TNT Open Mind Insights - Mental Health Interview Series

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...

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...

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...

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 cul...

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 Il...

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 interview...

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 ca...

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 a...

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 sle...

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 exp...

In this timely interview, Executive Director Gulshan Yusufzai shares her journey and mission with MAS Social Services Foundation, providing critical mental health support to refugee and immigrant communities in Sacramento and throughout California. Learn about the unique challenges these communities face, the importance of culturally-informed care, and innovative approaches like peer support speci...

In this conversation, Mary Ellen Stuart (Board Chair) and Mindy Andrews (Executive Director) of the John Henry Foundation share their humanistic approach to long-term residential care for adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Learn how their community-based model provides stability, dignity, and purpose for residents while challenging conventional thinking about mental illness treatment. T...

In this candid conversation, Karen Larsen, CEO of the Steinberg Institute, shares her remarkable journey from personal struggles to becoming a leading advocate for behavioral health reform in California. With decades of experience from direct service to statewide policy, Karen offers unique insights on improving mental health outcomes, addressing workforce challenges, and implementing effective co...

In this powerful interview, Dr. Robert McCarron, founder of the TNT Fellowship Program, shares his innovative approach to addressing the critical shortage of mental health providers. Learn how TNT is training primary care clinicians to effectively diagnose and treat common psychiatric conditions, bringing mental health care to under-resourced communities across the country. Dr. McCarron discusses...

In this interview, Marshall Moncrief, Chief Integration officer at Care Solace, shares his vision for transforming mental healthcare by expanding our definition of providers and flipping the script on traditional healthcare models. Drawing from over 25 years of experience in Southern California hospitals and mental health programs, Moncrief demonstrates how personal connection drives the most pass...

Join Dr. Bera as he sits down with Dr. Veronica Kelley, Director of OC Health Care Agency, to discuss her journey from social worker to healthcare leader. Drawing from both personal and professional experience, Dr. Kelley shares powerful insights on transforming mental health systems through collaboration, lived experience, and innovative approaches to crisis response. In this candid conversation,...

In this episode of TNT Open Mind Insights, we sit down with Luke Tharasri, President of Mindful Living Centers, who shares his journey from hospital CEO to mental health innovation. Luke reveals how a personal trauma became the catalyst for creating a revolutionary approach to mental health treatment that addresses the whole person. Discover how Mindful Living Centers is transforming unused hospit...

Dr. Thomas Heinrich shares his groundbreaking journey of integrating mind-body approaches within healthcare. Learn how collaborative care models are achieving remarkable improvements in patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction 1:33 The Mind-Body Disconnect in Healthcare 4:19 A Career-Defining Patient Story 7:46 Evolution of Collaborative Care 14:52 The Collabor...

In this insightful interview, Carmen Katsarov shares her experience as a social worker and licensed clinician, discussing CalOptima Health's innovative approach to behavioral health integration. Learn how Orange County's largest health plan is breaking down silos between mental health and medical care through strategic partnerships, workforce development, and innovative care models. Katsarov discu...

In this powerful interview, Dr. McCarron speaks with Anthony Guzman, Chief Cultural Officer at the Native American Health Center about reimagining mental health care through cultural integration. Discover how traditional wisdom combined with modern practices creates more effective healing pathways for indigenous communities and beyond. 🔗 Learn more about our interview series: www.tntopenmindinsig...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Sharmil Shah, a passionate advocate for mental health who transitioned from clinical practice to policy-making to address California's behavioral health challenges. Learn how she's working to increase access to care, reduce stigma, and develop preventative strategies through innovative programs. Discover more powerful conversations at www.tntopenmind....

In this powerful interview, Millie Christie shares the heartbreaking journey of her son Derek's battle with mental illness. After years of misdiagnoses—from autism to bipolar disorder—Derek finally received a proper diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder in 2015, which briefly transformed his life with the right medication and support. Millie candidly discusses: • The challenges of navigating count...

Join Dr. Pritham Raj as he explores groundbreaking developments in mental health treatment and the crucial role of human connection in healing. In this eye-opening interview, discover how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is revolutionizing depression treatment and why the human element remains vital in mental healthcare. Dr. Raj shares insights from his pioneering research and personal jour...

A powerful conversation with Randall Hagar, legislative advocate and mental health policy expert, who shares his journey from being a parent navigating his son's schizophrenia diagnosis to becoming a leading voice in mental health policy reform. Learn practical steps for becoming an effective advocate, regardless of your background. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction & Personal Journey 3:45 The Turni...

In this compelling interview, veteran psychiatrist Dr. Bera shares insights from 35 years of practice, revealing how mental healthcare is evolving and why human connection remains at its core. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction 2:56 Discovering Psychiatry as an Art 6:16 The Betty Ford Center Experience 11:09 Understanding the Brain: The Last Frontier 14:44 Challenges in Mental Health Treatment 18:09 Earl...