MHAI Talks

In this episode, we explore the realities of caregiving through a deeply personal and powerful conversation. Host Morayo Orija sits down with Kayla Frantz, a woman who describes herself as “just a stay-at-home mom” but, who in reality, is a relentless champion caregiver for her daughter Gabriella, who was diagnosed with Aicardi Syndrome, a rare genetic condition, shortly after birth. Kayla shares...

"Happiness is choosing peace — every single time.” In this episode of MHAI Talks, Eunice Atuejide joins us for an honest and empowering conversation about happiness, healing, and personal freedom. We explore how mindset and intentional action shape our mental well-being, how unresolved trauma can limit growth, and why people-pleasing leads to burnout. Eunice also discusses forgiveness, boundaries,...

Episode: Hey, Cover My Mental Health — Overcoming Insurance Denials When his child’s mental health care was denied by insurance, Joe Feldman fought back—and won. That experience inspired him to create Cover My Mental Health, a nonprofit helping families and clinicians appeal denials and access the care they need. In this episode, Joe shares his journey from parent to advocate, practical tools for...

En este episodio de MHAI Talks, la conductora invitada Zulivet Diaz conversa con Daisy Gomez, LCPC, una profesional de salud mental bilingüe, sobre la importancia de la atención culturalmente competente en la comunidad latina. Desde su trayectoria personal como hija de inmigrantes mexicanos en Chicago hasta convertirse en profesora, terapeuta y defensora comunitaria, Daisy comparte cómo la identid...

Ever wondered how sound can actually help you feel better—mentally, physically, and emotionally? You're not alone. In this episode, we sit down with sound practitioner Victoria Kowalska from Inner Peace Counseling Center and Lunar Sol Bloom to explore what sound therapy is all about. From tuning forks and singing bowls to brainwave shifts and emotional release, Victoria breaks it down in a way tha...

In this powerful episode of MHAI Talks, our host, Morayo Orija, sits down with actress and advocate Mariel Martinez to explore the deeply personal journey of immigration, identity, and mental health. Born in Mexico and once undocumented, Mariel shares her experience of moving to the United States as a child, the emotional cost of leaving home, and the psychological toll of growing up in the shadow...

In this episode, we spotlight an important new initiative from The Chicago Lighthouse that provides greater access to mental health services for people with disabilities and their caregivers in Cook County. Through the Stronger Together Initiative, more members of the community who are Veterans and/or impacted by vision loss or other disabilities, as well as their caregivers will have access to me...

“My life was divinely guided from the day I was born — and so was yours.” After living for two decades with a major misdiagnosis and unknowingly adopting habits that deteriorated her mind and body, Rev. Jodi Suson made a life-altering decision: to reconnect with her divine spirit and align it with her physical well-being. Now a nutritionist, brain health professional, and quantum energy healer, Jo...

Illinois, like many states, is facing a critical shortage of mental health professionals, including counselors, therapists, and behavioral health specialists—leaving many in need without access to care. But what’s being done to address this growing crisis? In this episode, we explore efforts from schools, professional associations, and the state of Illinois aimed at expanding the mental health wor...

MHAI board member and retired clinical law professor Mark Heyrman walks through top mental health legislation signed into law by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. Topics: 3:20 Health Care Protection Act 7:56 Appeals 11:02 The end of step therapy ("Fail First") policies 13:18 Medicaid, the state, federal partnership 16:09 Mental Health Summit 19:33 Worker shortage 23:50 Criminal justice legislation...

Tina Chevalier, Kristina Faulkner and Michael Vinton were once three strangers from distant corners of the U.S. Then, remarkably tragic events united them. Their lives were changed by acts of murder-suicide and loss of loved ones. They soon found they were also united in the need for understanding and support that fit their grief journey. Through their pain and unmet needs, they created help and p...

Jessica Gimeno is an unrelenting advocate for the disabled community. She seeks equality and representation for the individuals who historically do not "have a seat at the table". The search for justice and inclusivity drive her work as the Mental Health Policy Analyst at Access for Living in Chicago. There she focuses on mental health parity, child and adolescent mental health, and the implementa...

Naomi Ruth Cohen Institue's Executive Director Tracy Levin shares information about their 2024 conference that focuses on the definition of work and workplace, work cultures, challenges, and the importance of valuing mental health.

Dr. Dimple Patel is many things. She's a proud, first-generation Indian-American, a daughter, sister, mental health advocate and a suicide loss survivor. Through the struggles of a tragic family event, Dimple confronted many emotions, including the courage to step beyond her South Asian traditions to create a place of healing and purpose for her life. In this episode, we discuss the impact that a...

Clinical Psychologist and author, Dr. David Carbonell, practices therapy with a style of hope that focuses on clients' present-day issues. He shows clients and therapists that phobias and anxiety can be approached with humor. He joined MHAI Talks to share more of his thoughts on healing with humor and founding The Therapy Players, a group of improv-performing therapists who bring laughter to the p...

Alexander Technique instructor and body wellness expert, Sharon Jakubecy, M. AmSAT, discusses the impact of stress and tension on our bodies and the practice that we can use to ease pain, calm the nervous system and alleviate stress symptoms.

Retired Orland Park Police Lt. Troy Siewert discusses the efficacy of CIT (Crisis Intervention Teams) in our communities when the model is used properly and goes beyond law enforcement. He also shares how he uses his new endeavor Insightful Crisis Response to train the community to prevent and reduce crises in individuals.

Law expert and Mental Health America of Illinois Board Member Mark Heyrman discusses major advancements and new mental health laws that take effect this year.