessandro Serretti, a renowned psychiatrist and genetic researcher. Prepare to gain valuable insights into the current landscape of genetics research, as well as a captivating glimpse into its historical development and future prospects. Dr. Serretti expertly unravels the intricate relationship between genetics and mental health, shedding light on our current understanding and emphasizing crucial factors to consider in the treatment of mental health conditions. For those harboring skepticism or apprehension towards genetics, this interview serves as an invaluable resource, showcasing how genetics serves as a foundational framework for comprehending an individual's biological predisposition to certain conditions, while also exploring other essential considerations. Tune in and broaden your horizons in this captivating exploration of the ever-evolving field of genetics.

Resources:

https://sites.google.com/view/alessandroserretti