EP 145 - Destigmatizing and Advocating for Communities Affected by Mental Illness

Social Work Talks sits down with NAMI New York State to discuss the growing need for stronger mental health advocacy, policy reform, and collaboration between social workers and individuals with lived experience. This episode explores efforts to address insurance prior authorizations, mental health care access, and the movement to recognize mental health as a constitutional right in New York State. Tune in for an important conversation on reducing stigma, advancing mental health equity, and strengthening support for communities statewide.

Representatives from the #Right2RemainSilent: Children's Early Access to Counsel campaign join Social Work Talks to discuss groundbreaking youth justice legislation aimed at protecting young people during police interrogations. The coalition, made up of more than 150 organizations across New York State, is advocating for passage of the Youth Interrogation Bill, which would require that anyone under the age of 18 consult with an attorney before waiving their constitutional right to remain silent during law enforcement questioning. Leading the discussion is José Perez, Program Strategist at Children's Defense Fund – New York and an impacted individual dedicated to criminal justice reform and systemic change. This important conversation explores: The history and urgency behind the legislation The impact of false confessions on youth Racial inequities within the legal system Adolescent brain development and decision-making Why youth access to legal counsel matters

In this episode of Social Work Talks, we break down the Supreme Court's ruling on conversion therapy bans, free speech, and the growing debate around "talk therapy." Our host NASW Member and Social Worker Lorrie Appleton sits down with our guest NASW Deputy General Counsel Ashlee Fox, JD, MSW, who leads the National Association of Social Workers Legal Defense Fund. Learn why many experts believe this case could have far-reaching implications for professional standards, evidence-based practice, and the future of mental health care. Tune in for this important conversation every social worker should hear. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #SocialWorkTalks #SocialWork #MentalHealth #Therapy #NASW #ConversionTherapy#BehavioralHealth

In this episode of Social Work Talks, we discuss Moral Injury and how it manifests in social work with Pari Thibodeau, PhD, LCSW. Pari is a licensed clinical social worker providing therapeutic interventions for adults coping with trauma at the Stress, Trauma, Adversity Research & Treatment Center at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Pari is also a doctorate-level social work researcher in the space of workforce well-being, with a special focus on the well-being and mental health of behavioral health providers. Pari examines the concept of moral injury as a metric of well-being. Our host for this conversation is NASW Staffer, Josh Klapperick, MSW.   According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, moral injury occurs "when individuals perpetrate, fail to prevent, or witness acts that violate their own ethical code, often leading to intense guilt, shame, and betrayal."

In this powerful episode of Social Work Talks, host Elisabeth Joy LaMotte chats with psychotherapist, speaker, and author Rebecca Alexander for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation. Diagnosed in adolescence with retinitis pigmentosa—and later with Usher Syndrome, the leading genetic cause of combined blindness and deafness—Rebecca was told at a young age she would lose both her sight and hearing. Now in her 40s, living with limited vision and total deafness without cochlear implants, she continues to navigate life with remarkable resilience and purpose. Rebecca shares how her experiences shaped her identity, her work, and her unwavering commitment to connection. With two Master's degrees from Columbia University, a thriving psychotherapy practice in Manhattan, and a mental health curriculum she teaches both professionals and organizations, she also brings both lived experience and clinical insight to her work. This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the face of profound challenges, growth, strength, and meaning are always possible.

In the debut episode of the Power of Social Work Podcast, and as part of Social Work Talks Careers in Social Work Series, the NASW New York Chapter sits down with German Sanchez, MA, LCSW, RDT, Board President, alongside Policy Coordinators Amanda Rodriguez (Pressly), M.S. and Gideon Mosse. German shares his journey from military service in the Army National Guard to becoming a behavioral health officer and clinical supervisor, highlighting how personal experiences shaped his path into social work. The conversation dives into the realities of earning an LCSW, navigating burnout, and finding purpose in a demanding field.   Through powerful client stories and real-world advocacy insights, this episode explores what sets social workers apart—meeting people where they are, working from a systems perspective, and driving meaningful change both in individual lives and across communities.   The team also breaks down the critical role of advocacy, the work happening behind the scenes at NASWNY, and how social workers can use their collective voice to influence policy, improve working conditions, and strengthen the profession. Whether you're a student, seasoned professional, or considering a career in social work, this episode is a compelling look at the impact and power of the field.

Kelley Kitley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience. In this episode Kelley discusses, What Every Social Worker Must Know About Motherhood, Stress, Alcohol Use and Practical Ways to Help. She and our host, Makeeba Royal, NASW Senior Practice Associate for Behavioral Health, chat about the significance of viewing alcohol consumption and use from a different lens -- and the value of a holistic approach to care and therapy. 

Joslyn Berndt founded the innovative CARES program in collaboration with the University of Texas Steve Hicks School of Social Work in 2017. In this new episode of Social Work Talks, we sit down with her to discuss the program, which houses social workers in an investment business and empowers them to foster productive and personalized landlord-resident communication, especially in times of crisis. 

In this powerful episode of Social Work Talks, filmmaker and actor Steven Grayhm discusses his film SHEEPDOG, now streaming online. Grayhm directed, produced, and starred in the film, which explores the mental health challenges facing veterans and the importance of connection, care, and community. During the conversation recorded when the film was still in theaters, he highlights a staggering reality: nearly 5 million veterans in the United States have not accessed available VA care. Enter NASW Member Dr. Tara Consolino, DSW, LMSW, who heads Darkling Psychotherapeutic Services, PLLC, and served as a consultant on SHEEPDOG. The film's social worker character, played by Oscar‑nominated Virginia Madsen, is inspired by her real‑world work helping veterans heal. She and Grayhm share how much the film has touched so many people.

In this episode of Social Work Talks, moderator Mel Wilson is joined by Nina Schlegel and Daniel Faber both of the Global Center for Climate Justice to discuss how climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable and marginalized communities across the United States. The conversation explores the impact of climate change denialism, voter disenfranchisement, and environmental injustice on communities of color, including Native American communities, as well as rural and inner-city populations—and why climate justice is a critical social work issue.