CASAT Conversations

In this episode of  CASAT Conversations , we are honored to welcome Dr. Arielle Schwartz, a clinical psychologist, somatic psychotherapist, and internationally recognized teacher whose work integrates the science of the nervous system with the art of embodied healing. Arielle’s journey into the healing arts began with a deep curiosity about the mind-body connection and the intelligence of the nerv...

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we are honored to welcome Mary Dunn, a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose decades-long career has been grounded in compassion, cultural awareness, and the power of human connection. Mary’s professional path began in an unexpected place—the casinos of Lake Tahoe—where her early experiences observing human behavior planted the seeds for a lifelong c...

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we are honored to welcome Saul, a seasoned Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor with more than five decades of experience working at the intersection of addiction, mental health, and family systems. Throughout his career, Saul has worked with clients others deemed “resistant” or “impossible”—individuals often mandated into se...

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we welcome Dr. Meri Shadley, a Marriage and Family Therapist, educator, and emeritus faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno. With over 40 years of experience in addiction recovery and family systems work, Dr. Shadley reflects on what it means to grow—both as a human and a helper. From the early days of launching adolescent and collegiate recovery p...

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we are honored to welcome Dr. Steven C. Hayes, a pioneering clinical psychologist and the originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). With decades of groundbreaking work that has transformed the field of psychotherapy, Dr. Hayes brings a deep understanding of how we build resilience, move through suffering, and live with purpose. Drawing from trib...

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we sit down with Beverly Kyer, best-selling author, clinical social worker, and nationally recognized speaker on compassion fatigue. With more than three decades of experience in trauma recovery and emotional well-being, Beverly has dedicated her life to supporting those who serve others, particularly professionals working in high-stress environments. Her ca...

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we welcome Mark Disselkoen, a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) with over three decades of experience in the field of substance use and mental health treatment. As a Senior Project Manager at the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT) at the University of Nevad...

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we welcome Denise Quirk, a seasoned addiction counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, and nationally recognized advocate in the field of problem gambling. With over three decades of experience, Denise has played a pivotal role in shaping treatment, education, and policy for those affected by gambling disorder. From founding Red Hawk Counseling to serving a...

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we’re joined by Agata Gawronski, Executive Director of the State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors. Originally from Poland, Agata’s journey into the field of substance use and problem gambling began after earning her master’s degree in social work and immigrating to the United States. She shares the experiences that shap...

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we are honored to welcome Nancy Roget, Executive Director of CASAT, whose decades-long career has been dedicated to advancing substance use and mental health services. From her early days as a direct care provider to her leadership in workforce development and training, Nancy has remained steadfast in her mission to improve healthcare systems, challenge the...

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 healthc...

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 e...

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 ro...

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 approa...

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...

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. Yo...

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. Ke...

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 mi...

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 ac...

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 relati...

Join us for a dynamic conversation with Dr. Tanya Crabb as we explore the complex interplay of mental health, physical health, culture, trauma, adverse childhood experiences, gender roles and family history. She emphasizes the importance of a mind-body approach to mental health, encouraging health professionals to peel back the layers and look deeply into each client’s life experiences. She stress...

Dr. Charlie Smith is the Regional Director for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In this important episode, you'll hear about the evolution of the crisis care system, and how 988 is working to meet the burgeoning demand of our mental health crisis. We discuss the role of the government in supporting men...

Sam Quinones joins us to discuss his book, The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth. He shares what he has learned about the opioid epidemic over the last 10 years, and how the landscape has changed. We discuss the power of storytelling, and how it helps people to making meaning of their experience and how it helps to develop empathy. He also highlights the...

Dr. Anne Weisman is the Director of Well-Being & Integrative Medicine with Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. She joins us to discuss how she has worked to restore well-being within the field of medicine, along with her wealth of experience teaching mind-body medicine. She shares practical ways she supports herself when working with people who have experienced trauma. Key words: mind-body m...

Dr. Michael Christie is a chaplain for the Department of Correction. He has been working within the prison system for over a decade. In this conversation, he shares the role of spirituality in healing from trauma, and lessons he learned about the need for trauma-informed care. Key words: spirituality, trauma, healing, mindfulness meditation, non-violent communication, internal family systems