How Therapists Can Drive Systemic Change: Tackling Systemic Issues in Mental Health Through Advocacy | E84

Therapists hold the power to transform not only individual lives but the systems that shape mental health care itself. In this episode, I’m joined by Gino Titus-Luciano, a licensed mental health counselor, nationally certified counselor, and the CEO of Kokua Mental Health & Wellness Group. As president of the Hawaii Counselors Association, Gino has spent years advocating for systemic change in mental health, and he brings so much insight into what that actually looks like - from expanding telehealth access to supporting the next generation of therapists. We talk about how systemic issues in mental health (like underfunded internships, rigid policies, and burnout) affect both clients and clinicians, and how meaningful advocacy starts with us. Gino shares examples of how small policy shifts can open big doors for access and equity, and how we can all engage in systemic advocacy in our own ways: through community, policy, education, and mentorship. We also explore how supervision, consultation, and community keep us grounded and ethical in this work. And if you’ve been feeling the weight of isolation in private practice, I think this one will really speak to you. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why a Systemic Lens in Therapy Matters 03:03 When Systems Fail Clients: Beyond Symptom Management 07:09 Policy Win: Expanding Telehealth Access in Hawaii 11:21 Internship & Workforce Reform: Funding, Training, Shortage 15:15 Burnout and Exploitation: Fixing Systemic Issues in Mental Health 21:49 How Therapists Engage in Systemic Advocacy (Orgs, Policy, Culture) 36:18 Supervision That Prevents Burnout: Separate Self vs. Clinician 48:03 Get Involved: Hawaii Counseling Association Trainings & Advocacy 53:00 Join the Growth Collective for Therapists I’d love to invite you to join The Growth Collective For Therapists - a space I created so you don’t have to do this work in isolation anymore. You’ll find a genuine professional home where therapists can show up as real people, not just clinicians. It’s a place for deep consultation, honest connection, and meaningful continuing education that supports your growth in every sense - personally, professionally, and emotionally. If you’ve ever wished for a trusted circle of colleagues to lean on, to talk through hard cases, to celebrate wins, or to simply remind you that you’re not alone in this work, this is that space. The Growth Collective was designed to care for you the way you care for others - with warmth, integrity, and community. And if you’d like to stay connected, come find me on LinkedIn. I love hearing your thoughts, reflections, and ideas about how we can all be part of systemic change in our field. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self