Join Dr. Sarah Arshad in this eye-opening conversation with Dr. Justine Welsh, the Associate Director of UCI's TNT Fellowships PC-TEAM track.
In this essential interview, Dr. Welsh shares critical insights about the youth mental health and addiction crisis affecting our communities. With 27% of young adults meeting criteria for substance use disorders and 8.7% of adolescents struggling with these challenges, this conversation couldn't be more timely.

🔑 Key Topics Covered: • The alarming statistics behind youth substance use disorders • How mental health conditions intersect with addiction • Why today's substances are fundamentally different from past generations • Building therapeutic relationships with reluctant young patients • The importance of family-centered care and harm reduction approaches • Breaking down stigma in healthcare systems • Practical advice for healthcare providers and families

💡 Perfect for:
Mental health professionals
Healthcare practitioners
Community leaders
Parents and families
Anyone working with youth in crisis

🌐 Learn More: Visit our interview series at www.tntopenmind.org for more conversations with leading experts in mental health and healthcare.

📍 TIMESTAMPED CHAPTERS:
[00:00] Introduction & Welcome
[00:30] Meet Dr. Justine Welsh - Background & Current Role
[01:05] Early Influences - Growing Up with Psychologist Parents
[02:57] Path to Psychiatry & Specializing in Youth & Addiction
[04:22] The Addiction Crisis - Staggering Statistics
[06:38] Why Rates Are Rising - Multiple Contributing Factors
[08:22] Today's Substances vs. Past Generations
[10:01] Mental Health & Addiction Connection
[11:33] First Patient Visit - Creating Safe Therapeutic Spaces
[13:48] Building Rapport with Reluctant Patients & Families
[15:12] Most Rewarding Aspects of the Work
[16:51] Essential Skills for Addiction Medicine Providers
[18:59] When Patients Don't Know What They're Using
[19:22] Healthcare System Changes - The Magic Wand Question
[22:14] Artificial Barriers in Treatment Access
[23:47] Training Future Pediatric Providers
[24:46] Understanding Substance Use Disorders in Adolescents
[26:24] Talking to High-Achieving Kids About Cannabis
[29:23] Harm Reduction Approaches
[30:15] Resources for Primary Care Providers
[31:27] Closing Thoughts

#YouthMentalHealth #AddictionMedicine #SubstanceUseDisorder #MentalHealthAwareness #HealthcareEducation #PediatricPsychiatry #HarmReduction #CommunityHealth #TNTOpenMindInsights

Subscribe to TNT Open Mind Insights - Mental Health Interview Series on Soundwise

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Guity Javid, a remarkable humanitarian who has dedicated 35 years to Rotary service and is now channeling her passion into the Negeen Foundation - a mental health organization focused on anxiety support for children and young adults ages 7-25.

In this heartfelt interview, Guity shares her incredible journey from Iran to her groundbreaking work chartering the first mental health club in Rotary, and how personal loss transformed into purposeful action. Discover evidence-based approaches to childhood anxiety, the importance of removing mental health stigma, and why early intervention can change lives.

🔗 Learn more about our interview series: www.tntopenmind.org

⏰ TIMESTAMPED CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome
00:43 - Guity's 35-Year Rotary Journey Begins
01:30 - The Heart of Giving: Why Service Matters
04:39 - Three Groundbreaking Rotary Clubs: Mental Health, Environment & LGBTQ
06:45 - Career Success vs. Life Purpose
07:19 - Zimbabwe Environmental Project: Changing Lives Globally
08:38 - Introducing the Negeen Foundation
09:15 - Honoring Negeen: A Daughter's Legacy
11:48 - Focusing on Anxiety: Ages 7-25
13:31 - Evidence-Based Solutions & TNT Partnership
15:57 - Funding Fellows: Putting Money Where Your Heart Is
17:20 - Parent Education: Breaking Through Denial
19:03 - Creating an Anxiety Toolkit 20:28 - Early Intervention: Preventing Escalation
22:01 - CBT & Evidence-Based Approaches
24:39 - The Ripple Effect of One Person
27:25 - Vision for Humanity: Peace, Love and Thriving Children
28:53 - Keeping Negeen's Spirit Alive
31:13 - Connecting with the Negeen Foundation

🎬 ABOUT TNT OPEN MIND INSIGHTS: This interview series highlights innovative leaders in mental health, healthcare, and community service who are making measurable impacts in their fields.
👥 PERFECT FOR: • Mental health professionals seeking inspiration • Healthcare practitioners interested in pediatric anxiety • Community leaders looking for service opportunities

• Parents wanting to understand childhood mental health • Anyone passionate about evidence-based mental health solutions

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations with changemakers in mental health and community service!

#MentalHealthAwareness #ChildhoodAnxiety #CommunityService #Rotary #MentalHealthStigma #EvidenceBasedTreatment #PediatricMentalHealth #Philanthropy #TNTOpenMind

Subscribe to TNT Open Mind Insights - Mental Health Interview Series on Soundwise

Join Dr. McCarron in this insightful conversation with Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, CEO of the California Behavioral Health Association and a clinical psychologist turned policy advocate. Discover how one person's journey from the therapy room to the state capitol is reshaping behavioral health care for millions of Californians.

In this episode, Dr. Le Ondra shares her unique perspective on bridging the gap between frontline mental health providers and the policymakers who shape their work. From advocating for under-resourced communities to tackling California's fragmented care system, learn how interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic advocacy can transform mental health outcomes.

🎯 Perfect for: • Mental health professionals seeking advocacy guidance • Healthcare practitioners interested in policy impact • Community leaders working in behavioral health • Anyone passionate about improving mental health access

📋 TIMESTAMPED CHAPTERS:
[00:00] Introduction & Welcome
[00:43] From Clinician to CEO: Clark Harvey’s Journey
[02:24] Advocating for Frontline Providers
[05:25] Why Every Mental Health Professional Should Advocate
[07:54] Practical Ways to Get Involved in Advocacy
[09:52] Most Challenging & Rewarding Aspects of Policy Work
[12:52] California's Fragmented Care System Challenge
[15:59] Comparing Physical Health vs. Behavioral Health Access
[17:28] Solutions for Reducing Wait Times & Improving Access
[19:40] The Power of Integrated, Interdisciplinary Care
[21:45] Whole Person Care vs. Whole System Care
[24:51] Training the Next Generation of Advocates
[25:57] One Key to Transforming Mental Health Care
[26:31] How to Connect with California Behavioral Health Association

🔗 Learn More:
Visit our interview series: www.tntopenmind.org
California Behavioral Health Association: calbha.org

💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ Advocacy training should be integrated into all mental health curricula
✅ Interdisciplinary care teams produce better patient outcomes
✅ System-level changes are needed for true whole-person care
✅ Individual practitioners can make a difference through local involvement

🤝 Join the Conversation: What's your experience with advocacy in mental health? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don't forget to subscribe for more insights from leaders transforming behavioral health care.

#MentalHealthAdvocacy #BehavioralHealth #HealthcarePolicy #InterdisciplinaryCare #MentalHealthProfessionals #CaliforniaMentalHealth #HealthcareReform #CommunityMentalHealth

Subscribe to TNT Open Mind Insights - Mental Health Interview Series on Soundwise

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Nguyen, a clinical pharmacist at Wynn Medical Center, who is improving mental healthcare for the Vietnamese community in Los Angeles. In this interview, Dr. Nguyen shares her unique journey from being her mother's medical translator in Germany to becoming a trailblazer in culturally-sensitive mental health treatment.

🌟 What You'll Discover:
• How cultural barriers impact mental health treatment in immigrant communities
• The innovative collaborative care model between pharmacists and physicians
• Real patient success stories
• Why representation matters in mental healthcare
• The exciting future of Vietnamese mental health services

Dr. Nguyen’s story demonstrates the profound impact one person can make when they combine professional expertise with cultural understanding and genuine compassion. Her work is breaking down generational stigmas and creating new pathways for healing in under-resourced communities.

🔗 Learn More About Our Interview Series: Visit www.tntopenmindinsights.org for more inspiring conversations with healthcare innovators and community leaders making a difference in mental health.

📋 TIMESTAMPED CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction & Welcome
0:41 - Meet Vivi: Background & Current Role
1:55 - What Does a Clinical Pharmacist Do?
3:19 - Personal Journey: From Germany to Healthcare
4:37 - The Inspiration Behind Her Career Choice
6:49 - Why the T&T Addiction Medicine Fellowship?
8:01 - Current Knowledge Base & Training Others
9:36 - Common Conditions & Cultural Barriers
12:53 - The Art of Asking the Right Questions
14:00 - Independent Patient Care Model
15:43 - Training & Mentorship Approach
17:41 - Success Stories: Connecting Families
21:04 - Future Plans: Opening a Mental Health Clinic
22:34 - The Search for Vietnamese Mental Health Providers
23:56 - Cultural Stigma: Breaking Down Barriers
26:36 - Generational Change in Mental Health Dialogue
27:44 - Being a Change Maker in the Community
29:44 - How to Connect with Vivi & Wynn Medical Center

Interview recorded on March 21, 2025


🎯 Perfect for: • Mental health professionals • Healthcare practitioners • Community leaders • Anyone interested in culturally-competent care • Those working with immigrant communities

#MentalHealth #CulturalCompetency #Pharmacy #VietnameseCommunity #HealthcareInnovation #TNTOpenMindInsights #PrimaryCare #MentalHealthStigma #CommunityHealth #HealthcareLeadership

Subscribe to TNT Open Mind Insights - Mental Health Interview Series on Soundwise

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, a physician, public health advocate, and pioneer in low-barrier addiction treatment. In this episode of TNT Open Mind Insights, we explore the critical gaps in our healthcare system and innovative solutions that are making a real difference in communities across America.

Dr. Salisbury-Ashfar shares her journey from rural Illinois to becoming a leading voice in addiction medicine, discussing the evolution of harm reduction, the importance of naloxone accessibility, and her groundbreaking walk-in clinic model in Madison, Wisconsin that serves people who use substances with dignity and comprehensive care.

Key Topics Covered:
✅ The evolution from HIV care to addiction medicine
✅ Breaking down stigma in healthcare settings
✅ Harm reduction as part of the recovery continuum
✅ Creating sustainable, low-barrier treatment models
✅ The role of mentorship in non-traditional medical careers
✅ Policy advocacy and systems change in healthcare

Perfect for: Mental health professionals, healthcare practitioners, community leaders, policy advocates, and anyone interested in innovative approaches to addiction treatment and public health.

Interview Recorded in March 2025.

🔗 Learn more about our interview series: www.tntopenmind.org

#AddictionMedicine #HarmReduction #PublicHealth #HealthcareInnovation #MentalHealth #CommunityHealth #HealthEquity #TNTOpenMindInsights

Timestamped Chapters:
[00:00] Introduction & Welcome
[01:12] Educational Background & Midwest Connection
[01:50] Early Career Path & Medical School Journey
[02:58] Discovering Urban Poverty & Wealth Disparities
[04:18] The Pivot from HIV Care to Addiction Medicine
[05:39] Identifying Healthcare System Gaps [
06:42] Root Causes of Healthcare Disparities
[08:45] Signs of Hope & Progress in Treatment Access
[09:36] Naloxone Success Story & Accessibility
[10:40] Reducing Barriers to Medication-Assisted Treatment
[12:03] Federal Embrace of Harm Reduction
[12:47] Breaking Down Recovery vs. Harm Reduction Myths
[14:19] Rural Background & Social Determinants of Health
[16:23] Medical School Advocacy & Preventive Medicine
[17:43] Balancing Clinical Work & Public Health Impact
[18:40] Building Madison's Low-Barrier Clinic
[21:43] Comprehensive Care Model & Services
[22:34] Grant Sustainability & Long-term Planning
[25:27] Healthcare System Silos & Billing Challenges
[27:07] The Power of Mentorship in Medicine
[29:35] Message of Hope for Those Struggling
[31:45] How to Connect & Get Involved
[32:26] Final Thoughts on Healthcare System Change

Subscribe to TNT Open Mind Insights - Mental Health Interview Series on Soundwise

In this insightful interview, Family Nurse Practitioner Zane Grant shares his journey working with underserved populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness and addiction. Learn how integrating psychiatric and medical care can improve patient outcomes, and discover the importance of cultural sensitivity and genuine human connection in healthcare.

🔗 Visit our website for more interviews: www.tntopenmind.org

NP Grant discusses the challenges of integrating mental health and medical care, addressing addiction (particularly methamphetamine use), and navigating cultural differences when providing care to diverse communities.
This interview highlights the importance of listening without judgment, understanding trauma's impact, and building trust with patients. NP Grant also shares personal insights about what motivated his career path and how he maintains his own wellbeing while doing emotionally demanding work.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction and Background
01:09 - Integrating Psychiatric and Medical Care
02:17 - Barriers to Mental Health Services for Underserved Populations
03:44 - Addressing Addiction in Healthcare Settings
06:01 - Personal Motivation for Serving Vulnerable Populations
08:45 - Trauma in Homeless Populations
10:44 - The Importance of Listening and Motivational Interviewing
12:53 - Managing Chronic Physical Effects of Substance Use
15:42 - Navigating Cultural Differences in Mental Healthcare
18:11 - Personal Experience Informing Professional Practice
20:43 - Supporting Healthcare Colleagues
23:09 - Book Club and Professional Development
25:49 - The Housing Crisis and Mental Health
27:06 - Hope for the Future of Mental Healthcare
28:56 - Key Takeaways: Learn to Listen
#MentalHealth #HealthcareAccess #AddictionTreatment #HomelessnessServices #CulturalCompetence #IntegratedCare #TraumaInformedCare

Subscribe to TNT Open Mind Insights - Mental Health Interview Series on Soundwise

In this interview, we sit down with Kofi Abrampah, a certified geriatric pharmacist since 2016, who shares his passion for improving care for older adults. Dr. Abrampah discusses how the geriatric population is often underserved in healthcare, the dangers of polypharmacy, and why focusing on "what matters" to patients should drive treatment decisions. Learn about the "4Ms" approach to geriatric care, why addiction medicine is still important for geriatrics, how certain medications can contribute to dementia, and why laughter truly might be the best medicine with no side effects!
Join us as we explore compassionate approaches to mental health care for older adults and challenge common assumptions about aging and medication management.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Introduction and the power of laughter
01:57 - Kofi's journey to becoming a pharmacist
03:15 - Why Kofi chose to specialize in geriatric pharmacy
06:46 - Definition of geriatrics and identifying underserved populations
10:03 - Cultural differences in elder care
11:32 - Mental health challenges in geriatric populations
13:45 - The problem with antipsychotics for behavior management
15:53 - The "4Ms" approach to geriatric care
16:29 - Understanding anticholinergic medications and dementia risk
19:18 - Fall risks and mortality in older adults
21:47 - Why older adults need specialized medication approaches
24:14 - Starting with "what matters" to patients
26:34 - The dangers of polypharmacy and prescription cascades
28:15 - Addiction medicine for older adults
31:23 - Breaking stigma around addiction
32:19 - Closing thoughts and contact information

Learn more about our interview series at: www.tntopenmind.org

Connect with Kofi Abraham: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkofi/ Website: www.Cliniplex-RX.com

#MentalHealth #GeriatricCare #Healthcare #Pharmacy #ElderCare #CompassionateCare #MedicationManagement #TNTOpenMindInsights

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In this insightful interview, Tina Chang shares her journey from being raised by a teen mom to becoming a dedicated advocate for young people facing trauma and exploitation. As Programs Director at Olive Crest, she oversees a wide range of services that strengthen families and support vulnerable youth.

Learn how medical providers can better support young people through trauma-informed approaches and discover the importance of seeing potential rather than problems.

This interview is essential viewing for mental health professionals, healthcare practitioners, and community leaders who want to better understand how to support young people through trauma with dignity, patience, and a strength-based approach. Tina's insights on trauma-informed care and the importance of seeing potential rather than problems offer valuable guidance for anyone working with vulnerable populations.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
01:06 - Tina's Personal Journey and Motivation
04:05 - Overview of Olive Crest's Services
06:25 - The Power of Language: "Young People" vs "Youth"
08:07 - Challenges Facing Young People Today
10:54 - How Medical Providers Can Better Support Young People
15:02 - Trauma-Informed Approaches to Mental Health
17:25 - Building a Trauma-Informed Workforce
19:52 - The Concept of Vicarious Resilience
22:21 - Systems Change and Positive Expectations
25:28 - The Impact of Believing in Young People's Potential
28:52 - The Importance of Positive Focus in Trauma Work
30:38 - Supporting Victims of Exploitation
32:40 - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

For more interviews in this series, visit www.tntopenmindinsights.org
#MentalHealth #TraumaInformedCare #YouthServices #HealthcareProviders #CommunitySupport #OliveCrest

Subscribe to TNT Open Mind Insights - Mental Health Interview Series on Soundwise

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Katharine Simon, an expert in behavioral sleep medicine, as she explores the fascinating relationship between sleep, cognition, and mental health across the lifespan. In this interview, Dr. Simon shares her groundbreaking research on how sleep serves as a gateway to understanding brain function, particularly in pediatric populations.

Discover how sleep patterns influence memory consolidation, emotional processing, and cognitive development from infancy through adolescence. Dr. Simon explains the bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health, offering practical strategies for improving sleep hygiene and addressing common sleep challenges.

Whether you're a healthcare practitioner, community leader, or someone interested in mental health, this conversation provides valuable insights into the critical role of sleep in overall wellbeing and development.

Learn more about our interview series: www.tntopenmindinsights.org

Timestamped Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:31 - Dr. Simon's research focus on sleep and brain function
01:18 - Bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health
02:23 - How learning impacts sleep oscillations
03:25 - Sleep research in mental health populations
03:58 - Effects of medications (zolpidem/Ambien) on memory consolidation
06:13 - Most effective interventions for sleep difficulties
07:48 - Advice for parents of teenagers regarding sleep consistency
09:06 - Technology's role in sleep medicine and research
10:23 - Preliminary findings on sleep patterns and subclinical depression
11:34 - The science of napping: benefits and considerations
14:13 - Dr. Simon's journey into sleep research
16:09 - Future research directions and preventative interventions
18:42 - Societal attitudes toward sleep and needed changes
24:51 - Integrating technology into behavioral sleep medicine
27:28 - Infant sleep research and language acquisition
28:58 - Normalizing infant sleep patterns for parents
30:59 - Addressing nighttime waking in children with anxiety
33:28 - How to learn more about Dr. Simon's work

Tags:
#SleepScience #MentalHealth #Cognition #PediatricHealth #BehavioralSleepMedicine #HealthcareResearch #SleepHygiene #ChildDevelopment #TNTOpenMindInsights #SleepAndMemory

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In this important conversation, we sit down with Janelle Watson, a sought-after perinatal mental health expert from Embrace Wellness who partners with Maternal Mental Health Now. Janelle shares her expertise on the challenges surrounding perinatal mental health, the importance of community support, and how healthcare providers can better serve birthing people and their families.

This interview explores the realities of perinatal mental health challenges, dispels myths about postpartum depression and psychosis, and offers insights into creating more supportive environments for parents. Whether you're a healthcare professional, community leader, or someone interested in mental health, this conversation provides valuable perspectives on improving care and support during the perinatal period.

Visit our website for more insightful interviews: www.tntopenmindinsights.org

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction and Personal Experience
02:52 - Why Perinatal Mental Health Matters
04:09 - Janelle's Journey to Perinatal Mental Health
06:12 - What is the Perinatal Period?
08:13 - Advice for Healthcare Providers
11:02 - Stigma and Misconceptions
13:47 - The Impact of American Culture on Parenting
15:22 - Social Media's Influence on Parental Expectations
17:29 - The "Monster" of Isolation and Fear
20:02 - The Importance of Community Support
23:59 - Shifting the Culture Around Birth
26:57 - Moving Toward Authentic Birth Stories
28:07 - Addressing Disparities in Perinatal Care
31:27 - The Value of Warm Handoffs Between Providers
32:24 - Final Thoughts: Staying Grounded in the Present

#PerinatalMentalHealth #MaternalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #HealthcareEquity #BirthSupport #PostpartumCare #CommunitySupport

Subscribe to TNT Open Mind Insights - Mental Health Interview Series on Soundwise