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Advocates of Healthy Minds Newest Project:
Documentaries

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How to Save Young Adult's Lives'
(Suicide Prevention)

After a year and a half of filming all over the US and interviewing many experts in their fields, individuals that have lost a love one or may be suffering right now with mental health issues, our non profit organization (Advocates of Healthy Minds) is able to now release our documentary/video.  It is meant for middle school, high school and college students, all young adults, parents, administrators, school boards, PTA's and PTO's, mental health counselors and any adults that are in contact with these ages of youth.  We sincerely feel that by hearing these episodes lives will be saved!

 

Thank you to Susan Fordice, here in Houston, TX for her support and referrals from day 1 of this project and all of you that have given your time to be interviewed and filmed in order to help thousands of others.

 

Please share this link and information with all of those that you feel would like to listen to these interviews and learn about all of the evidence based modalities that truly can help individuals of all ages.

 

This is an 8 Episode docu-series. See a description of the episode below each video.

In This Episode:

Andre Irizarry - loving Father of Sydney Irizarry who took her life by suicide in New Baden, IL (Swing for Sydney Foundation). Sad loss of a daughter, bullying and tips in ways to reach out to other teens who may be considering taking their life by suicide.

Cheryl Duncan - Loving Mother of Ashley Jadine Duncan who took her life by suicide in Houston, TX (Ashley Jadine Foundation). This mother shares her daughter's story and how to stop the stigma and help other teens in the prevention of suicide.

Heather Hernandez with Reigning Strength in Richmond, TX - Equine Therapy. Evidence based therapy for people of all ages.

Craig Scott - Columbine High School in Denver, CO shooting survivor and National Speaker Craig talks about how to deal with pain and depression.


Dr. Sandy Von Chapman - Founder and Chief Director of the Center for Brain Health, University of Texas at Dallas, TX She talks about Brain Health and its importance, the research done and the ways they are able to treat the brain at their location in Dallas, TX

 

NAMI Greater Houston - National Association of Mental Health Dr. Brenda LaVar, Board President and former Executive Director Neal Sarahan talk about NAMI and how to help individuals with their mental health.

 

Tessa Stuckey - Licensed Professional Counselor in Houston, TX. She works with teenagers and educates parents on mental health issue and goes over the "6 Contributing Factors" He book is called "For the Sake of our Youth"

 

Evan Owens - Reboot Recovery - He is a pastor and founder of Rebootrecovery.com (along with his wife Jenny) in Nashville, TN. Evan is a well- known speaker and talks about the healing and responses to trauma (which includes depression, anxiety and suicidal ideations. This well proven program is being given all over the US.

In This Episode:

Josh Rivedal – The “I’m Possible Project”, Author and Speaker, Philadelphia, PA Josh discusses mental issues that may occur from past experiences growing up, or through present personal experiences and how it affects you. He talks about anxiety, depression (and how to manage it) and suicidal ideations he has experienced in the past. How to talk to someone that is considering taking their lives is covered in his talk along with Mental Fitness and coping skills. “I see you” and its importance is included.

 

Asim Shah – Highly spoken of Psychiatrist, Professor and Executive Vice Chair, Baylor Collee of Medicine, and winner of many accolades and awards in Houston, TX. His talk in reference to “brain health” includes many areas such as: bullying and consideration of why the “the bully” bullies, eating disorders, self-medicating with drugs, medications that are helpful and may be prescribed, stigma, brain health in reference to religion and ethnicity and many other important topics.

 

Dr. Holly Robeles – Licensed Professional Counselor with 29 years of experience working with adolescents, young adults and families in our schools. She talks about the stresses of life, learning communication with students and parents (how to “check in”), reaching out to school counselors and our schools helping to provide mental providers in their areas.

In This Episode:

Jim Rice – President of the School Boards for the State of Texas and long-term board member of the award-winning school board in Ft. Bend County, TX. Jim talks about the importance of getting mental health help for all students, including the beginning of Covid and the time that followed. He also shares his thoughts on cyber security and SEL (Social, Emotional Learning).

 

Connie Almeida – Director of Ft. Bend County Mental Health Services for many years. She works extensively with youth with serious emotional health issues and learning disabilities in our school system considering emotional and physical needs taking into consideration; risk factors such as homelessness and criminal justice involvement. She realizes the need for safe and stable housing and food stability. She gives an overview of the Expose Excellence program that began in the Spring of 2022 in the entire County ( A program that was suggested by District Attorney Brian Middleton.

 

Panel Discussion by Senior High School students at Austin High School, Sugar Land, TX (Left to right Kate, Patrice, James and Faith) The stress of next choices after graduating, stress of issues during your high school years and suggested ways for students to get help with their mental needs.

 

Jane Barnes – CEO of Southwest Memorial the PARC, Houston, TX Adolescent and Adult inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment program.

 

Stacie Allphin and Traci Gauen (L-R) Both women review the programs provided at the PARC (some people self-medicate with alcohol or drugs when experiencing mental health issues). They also help people with chronic pain and addiction, anxiety and depression. They have a Recovery High School for those in recovery in order to complete their studies.

 

Dr. Kelly Watts – Psychologist and Resilience Coach in Houston, TX She explains EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which are learned skills to help a person calm themselves.

In This Episode:

Dr. Annalisa Enrile - 17 years of experience with a degree in the area of social work in Los Angeles, CA She has studied and works with transnational, Philippino, young women of color and other girls in need of help with their mental health issues and suicide prevention. She discusses cell phone usage, texting, journaling and the importance of “showing up” for people and to LISTEN to them.

 

Sue Levin – Licensed professional counselor and the Executive Director for HGI (Houston Galveston Institute) in the Greater Houston area and Ft. Bend County, TX. HGI is 40 years old and is a low cost, non- profit organization that understands the importance of family therapy and works with individuals through collaborative therapy, by exploring ways to engage with each other. HGIcounseling.org

 

Rick Stimp - “Living Works” organization whose mission is to keep communities safe. This organization teaches programs across the globe about preventing suicide. Evidence based approaches (programs) are used and two million people globally are trained to teach.

In This Episode:

Angela Ficken – Psycho Therapist in Boston, MA who teaches CBT which is Cognitive Behavior Therapy. This is a well- known therapy and has helped millions of people with anxiety and depression.

 

Dr. Ann Friedman – Psychiatrist and Certified Mindfulness Facilitator Overcoming panic attacks and anxiety by using mindfulness. Anne tells her story of her severe anxiety in the past and she stressed that it is OK to reach out and ask for help. Things do change in life and “This too Shall Pass.

 

Margana Wood – Miss Texas 2017 She tells us about her experiences in high school with bullying & how she got through it.

 

Dr. Ashlie Bell - Psychotherapist (PhD, LCSW, BCN), internationally renowned and owner of “Neuro Grove” in Arvada, CO Dr. Bell discusses the effects of trauma on your brain and how to heal. Her office uses deeper brain imaging than has been previously done. She also does neurofeedback and neuro stimulation. (neurogrove.com)

 

David Yaffie – Principal at Clements High School in Sugar Land, TX Mr. Yaffie discusses how his high school is combating and reducing stress in several areas including all students having a 50 minute lunchtime to have their lunch and also be able to relax and do other activities before their afternoon classes. This has helped the student’s positive well-being and success in school tremendously.

In This Episode:

Renae Vania-Tomczak – President and CEO of Mental Health America Greater Houston. Renae reviews many of the programs that are offered here and how MHA GH has a large outreach in the Greater Houston area and surrounding counties.

Dr. Jamie Freeny – Director for the School of Behavior Health with Mental Health America Greater Houston. Her goal is to enable all students to be ale to have the support they need to achieve their best performance in the class room and outside of it also.

Dr. Raymond Cho – Professor of Psychiatry at Baylor of College and he is also the President and Mental Health Director at the Houston Mind and Brain Center. His office uses TMS (Trans Cranial Magnetic Stimulation to help individuals with depression, OCD, cognitive impairment to name a few. This is done by non-evasive brain stimulation.

Tyler Gray – Senior student graduating from George Ranch High School in Ft. Bend County, TX.

Tyler talks about that it is “ok to not be ok“ sometimes, but that it is ok to get help too when needed! He discusses ways that it is possible to talk to a friend and help them when they are experiencing difficulties and mental health issues (examples: depression, anxiety). He also shares his thoughts about how to be yourself and the good and bad about social media.

Rachel Eddins – Executive Director and Licensed Professional Counselor at Eddins Counseling, Houston, TX DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). This modality helps individuals with overwhelming emotions and teaches new skills to help you to do the best you can with all that you are experiencing. Dr. Gregory Hudnall – Executive Director and Founder of “Hope Squad”, Provo, UT This program has helped many students to learn about how to handle mental health issues and not take their lives by suicide. Hopesquad.com

Kathy Farley – Hope Squad Advisor and Teacher, Pleasant Grove High School, Provo, UT. She talks about how to form your own hope squad in your school and that we all should be passionate about the prevention of suicide and that it is ok to talk about it!!

Karine Parker, collaborative practices and socio-emotional coach, founder of the award-winning Be the Peace Be the Hope socio-emotional community program talks about the importance of building caring, brave, peaceful, hopeful, and supportive school communities through social and emotional education, mindfulness and the arts. She has contributed with Rotary District 5890, state partners and local students to design a socio-emotional community App.
The Be-Hope App was developed in response to an overwhelming need for a 24/7 interactive resource to combat trauma, stress, loneliness and other socio-emotional difficulties experienced by students on a daily basis. The App offers Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skill development and mental health support.
Its customizable environment serves as a prevention and detection platform to help students, including the most at-risk students. It also creates a safe space for community support to decrease isolation, build peer support and acts of service.
It is only accessible through school platforms. Be-Hope SEL App (bepeacebehope.org)

 

RJ - she is a college student and bravely tells her story of depression, panic attacks and suicidal ideations (thoughts). She also stresses that it is ok and important to ask for
help and therapy is very good and helpful! She reminds everyone to check on their friends that may be feeling sad.

 

Lisa Sullivan – Executive Director of the Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative. She and this organization helps to make sure the communities in Texas have the resources that they need to prevent suicides (both public and private) K-12. They do this by using evidence-based resources and practices and identifying someone at risk. They offer online and in person suicide prevention training classes.(TXsuicideprevention.org) 

Kristie Moore – Katy ISD School District, former high school Coordinator for Crisis Intervention and Mental Health Support, Katy, TX Kristie talks about the resources that are offered in their school district for high to help all of their student with their mental health. They have a 24-hour crisis hotline (phone number is on the back of each student’s ID card. Help is available 24 hours a day for students and families in crisis. She reminds everyone that if you feel like you are struggling alone contact your school.

 

Officer Frank Munoz and officer Imran Admani – Katy ISD Mental Health and on the Intervention Team to help those students and families in crisis. Officer Munoz has 26 years as a police officer and Imran has 13 years. They both are compassionate officers and are able to help you and your family. They will not only help the student, but will be able to let you know of resources in the Katy area for additional resources.

In This Episode:

Dr. Michelle Patriquin – Senior Psychologist and Director of Research at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, TX. She is Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychology. She discusses sleep disorders which can be a sign of emotional issues or the reverse which means that any health related or mental health issues could cause you not being able to sleep.

 

Dr. Cory Walker – She is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Internal Medicine and also the Chief Medical Officer at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, TX. The Menninger Clinic has complete comprehensive psychiatric and stabilization units that helps those that are struggling to get the right diagnosis and the help you need. Each person receives 40-50 hours of therapy (including individual and group). Dr. Walker also talks about the importance of helping those dealing with mental health issues.

 

Kristine Graham – VP and Chief Clinical Services Officer and LCSW for STARS Behavior Health Group in the Los Angeles, CA area. She talks about our youth and LGBTQ community counseling and paying close attention to suicidal risk factors and our youth that are being human trafficked and the mental health issues that they all face. Resources she suggested: The Trevor Project, Project You Are Ok and Mental Health First Aid.

 

Rosemary Hoffman – Lee Community College Associate Dean of Testing and Student Life in Bay City, TX She discusses the many stresses of college students and those in Community colleges that some are working and may be parents which can add additional stress to them finishing school. Lee College offers a Behavior Intervention team on campus and faculty members are available to help students with positive mental health. They also are using the program “Okay to Say”

 

Brenda Lopez – Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist and owner of the Ft. Bend Christian Counseling Center in Rosenberg, TX She sees children, teenagers, adults and couples. She also stresses the importance of helping someone who has thoughts of taking their lives by suicide, may be depressed and feeling hopeless and the “don’ts” in conversations with your loved ones.

 

Ruthann Medford – CEO of Child Advocates of Ft. Bend County in Richmond, TX Ruthann talks about those children that may be being abused and neglected and the mental health issues that they face.

 

Julie Kaplow –Executive Director of the Trauma and Grief Center, Hackett Center in Houston, TX. They help ages 7-23 by using evidence-based treatment for trauma and loss of a loved one and the long-term impact. They also have large scale training for community providers.

 

Dr. Arif Shoaib – Medical Director of West Oaks Hospital, and in private practice in Houston, TX He treats patients here with depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD and substance disorders. He sees patients from the ages of 365 in his private practice. He discusses ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) which is a therapy which is commonly used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments.

 

Paula Strong and Steve Corrick, Houston, TX – Transcendental Meditation therapy which helps people with PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, burnout, fatigue and stress. Healthehealers.org

 

Steve and Tracey Webster – The Law of Creation/Energy Healing. Mindfulness and the power of gratitude in creating a beautiful life and preventing suicide. Analyzing what is a thought and much more.

 

Island Life and Mental Health – (This video was filmed in St. Croix ) Justa “ Tita” Encarcion - Commissioner of all four of the Virgin Islands (US Territories) Ranelle Steel– Deputy Commissioner of Public Health serving the Virgin Islands Both Tita and Ranelle talk about the importance of involving children at a young age and also family members with mental health issues and substance abuse disorders. Also: Policies and Legislation, Tele-Health, train the trainer programs, preventing depression, anxiety and suicide, the affects from physical and chronic illness in relation to mental health issues, and others.

In This Episode:

Elizabeth is the founder of Peace of Mind, a non-profit organization for obsessive-compulsive disorder and has her own practice in Houston, TX. She was diagnosed at the age of 12.She not only talks about OCD and the modalities that have helped her, but overall positive mental health too.

 

This Pastor discusses the importance of men and everyone in the African American Communities being able to talk about mental health and the best ways to help all of our children and families.

 

Harris Center – Former employee Wykeisha McKinney and Jennifer Battle Both women talk about the services provided by the Harris Center and what it is like if you call into a “crisis line”, Houston, TX

 

Amanda Jewel talks about being in foster care when she was a child and the stigma she felt. She is a social worker now, lives in Kansas and teaches Trust Based Intervention and self care.

 

Former President of Easter Seals, Angela Williams Angela talks about all the programs that Easter Seals provides.

How to Save Farmers and Ranchers Lives'

In This Episode:

SID MILLER - STATE AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER since 2015. 191 Texas counties 8th Generation Rancher.

 

Larry Callies Black Cowboy Museum - Former Performer and Singer. Larry has battled voice issues over the years.

 

Evan Owens Reboot Recovery. He is a pastor and founder of Rebootrecovery.com (along with his wife Jenny) in Nashville, TN. Evan is a well- known speaker and talks about the healing and responses to trauma (which includes depression, anxiety and suicidal ideations.) This well proven program is being given all over the US.

 

Jess Stuart Stuart Ranch 8th generation rancher. Jess speaks on the importance of legacy.

 

Rick Trimp “Living Works” organization whose mission is to keep communities safe. This organization teaches programs across the globe about preventing suicide. Evidence based approaches (programs) are used and two million people globally are trained to teach.

Amanda Wickman Program Director for Southwest Center for Agriculture health, injury prevention and education.

 

Angela Ficken Psycho Therapist in Boston, MA who teaches CBT which is Cognitive Behavior Therapy. This is a well- known therapy and has helped millions of people with anxiety and depression.

Note: A list of many helpful, evidence based resources are listed at the end of each episode.

In This Episode:

Marie Reed Rancher with her husband in Palestine, TX. Helped form a Mental Health Coalition in her county with Diana Bonds. She talks about how to form in a coalition in your county.

 

Andy Meyers Fort Bend County Commissioner.

 

Dr. Ann Friedman Psychiatrist and Certified Mindfulness Facilitator Overcoming panic attacks and anxiety by using mindfulness. Anne tells her story of her severe anxiety in the past and she stressed that it is OK to reach out and ask for help. Things do change in life and “This too Shall Pass".

 

Braden McGinnis Farmer of 7,000 acres of corn in Cayuga, TX. Selected as the Young Farmer of the Year, 2022.

 

Rachel Eddins Executive Director and Licensed Professional Counselor at Eddins Counseling, Houston, TX. DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). This modality helps individuals with overwhelming emotions and teaches new skills to help you to do the best you can with all that you are experiencing.

 

Jordan McGinnis Agriculture Science & FFA teacher at Elkhart high school in Elkhart, TX.

 

James Dixon Farmer and recovering alcoholic. The stress of farming.

In This Episode:

Jane Barnes Former CEO of Southwest Memorial the PARC, Houston, TX. Adolescent and Adult inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment program.

Stacie Allphin and Traci Gauen (L-R) Both women review the programs provided at the PARC (some people self-medicate with alcohol or drugs when experiencing mental health issues). They also help people with chronic pain and addiction, anxiety and depression. They have a Recovery High School for those in recovery in order to complete their studies.

 

Lisa Sullivan Executive Director of the Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative. She and this organization helps to make sure the communities in Texas have the resources that they need to prevent suicides (both public and private) K-12. They do this by using evidence-based resources and practices and identifying someone at risk. They offer online and in person suicide prevention training classes.(TXsuicideprevention.org)

 

Dr. Sandy Von Chapman Founder and Chief Director of the Center for Brain Health, University of Texas at Dallas, TX. She talks about Brain Health and its importance, the research done and the ways they are able to treat the brain at their location in Dallas, TX. Suicide Prevention Contract to be used when needed.

 

Dr. Raymond Cho Professor of Psychiatry at Baylor of College and he is also the President and Mental Health Director at the Houston Mind and Brain Center. His office uses TMS (Trans Cranial Magnetic Stimulation to help individuals with depression, OCD, cognitive impairment to name a few. This is done by non-evasive brain stimulation.

 

Dr. Brenda LaVar and Dr. Neal Sarahan Dr. Brenda is the President of NAMI and Dr. Neal is former Executive Director (retired in late 2022). NAMI is the National Association for Mental Illness. NAMI Greater Houston is 20 years old.

 

Dr. Kelly Watts Psychologist and Resilience Coach in Houston, TX. She explains EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which are learned skills to help a person calm themselves.

In This Episode:

Sue Levin Licensed professional counselor and the Executive Director for HGI (Houston Galveston Institute) in the Greater Houston area and Ft. Bend County, TX. HGI is 40 years old and is a low cost, non- profit organization that understands the importance of family therapy and works with individuals through collaborative therapy, by exploring ways to engage with each other. (HGIcounseling.org)

 

Dr. Ashlie Bell Psychotherapist (PhD, LCSW, BCN), internationally renowned and owner of “Neuro Grove” in Arvada, CO. Dr. Bell discusses the effects of trauma on your brain and how to heal. Her office uses deeper brain imaging than has been previously done. She also does neurofeedback and neuro stimulation. (neurogrove.com)

 

Dr. Michelle Patriquin Senior Psychologist and Director of Research at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, TX. She is Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychology. She discusses sleep disorders which can be a sign of emotional issues or the reverse which means that any health related or mental health issues could cause you not being able to sleep.

 

Dr. Cory Walker She is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Internal Medicine and also the Chief Medical Officer at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, TX. The Menninger Clinic has complete comprehensive psychiatric and stabilization units that helps those that are struggling to get the right diagnosis and the help you need. Each person receives 40-50 hours of therapy (including individual and group). Dr. Walker also talks about the importance of helping those dealing with mental health issues.

In This Episode:

Brenda Lopez Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist and owner of the Ft. Bend Christian Counseling Center in Rosenberg, TX. She sees children, teenagers, adults and couples. She also stresses the importance of helping someone who has thoughts of taking their lives by suicide, may be depressed and feeling hopeless and the “don’ts” in conversations with your loved ones.

 

Paula Strong and Steve Corrick Directors of the Houston Transcendental Meditation Program. Transcendental Meditation therapy which helps people with PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, burnout, fatigue and stress. (Healthehealers.org)

 

Dr. Arif Shoaib Medical Director of West Oaks Hospital, and in private practice in Houston, TX. He treats patients here with depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD and substance disorders. He sees patients from the ages of 3 to 65 in his private practice. He discusses ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) which is a therapy which is commonly used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments.

In This Episode:

Dr. Elizabeth McInvale Founder of Peace of Mind, a non-profit organization for obsessive-compulsive disorder and has her own practice in Houston, TX. She was diagnosed at the age of 12. She not only talks about OCD and the modalities that have helped her, but overall positive mental health too. Dr. McInvale is the Director of the McLean Institute in Houston also.

 

Harris Center - Wykeisha McKinney and Jennifer Battle Wykeisha is the former O Suicide Program Manager and Jennifer is the Manager of the Harris Center in Houston, TX. Both women talk about the services provided by the Harris Center and what it is like if you call into a “crisis line”, Houston, TX.

 

Angela Williams Former President of Easter Seals. Angela talks about all the programs that Easter Seals provides.

How to Form a Veterans Rotary Club
First Responders

In This Episode:

Sheriff Eric Fagan - Ft. Bend County, TX

 

Andy Meyers - Commissioner, Ft, Bend County, TX

 

Evan Owens - Reboot Recovery. He is a pastor and founder of Rebootrecovery.com (along with his wife Jenny) in Nashville, TN. Evan is a well- known speaker and talks about the healing and responses to trauma (which includes depression, anxiety and suicidal ideations.) This well proven program is being given all over the US.

 

Mike Kelley - Camp Gladiator Instructor, Houston, TX. The Importance of Exercise.

 

Richard Ponce II - Chaplain of the Houston Fire Dept., 17 years as a fire fighter and also a Marine Veteran.

 

Sam Buser - Staff Psycholoist of 3700 member dept. in Houston, TX. Please see his podcast: LeavingtheValley.org

 

Dr.Ron Acierno - Director of UT (University of Texas) Health Trauma and Resilience Center, Houston, TX.

 

Heather Hernandez - Reigning Strength Equine Therapy Center, Richmond, TX.

 

Tim Whitaker - Houston Officers Peer Assistance Program, Houston, TX.

 

Homer Garza - Houston Police Dept. Sargaent, Mental Health Division. CIRT (Crisis Intervention Response Team)

 

Kendall Griffin - Houston Police Dept., Mental Health Division (CIRT)

 

Maddie Provost - Chief Deputy of the Ft. Bend County, TX Sheriff's Dept.

In This Episode:

Angela Ficken Psycho Therapist in Boston, MA who teaches CBT which is Cognitive Behavior Therapy. This is a well- known therapy and has helped millions of people with anxiety and depression.

 

Lt. Tiffany Budnik - Ft. Bend County, TX Crisis Intervention Team.

 

Sgt. Vaught - Ft. Bend County, TX Sheriff's office. He talks about gun safety.

 

Dr. Sandy Von Chapman Founder and Chief Director of the Center for Brain Health, University of Texas at Dallas, TX. She talks about Brain Health and its importance, the research done and the ways they are able to treat the brain at their location in Dallas, TX. Suicide Prevention Contract to be used when needed.

 

Sheriff Ed Gonzales - Harris County, TX Sheriff. He talks about the Importance of Mental Health Care and "tele" psychiatry in rural areas.

 

Sgt Jose Gomez - Harris County, TX Sheriff's office CIRT (Crisis Intervention Team) which is a division of the Harris Center in Houston and responds to rural areas.

 

Dr. Brenda LaVar and Dr. Neal Sarahan Dr. Brenda is the President of NAMI and Dr. Neal is former Executive Director (retired in late 2022). NAMI is the National Association for Mental Illness. NAMI Greater Houston is 20 years old

In This Episode:

Dr. Asim Shah - Psychiatrist, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.

 

Jane Barnes - Former CEO of Southwest Memorial the PARC, Houston, TX. Adolescent and Adult inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment program

 

Stacie Allphin and Traci Gauen - (L-R) Both women review the programs provided at the PARC (some people self-medicate with alcohol or drugs when experiencing mental health issues). They also help people with chronic pain and addiction, anxiety and depression. They have a Recovery High School for those in recovery in order to complete their studies.

 

Dr. Kelly Watts - Psychologist and Resilience Coach in Houston, TX. She explains EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which are learned skills to help a person calm themselves.

In This Episode:

Sue Levin - Licensed professional counselor and the Executive Director for HGI (Houston Galveston Institute) in the Greater Houston area and Ft. Bend County, TX. HGI is 40 years old and is a low cost, non- profit organization that understands the importance of family therapy and works with individuals through collaborative therapy, by exploring ways to engage with each other. (HGIcounseling.org)

 

Rick Trimp - Living Works. This organization whose mission is to keep communities safe. This organization teaches programs across the globe about preventing suicide. Evidence based approaches (programs) are used and two million people globally are trained to teach.

 

Dr. Ashlie Bell Psychotherapist (PhD, LCSW, BCN), internationally renowned and owner of “Neuro Grove” in Arvada, CO. Dr. Bell discusses the effects of trauma on your brain and how to heal. Her office uses deeper brain imaging than has been previously done. She also does neuro-feedback and neuro stimulation. (neurogrove.com)

In This Episode:

Renae Vania-Tomczak – President and CEO of Mental Health America Greater Houston. Renae reviews many of the programs that are offered here and how MHA GH has a large outreach in the Greater Houston area and surrounding counties.

 

Dr. Raymond Cho – Professor of Psychiatry at Baylor of College and he is also the President and Mental Health Director at the Houston Mind and Brain Center. His office uses TMS (Trans Cranial Magnetic Stimulation to help individuals with depression, OCD, cognitive impairment to name a few. This is done by non-evasive brain stimulation.

 

Rachel Eddins – Executive Director and Licensed Professional Counselor at Eddins Counseling, Houston, TX DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). This modality helps individuals with overwhelming emotions and teaches new skills to help you to do the best you can with all that you are experiencing.

 

Lisa Sullivan Executive Director of the Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative. She and this organization helps to make sure the communities in Texas have the resources that they need to prevent suicides (both public and private) K-12. They do this by using evidence-based resources and practices and identifying someone at risk. They offer online and in person suicide prevention training classes.(TXsuicideprevention.org)

 

Dr. Michelle Patriquin Senior Psychologist and Director of Research at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, TX. She is Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychology. She discusses sleep disorders which can be a sign of emotional issues or the reverse which means that any health related or mental health issues could cause you not being able to sleep.

 

Dr. Cory Walker She is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Internal Medicine and also the Chief Medical Officer at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, TX. The Menninger Clinic has complete comprehensive psychiatric and stabilization units that helps those that are struggling to get the right diagnosis and the help you need. Each person receives 40-50 hours of therapy (including individual and group). Dr. Walker also talks about the importance of helping those dealing with mental health issues

In This Episode:

Brenda Lopez - Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist and owner of the Ft. Bend Christian Counseling Center in Rosenberg, TX. She sees children, teenagers, adults and couples. She also stresses the importance of helping someone who has thoughts of taking their lives by suicide, may be depressed and feeling hopeless and the “don’ts” in conversations with your loved ones.

 

Dr. Arif Shoaib - Medical Director of West Oaks Hospital, and in private practice in Houston, TX. He treats patients here with depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD and substance disorders. He sees patients from the ages of 3 to 65 in his private practice. He discusses ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) which is a therapy which is commonly used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments.

 

Paula Strong and Steve Corrick - Directors of the Houston Transcendental Meditation Program. Transcendental Meditation therapy which helps people with PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, burnout, fatigue and stress. (Healthehealers.org)

 

Dr. Elizabeth McInvale - Founder of Peace of Mind, a non-profit organization for obsessive-compulsive disorder and has her own practice in Houston, TX. She was diagnosed at the age of 12. She not only talks about OCD and the modalities that have helped her, but overall positive mental health too. Dr. McInvale is the Director of the McLean Institute in Houston also.

 

Alyse Hoff - CEO Easter Seals, Houston, TX. She talks about "tele-healh" for rural areas.

Veterans

In This Episode:

Dr. Jennifer Selke is a UC Berkeley-trained psychologist and strengths expert helping veterans and individuals maximize their strengths to reach a goal, solve a problem, get direction, and figure out life. In 2018 she started her journey with Camp Southern Ground to bring her expertise in strengths and program development to support veteran's transition to civilian life and enhance post-traumatic growth.

 

Darrick Marchant - Veteran Programs Photographer and Media Contractor at Camp Southern Ground NAMI Greater Houston - National Association of Mental Health

 

Dr. Brenda LaVar, Board President and former Executive Director Neal Sarahan talk about NAMI and how to help individuals with their mental health.

 

Mike Kelly - Camp Gladiator Instructor Operation Yellowbird - #ThrillsNotPills. That kind of sums up what were about. Getting our fellow Veterans outdoors for camaraderie, networking, support, enrichment, and good living. operationyellowbird.org

 

Renae Vania-Tomczak – President and CEO of Mental Health America Greater Houston. Renae reviews many of the programs that are offered here and how MHA GH has a large outreach in the Greater Houston area and surrounding counties.

 

Christie Chadam is the director of Veterans behavior health at Mental Health America Greater Houston.

 

Kevin Woods, Navy veteran. He is a mentor at the program veterans behavior health at Mental Health America Greater Houston.

 

David Maulsby - Executive Director of Camp Hope. The Mission of the PTSD Foundation of America is to bring hope and healing to Combat Veterans and their families suffering from the effects of combat-related Post Traumatic Stress. ptsdusa.org

 

The Warriors Refuge Our mission is to end Veteran Homelessness in Texas and ultimately throughout America. We believe that since our veterans fought for us, it is our turn to fight for them. We do this by providing shelter, transitional living, case management, counseling, and vocational training, along with job placement. thewarriorsrefuge.us

 

Rick Miller - Retired Navy Captain. Interim Executive Director of Impact a Hero which is an organization in Sugar Land, TX that helps our wounded warriors.

 

Heather Hernandez - Reigning Strength in Richmond, TX. Evidence based equine therapy for all ages.

 

Andy Meyers - County Commissioner, Ft. Bend County, TX.

 

Chad Watts, Founder and Brandon Baxley- Stars and Stripes Coffee. This group helps Veteran's become entrepreneurs.

In This Episode:

Dr. Skip Russo - Medical Virtual Reality Lab Director, University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technology. Virtual reality used as a tool to deliver exposure therapy.

 

Dr. Raymond Cho - Professor of Psychiatry at Baylor of College and he is also the President and Mental Health Director at the Houston Mind and Brain Center. His office uses TMS (Trans Cranial Magnetic Stimulation to help individuals with depression, OCD, cognitive impairment to name a few and is done through non-easive brain stimulation.

 

Tana Fletcher - US Navy Corpsman., Program Director for Grace Under Fire for women Veterans. (graceunderfire.org)

 

Tim Stroud and his service dog Colton - Combat Medic Veteran. Easter Seals, Houston, TX (easterseals,org)

 

Allie Keaton - Service dog trainer. (myservicedog, inc.)

 

Yecenia Jimenez - US Airforce 12 year Veteran. Training your own puppy to become a service dog. Houston, TX.

 

Alyse Huff - CEO Easter Seals. Veteran Services.

 

Angela Williams - former National Easter Seals President. All of Easter Seals Services.

 

Dr. Sandy Von Chapman - Founder and Chief Director of the Center for Brain Health, University of Texas at Dallas, TX. She talks about Brain Health and its importance, the research done and the ways they are able to treat the brain at their location in Dallas, TX.

 

Joshua Albright - Director of Behavorial Health, US Vets, Houston, TX.

 

Nathan Silvers - US Navy Corpsman Veteran, US Vets, Houston, TX.

 

Paul Delcerda - 15 year retired Army Staff Sgt. He talks about combat.

 

Kenneth Dillion - Commander FW 3903, Rosenberg, TX.

 

Margie Dillion - VFW Auxiliary, Rosenberg, TX.

 

Valerie James - 13 year Army Veteran. Founder and CEO of VAST (Veteran Advocate Services and training).

In This Episode:

John Boerstler - former CEO of Combined Arms, Houston, TX. Marine Corps Veteran.

 

Earl Lundy Ill - Army Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient with Combined Arms, Houston, TX.

 

Kristin Christy - Widow of Don Christy (Suffered from PTS and took his life by suicide). Colorado Springs, CO.

 

Evan Owens - Reboot Recovery He is a pastor and founder of Rebootrecovery.com (along with his wife Jenny) in Nashville, TN. Evan is a well- known speaker and talks about the healing and responses to trauma (which includes depression, anxiety and suicidal ideations. This well proven program is being given all over the US.

 

Hector Giron - US Navy Veteran, VFW Post 8790, Houston, TX. VFW and Veteran projects.

 

Kyle Shutic - Marine Corps Veteran. Board Member and Executive Director of Project Zero Alliance, Houston, TX.

 

Kyle Griffin - Airforce Veteran, Board Member also.

 

Joè Quinto - Marine Corps Veteran with Project Zero also. Project 0 Alliance: Creates adventure opportunities that journey outdoors to build connection, self reliance an resilience.

 

Tim Stroud - Army Medic and member of the Veteran's Club of Greater Houston.

 

Scott Rainey - Former District Governor of District #5890 Rotary in Houston, TX area.

In This Episode:

Asim Shah is a highly respected Psychiatrist, Professor and Executive Vice Chair, Baylor College of Medicine, and winner of many accolades and awards in Houston, TX. His talk in reference to “brain health” includes many areas such as: bullying and consideration of why the “the bully” bullies, eating disorders, self-medicating with drugs, medications that are helpful and may be prescribed, stigma, brain health in reference to religion and ethnicity and many other important topics.

 

Jane Barnes - Former CEO of Southwest Memorial the PARC, Houston, TX. Adolescent and Adult inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment program.

 

Stacie Allphin and Traci Gauen (L-R) Both women review the programs provided at the PARC (some people self-medicate with alcohol or drugs when experiencing mental health issues). They also help people with chronic pain and addiction, anxiety and depression. They have a Recovery High School for those in recovery in order to complete their studies.

 

Dr. Kelly Watts Psychologist and Resilience Coach in Houston, TX. She explains EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which are learned skills to help a person calm themselves.

 

Sue Levin - Licensed professional counselor and former Executive Director for HGI (Houston Galveston Institute) in the Greater Houston area and Ft. Bend County, TX. HGI is 40 years old and is a low cost, non- profit organization that understands the importance of family therapy and works with individuals through collaborative therapy, by exploring ways to engage with each other. (HGIcounseling.org)

 

Rick Trimp - Living Works. This organization whose mission is to keep communities safe. This organization teaches programs across the globe about preventing suicide. Evidence based approaches (programs) are used and two million people globally are trained to teach.

Upcoming Documentaries for 2023

How to Help Our Inner Cities and Save Lives

How to Save Our Senior Citizens' Lives

Eskimos in Alaska and Their Mental Health

For more additional trailers and sneak peeks for all the upcoming programs follow us on Facebook at @AdvocatesofHealthyMinds

Young Adults
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