The Medical Mind

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors speaks with award-winning journalist Lisa Ling and psychiatrist Dr. Gregory Scott Brown about the mental health challenges facing students as they head back to school. The discussion explores how social media, AI-generated content, climate anxiety, and misinformation are shaping youth mental health, while also highlighting the critical roles of parents, teachers, and schools in providing support. Together, they unpack how families can notice the first signs of trouble, keep communication doors open, and make sure kids get the help they need without delay.

En este primer episodio de Mente Sana, Gente Sana, los presentadores Dra. Amalia y Dr. Héctor conversan con la Dra. Lisa Fortuna sobre los retos de salud mental a los que se enfrentan las comunidades de inmigrantes, especialmente entre las poblaciones hispanas y latinas. Exploran el impacto del estigma cultural, el papel de la religión y la importancia de la sensibilidad cultural en la atención de la salud mental. La conversación hace hincapié en la necesidad de educación y de mejorar el acceso a los servicios de salud mental, al tiempo que destaca los factores protectores que supone mantener las tradiciones culturales. Para obtener más información sobre salud mental, visite LaSaludMental.org.

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors speaks with Dr. Jacob Lee, chair of the APA’s Committee on Climate Change and Mental Health, about the growing intersection between environmental crises and mental well-being. They discuss the mental health impacts of climate-related disasters such as hurricanes, forced migration, and community displacement, as well as the toll on healthcare providers themselves. Dr. Lee shares the committee’s advocacy priorities, including the push for a diagnostic code for climate-related distress and support for the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act. He offers practical steps for psychiatrists to raise awareness, prepare for increased mental health demands, and engage with their communities, all while working toward more sustainable healthcare practices.

In this episode of APA's Breaking the Silence series, Dr. Pratik Bahekar and Dr. Melvin Oatis delve into the complex and urgent issue of suicide risk among LGBTQ+ youth. Drawing from their clinical experience, they explore the impact of stigma, bullying, and systemic barriers, while also highlighting protective factors like community support, affirming clinical care, and chosen family. The conversation offers practical insights for parents, educators, clinicians, and policymakers committed to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and reducing suicide risk.

In this episode of the Psychiatric News Special Report podcast, Dr. Adrian Preda is joined by Dr. Lisa Fortuna, chair of the APA Council on Children, Adolescents and Families, to explore the profound mental health impact of U.S. immigration policy on children and families. Drawing from the August 2025 Special Report, they discuss how policy-driven fear, trauma, and instability affect not only undocumented immigrants, but also U.S.-born children in mixed-status households. Dr. Fortuna underscores the urgent need for psychiatry to move beyond the clinic, recognize immigration enforcement as a public health issue, and provide trauma-informed, culturally grounded care. The conversation highlights structural trauma, intergenerational stress, and the importance of community-based mental health responses. You can read the Special Report here:  https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2025.08.8.19  PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn.

In this episode of Breaking the Silence, Dr. Raman Marwaha—chair of the APA's International Medical Graduate (IMG) Caucus, is joined by Dr. Rama Rao for a thought-provoking conversation about youth suicide, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience. Dr. Rao shares his personal and professional journey, exploring the impact of intergenerational trauma, acculturation stress, and the importance of humility and humanity in clinical care. Drawing from history, psychoanalysis, and lived experience, he emphasizes the role of empathy, cultural understanding, and community in suicide prevention, particularly among immigrant youth and families.

This limited podcast series is brought to you by APA's Women Psychiatrists Caucus and hosted by Anjali Gupta, MD, President of APA's Women Psychiatrists Caucus. Dr. Gupta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. She has led a number of wellness and equity initiatives at Georgetown and was selected to be a Gender+Justice Initiative Faculty Fellow for her research on The Experiences of Women in Medicine. She is active with APA's Committee on Women's Mental Health and is Chair of the AMWA Literary Committee. In this series, Dr. Gupta will interview women psychiatrists across the country who lead in a variety of ways. These conversations will uncover insights from guests' journeys in psychiatry on a range of topics, including work-life integration, mentorship, gender equity, and more.   In this episode, Dr. Gupta is joined by Carol A. Bernstein, MD, Dr. Bernstein is Professor and Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Wellbeing in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science and Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health at Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She is also a consultant and Senior Scholar for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). She was previously Vice Chair for Education and Director of Residency Training in Psychiatry at NYU. From 2001-2011, Dr. Bernstein also served as the Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and the Designated Institutional Official for ACGME accredited training programs at NYU. Dr. Bernstein is a Past-President of the American Psychiatric Association and served the Association as Vice-President, Treasurer and Trustee-at-Large and as the chair of multiple committees. She has served as a spokesperson for the American Psychiatric Association on many occasions and received the 1997 exemplary psychiatrist award from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). She is the recipient of the APA/NIMH Vestermark Award in Psychiatric Education and the APA Alexandra Symonds Award for contributions to the advancement of women in leadership and in women’s health. In 2018, Dr. Bernstein received a special Presidential commendation from the APA for her work in educating the public about mental illness through her role on Sirius/XM Doctor Radio. In 2019, she received the John Gienapp Award for notable contributions to Graduate Medical Education from the ACGME and the Distinguished Service Award from the American College of Psychiatrists.

This episode of Breaking the Silence examines the youth suicide crisis with a focus on Hispanic communities. Dr. Ruby Castilla-Puentes and Dr. Tatiana Falcone discuss cultural stigma, barriers to care, and how depression is often misunderstood or dismissed. They explore the role of social media, trauma, and chronic illness in suicidality, along with Dr. Falcone’s research on biological markers like serotonin and inflammatory proteins. The conversation highlights evidence-based treatments such as CAMS and emphasizes the importance of early intervention, family engagement, and fostering hope for recovery.

In this episode of APA Innovation Hour, host Dr. Manu Sarma welcomes Dr. Ethan Goh, physician-scientist at Stanford and leading voice in AI and medicine, for a deep dive into how large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are reshaping the future of psychiatric practice. From groundbreaking diagnostic reasoning studies to the ethics of AI collaboration in clinical settings, Dr. Goh shares findings, challenges, and exciting possibilities ahead. The conversation explores real-world use cases, bias and accuracy in AI-generated clinical guidance, the promise of ambient documentation, and the evolving role of physicians in the AI age. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or curious observer, this episode offers timely insights at the intersection of innovation and mental health.

In this episode of Breaking the Silence: Addressing Youth Suicide, Dr. Jonathan Shepherd sits down with Dr. Michele Reid, a seasoned community psychiatrist and advocate, to explore youth suicide prevention through the lens of community mental health. Dr. Reid shares insights from decades of work in Michigan's public mental health system, emphasizing the importance of the Zero Suicide framework, early screening, culturally responsive care, and outreach to Black communities through schools, churches, and barbershops. She also highlights barriers to care—like stigma, transportation, and insurance—and champions the role of peer support specialists in reaching underserved youth. This conversation offers a roadmap for real, community-rooted solutions.

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, host Erin Connors sits down with former NFL first-round pick Marcus Smith II, whose powerful story of anxiety, depression, and recovery is helping reshape how athletes and the broader public view mental health. From battling silent struggles throughout his football career to launching his nonprofit, Circle of M, Marcus opens up about healing, vulnerability, and purpose. He shares how a life-threatening moment led to a new mission: creating space for others to unmask their pain and access real support. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or advocate, this episode offers vital insights on how we can all be part of changing the culture around mental health. Learn more about Marcus’ work at: https://www.thecircleofm.com

In this episode of Breaking the Silence: Addressing Youth Suicide, Dr. Krysti Vo is joined by Dr. Poojajeet Khaira, a psychiatry resident and APA Foundation Leadership Fellow, for a powerful discussion on the rising suicide rates among Asian American youth. Together, they explore the systemic and cultural factors behind this alarming trend, the role of stigma and intergenerational dynamics, and how mental health professionals—especially trainees and early career psychiatrists—can be agents of change. They emphasize culturally responsive care, community engagement, and the importance of meeting youth and families where they are. This episode offers both insight and inspiration for those looking to make a meaningful impact.

In this Psychiatric News Special Report episode, host Dr. Adrian Preda speaks with Dr. Frederick Busch about how psychodynamic therapy can be adapted to address problematic behaviors directly and effectively. Traditionally seen as an insight-focused, long-term approach, psychodynamic therapy is increasingly being recognized for its potential to support behavioral change by exploring developmental history, unconscious motivations, emotional triggers, and transference dynamics. Dr. Busch outlines a structured, collaborative framework for behavioral change grounded in psychodynamic principles—offering a compelling alternative to more directive behavioral therapies. This conversation bridges the gap between classic psychoanalysis and modern clinical needs. You can read Dr. Busch's Special Report here:  https://www.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2025.07.7.7 PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn.

In this premiere episode of Breaking the Silence: Addressing Youth Suicide, part of the APA’s More Equity in Mental Health podcast series, host Dr. Helen Blaisdell Brennan speaks with Dr. Dale Walker, a Cherokee psychiatrist and Director of the One Sky Center. Together, they explore the deeply rooted factors contributing to elevated suicide rates among American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian youth—including historical trauma, limited access to care, and systemic inequities. Dr. Walker emphasizes the importance of cultural continuity, community connection, and empowering Indigenous youth by drawing on their traditions, languages, and ancestral strength. The conversation highlights promising prevention strategies, including school and family-based programs, and calls on psychiatrists to step beyond the clinic and work in partnership with tribal communities. With cultural humility, advocacy, and a commitment to holistic care, mental health professionals can help shape a future where Indigenous youth thrive.    

In this episode, Dr. Adrian Preda speaks with Dr. S. Nassir Ghaemi about the limitations of the DSM framework in diagnosing mood disorders and explores the case for returning to more valid, clinically grounded approaches. They discuss the historical context of manic-depressive illness, the role of mixed states and mood temperaments, and how reframing diagnoses can lead to more effective treatment. Read Dr. Ghaemi’s full report in Psychiatric News: Validity in Psychiatric Diagnosis: DSM and Mood Conditions PsychNews Special Report is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn.

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, APA President Dr. Teresa Miskimen Rivera discusses the outlook for her presidential year, and her focus on addressing the workforce crisis in psychiatry. She highlights the increasing demand for mental health services, the shortage of psychiatrists, and the administrative burdens faced by practitioners. Dr. Miskimen Rivera emphasizes the importance of advocacy, strategic planning, and member engagement to address these challenges and improve mental health outcomes across the nation.

In this episode of PsychNews Special Report, we explore the evolving landscape of clozapine therapy, reaffirming its role as the gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and examining its unique benefits in reducing suicidality. We examine key insights from the Psychiatric News article by Gemma Espejo, M.D., and Farah Khorassani, Pharm.D., which highlights challenges in clozapine utilization—including blood monitoring requirements and clinician hesitancy—alongside updates to monitoring protocols and side effect management. The episode also touches on augmentation strategies, the potential of pharmacogenomics, and promising innovations in psychiatric treatment. Read the full article in Psychiatric News here: https://www.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2025.05.5.10 Listen and Subscribe: Find this episode and more on the APA Medical Mind Podcast Channel or wherever you get your podcasts. PsychNews Special Report” is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn.        

This limited podcast series is brought to you by APA's Women Psychiatrists Caucus and hosted by Anjali Gupta, MD, President of APA's Women Psychiatrists Caucus. Dr.Gupta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. She has led a number of wellness and equity initiatives at Georgetown and was selected to be a Gender+Justice Initiative Faculty Fellow for her research on The Experiences of Women in Medicine. She is active with APA's Committee on Women's Mental Health and is Chair of the AMWA Literary Committee. In this series, Dr. Gupta will interview women psychiatrists across the country who lead in a variety of ways. These conversations will uncover insights from guests' journeys in psychiatry on a range of topics, including work-life integration, mentorship, gender equity, and more. In this episode, Dr. Gupta is joined by Rashi Aggarwal, MD. Dr. Rashi Aggarwal is the Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Northwell’s Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH). Before joining SIUH, Dr. Aggarwal was Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School where she served as Director of Residency Training and Vice-Chair of Education. She has held numerous leadership positions, including  Deputy Editor for Academic Psychiatry, Chair of APA's Council on Medical Education and Lifelong Learning, and Secretary of AADPRT.

In this episode of Mental Health Pathfinders, psychiatrist Dr. Bernadette Grosjean shares her powerful journey of receiving an autism diagnosis later in life—an experience that reshaped her understanding of herself, her patients, and the field of psychiatry. Dr. Grosjean explores the stigma surrounding neurodivergence in medicine, the emotional impact of late diagnosis, and the unique strengths autistic clinicians bring to patient care. Her story is both deeply personal and broadly resonant, offering a compelling call to build a more inclusive, informed, and empathetic mental health workforce. Listen and subscribe to Mental Health Pathfinders on APA’s Medical Mind podcast channel, available on all major platforms.

In this episode, Psychiatric News Editor-in-Chief Dr. Adrian Preda speaks with Dr. Anna Westermair, a psychiatrist and researcher whose work focuses on the emerging field of palliative psychiatry. Drawing on her recent Psychiatric News Special Report, Dr. Westermair offers a compelling case for considering quality of life—not just symptom remission—as a meaningful goal in treating individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). Dr. Westermair emphasizes that palliative psychiatry is not about abandoning care—but about reframing goals to improve life meaningfully for patients often left behind by the traditional system. Read the Full Report: 👉 Palliative Psychiatry: An Innovative Approach to Severe and Persistent Mental Illness Listen and Subscribe: Find this episode and more on the APA Medical Mind Podcast Channel or wherever you get your podcasts. PsychNews Special Report” is a production of Psychiatric News, a media platform dedicated to serving as the primary and most trusted source of information for APA members, other psychiatrists and physicians, health professionals, and the public about developments in the field of psychiatry and mental health that impact clinical care and professional practice. Learn more at psychiatryonline.org/journal/pn.