Inside the Mental Health Crisis: A Conversation with APA President Dr. Debra Kawahara

As mental health demand grows and systems struggle to keep up, leadership matters more than ever. In this episode, Dr. Debra Kawahara, President of the American Psychological Association, joins us to talk candidly about the biggest challenges facing mental health today, from access and affordability to mistrust in science. She reflects on leading a diverse profession during a time of deep polarization and explains why returning to core values, psychological science, and community has been essential.We explore mental health parity (equal consideration of mental health in healthcare) and why real change is often slow, quiet, and cumulative. Dr. Kawahara also shares personal insights on burnout, advocacy, and choosing values over comfort, which she names as the gutsiest work of all.Listen to Dr. Kawahara’s Podcast, Wellness in Today’s WorldMusic Credit: Nathan Byrne with Reel Byrne MediaTo support guts’ work, visit our ⁠⁠⁠website: www.gutsnonprofit.org Note: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical/therapeutic advice. Such information is not intended nor otherwise implied to be mental health advice or a substitute for mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a mental health or medical professional. If you become distressed and need support, call 988 to access the free 24/7 Crisis Hotline, call 911, or visit your nearest emergency room.