In episode 21 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Dr. Rae, a forensic psychologist who works inside a secure psychiatric facility dedicated to treating individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity. These are people who have committed unimaginable crimes—often including murder—while in the grip of severe, untreated mental illness. Together, we explore the complex question: What drives someone to commit such acts? Dr. Rae shares her firsthand insight into the minds of her patients, the traumatic histories that often shape them, and the intensive, long-term process of rehabilitation. This conversation challenges common misconceptions about mental illness, justice, and redemption—and forces us to reckon with the uncomfortable truth about how society treats its most vulnerable and dangerous individuals.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Chapters |00:00 Welcome & Introductions00:17 Dr. Ray’s Program: Helping the Insanity Acquitted01:41 The Path Through State Hospitals & Step-Down Care03:02 Why Dr. Ray Entered Forensic Psychology05:13 Discovering True Crime & Early Inspirations07:06 From Textbooks to Real Patients07:51 Observing Mental Illness in Real Life09:38 Delusions and Their Complexities12:00 Psychosis: Voices and Paranoia14:27 OCD, Medication, and Managing Thoughts16:33 Trauma, Genetics, and Dual Diagnosis18:59 Addiction vs. Mental Illness21:12 Substance-Induced Psychosis Explained22:40 Medication Stigma and Recovery26:31 Criminality, Mental Illness & Prison Populations29:00 Notorious Cases: Serial Killers & The Menendez Brothers33:37 How Trauma Can Lead to Violence36:51 Change, Recovery & Regret Among Clients42:48 Homelessness, Mental Health & Systemic Shortfalls46:44 State Programs, Funding, and Community Transitions49:10 Criteria for Recovery & Reintegration50:38 Religion, Spirituality & Delusions52:10 Cases That Stay With You: Maternal Psychosis55:17 Unique Struggles, Support & Relating57:08 Levity, Coping, and Compassion in Forensic Work59:01 Insanity Pleas: Dispelling Myths01:00:18 Fixing the System: Funding, Education, and Hope01:01:44 Ending Stigma & Closing ThoughtsFTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donateFuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, los angeles, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, murder, criminal, criminally insane, forensic, psychology, doctor, true crime,