The Real Life, Real Hope Podcast by CHR

In this episode, Heather Gates, President and CEO of CHR, discusses the organization's latest projects and priorities. Highlights include the launch of a new Subacute Crisis Stabilization Center in Norwich, designed to support youth in mental health crises, innovative peer support programs in emergency departments, and the development of supportive housing in Enfield. Heather also shares insig...

In this episode, Heather Gates, President and CEO of CHR, discusses the critical funding priorities for behavioral health services in Connecticut as the state legislature prepares its 2025 budget.  Heather outlines two key messages for lawmakers: addressing inadequate Medicaid reimbursement rates for outpatient behavioral health services and adopting the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clini...

In this episode, Heather Gates, President and CEO of Community Health Resources (CHR), shares her inspiring journey from volunteer work at Northampton State Hospital to leading one of Connecticut's largest behavioral health organizations. Heather discusses the transformative growth of CHR under her leadership, the development of a holistic system of care, and her vision for the future. The con...

Join us for a dynamic roundtable discussion on Mental Health First Aid.  Learn how this life-saving public education program equips everyday people with the tools to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges, including suicide risk.  Featuring CHR trainers and experts, the conversation dives into breaking stigmas, creating supportive communities, and the impact of tailore...

In this episode, Dr. Steven Madonick, Medical Director at Community Health Resources, shares his journey through the fields of psychiatry and mental health care, highlighting his pioneering work in early psychosis treatment and integrated care models.  Madonick discusses the challenges and successes of developing programs that address both mental and physical health, advocating for a more complete...

In this powerful episode, Jordan Goldberg, RCP, RSS, a substance abuse counselor at CHR, shares his personal and transformative journey from the depths of opioid addiction to his current role helping others find their path to recovery. He recounts the challenges and turning points in his battle with addiction, the role of Community Health Resources (CHR) in his recovery, and how his experiences sh...

In this episode, CHR’s Melissa Brown, LCSW, Clinical Program Director for Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services (EMPS), explores the critical role of responding to youth mental health emergencies, discussing the challenges and intricacies of managing high-acuity care. Brown sheds light on the process of crisis intervention and the collaborative efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of youn...

Host Maureen McGuire sits down with Meagan MacGregor and Lisa Hardcastle to delve into the transformative world of Mental Health First Aid.  Listen and explore the program's role in equipping individuals with essential skills to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges.  The discussion emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma and fostering help-seeking behaviors.

In this episode, Dr. Brittany Liebla, an addiction medicine specialist, returns to discuss CHR’s Pathways Outpatient Medication for Opioid Use Disorders (MOUD) Program and its innovative strategy for treating opioid use disorders in Connecticut's correctional facilities. Dr. Liebla sheds light on the evolving landscape of addiction medicine and its profound impact on our community.

In this episode, Dr. Brittany Liebla, an addiction medicine specialist, dives into the complexities of opioid addiction, treatment strategies, and common misconceptions.  Her unique perspective, shaped by her experiences in critical care and addiction medicine, offers an insightful look into the opioid crisis, its impact on individuals and communities, and the importance of comprehensive treatment...

In this episode, Nicole Crenshaw and Annelyse Cyr from CHR's Functional Family Therapy-Foster Care program discuss the unique aspects of CHR’s foster care program, and the significant need for foster homes for teens.  They highlight the transformative impact of stable and loving foster homes on children and teens, and the supportive network provided by the program.

In this episode, dive into a candid conversation with Jennifer Doutre - a licensed clinical social worker at CHR.  She unpacks the often-unrealistic holiday expectations and the struggles many face during the winter months.  Doutre offers valuable insights on the importance of self-care, staying connected, and resources available to help during these challenging times.

Jennifer Doutre returns to discuss serious mental illness.  Doutre - a seasoned clinical social worker - sheds light on the diagnosis, treatment, and profound impact of severe mental conditions.  Discover the range of services offered by CHR and understand the invaluable role of family in recovery.

In this episode, we welcome back Jennifer Nadeau - SVP for Child and Family Services at CHR. She sheds light on the crucial topic of child trauma and its heightened prevalence in the aftermath of the global pandemic.  Learn about the various evidence-based treatments available for children who've experienced trauma, including CBT, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and a Modular Appr...

In this episode, host Maureen McGuire sits down with Jennifer Doutre - licensed clinical social worker and service director CHR.  Doutre sheds light on a topic that has been emphasized by the pandemic: mental health.  She shares insights into when it might be time to seek professional help for mental health or substance use issues and walks us through the first steps of reaching out for assistance...

In this episode, guest Mike Asinas - a licensed clinical social worker and service director at CHR - dives into the complex world of teen substance use.  Join us in examining troubling trends, effective treatments, and the crucial role that parents and families play in preventing substance abuse among teens and young adults.  Asinas offers practical advice for parents on how to spot the signs of s...

Join host Maureen McGuire - Senior VP for Advancement at CHR, and Jennifer Nadeau - Senior VP for Child & Family Services and a licensed clinical social worker, as they discuss the critical topic of children's mental health, growing concerns about the impact of social media, and lingering challenges posed by the pandemic.  Nadeau offers valuable insights on recognizing the signs of mental...