MHAI Talks

In this episode, we explore the realities of caregiving through a deeply personal and powerful conversation. Host Morayo Orija sits down with Kayla Frantz, a woman who describes herself as “just a stay-at-home mom” but, who in reality, is a relentless champion caregiver for her daughter Gabriella, who was diagnosed with Aicardi Syndrome, a rare genetic condition, shortly after birth. Kayla shares the emotional and physical challenges that come with caregiving, alongside the moments of joy and deep connection that sustain her family. From navigating medical systems to coping with isolation and finding community, this episode offers an honest look at what it means to care for a loved one with complex needs. Kayla shares what she’s learned about: • Building routines and managing daily caregiving demands • Finding support networks and community resources • Embracing gratitude and redefining expectations 
 Whether you are a caregiver, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to better understand the caregiving experience, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone and that hope can be found even in the most challenging moments. Episode Transcript: https://mhai-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/info_mhai_org/IQBNfauIiZ8kS4iVGs1Pkgs6AelM1hxYduBzL5BQLTSMJLI?e=Gz3jmU Sadie McCann Fund www.sadiemccannfund.org Caregiver Syndrome www.mhai.org/post/suffering-from-caregiver-syndrome-it-s-time-to-take-care-of-yourself

"Happiness is choosing peace — every single time.” In this episode of MHAI Talks, Eunice Atuejide joins us for an honest and empowering conversation about happiness, healing, and personal freedom. We explore how mindset and intentional action shape our mental well-being, how unresolved trauma can limit growth, and why people-pleasing leads to burnout. Eunice also discusses forgiveness, boundaries, parenting through example, and the importance of living fully in the present moment. This episode is a reminder that happiness isn’t reserved for “someday”—it’s available right now. Listen in for practical insights and gentle reminders that peace, joy, and healing are within reach. Eunice's coaching website - https://www.vipeunice.com/ Episode transcript: https://bit.ly/3MJcXje

Episode: Hey, Cover My Mental Health — Overcoming Insurance Denials When his child’s mental health care was denied by insurance, Joe Feldman fought back—and won. That experience inspired him to create Cover My Mental Health, a nonprofit helping families and clinicians appeal denials and access the care they need. In this episode, Joe shares his journey from parent to advocate, practical tools for navigating insurance barriers, and the importance of self-advocacy in mental health care. Explore free Cover My Mental Health resources at CoverMyMentalHealth.org Transcript here: https://bit.ly/4hVci9H .

En este episodio de MHAI Talks, la conductora invitada Zulivet Diaz conversa con Daisy Gomez, LCPC, una profesional de salud mental bilingüe, sobre la importancia de la atención culturalmente competente en la comunidad latina. Desde su trayectoria personal como hija de inmigrantes mexicanos en Chicago hasta convertirse en profesora, terapeuta y defensora comunitaria, Daisy comparte cómo la identidad cultural, el estigma y las experiencias vividas moldean la conversación sobre la salud mental. Juntas hablan de cómo derribar conceptos erróneos, reconocer señales de advertencia tempranas, los retos únicos de los profesionales de primera generación y por qué el acceso a terapeutas bilingües y biculturales es esencial. Los oyentes obtendrán herramientas prácticas para apoyar a sus seres queridos, reducir el estigma y dar pasos hacia el bienestar—porque la salud mental es para todos. Encuéntrate Counseling & Consulting www.encuentratecc.com Transcript: https://bit.ly/41oIKdl

Ever wondered how sound can actually help you feel better—mentally, physically, and emotionally? You're not alone. In this episode, we sit down with sound practitioner Victoria Kowalska from Inner Peace Counseling Center and Lunar Sol Bloom to explore what sound therapy is all about. From tuning forks and singing bowls to brainwave shifts and emotional release, Victoria breaks it down in a way that's easy to understand (and even easier to get excited about). We talk about how sound therapy can help calm the nervous system, support your healing journey, and even complement traditional talk therapy If you’ve ever thought about becoming a sound practitioner yourself, Victoria shares honest, heart-centered advice on how to get started. What you’ll hear about: *What to expect during a sound therapy session *The science of sound and vibration *How group and one-on-one sessions differ *Ways sound therapy can support emotional healing and self-connection *Victoria’s personal path into this work—and how you can explore it too Tune in and find out why more people are turning to sound for healing, clarity, and a deeper sense of peace. Instagram: LunarSolBloom Email: [email protected] Episode Transcript: http://bit.ly/4lVUBaX

In this powerful episode of MHAI Talks, our host, Morayo Orija, sits down with actress and advocate Mariel Martinez to explore the deeply personal journey of immigration, identity, and mental health. Born in Mexico and once undocumented, Mariel shares her experience of moving to the United States as a child, the emotional cost of leaving home, and the psychological toll of growing up in the shadows. With candor and grace, Mariel reflects on the realities of navigating life without "papers", the transformative impact of DACA, and her passion for telling untold stories through film and theater. The conversation also touches on her current work as a Spanish interpreter in immigration courts, where she witnesses firsthand the trauma many asylum seekers face. We confront common misconceptions about immigrants and discuss rising mental health needs among immigrant youth and the critical role of community support and culturally competent care. Resources: Immigrants Rising - https://immigrantsrising.org/ Transcript: http://bit.ly/4nX0Woe

In this episode, we spotlight an important new initiative from The Chicago Lighthouse that provides greater access to mental health services for people with disabilities and their caregivers in Cook County. Through the Stronger Together Initiative, more members of the community who are Veterans and/or impacted by vision loss or other disabilities, as well as their caregivers will have access to mental health resources, chiefly provided by professionals from Chicago Lighthouse's Bergman Institute for Psychological Support. View transcript here: bit.ly/4kZ9VmT

“My life was divinely guided from the day I was born — and so was yours.” After living for two decades with a major misdiagnosis and unknowingly adopting habits that deteriorated her mind and body, Rev. Jodi Suson made a life-altering decision: to reconnect with her divine spirit and align it with her physical well-being. Now a nutritionist, brain health professional, and quantum energy healer, Jodi empowers others through her practice, coaching, workshops, and her new book, Emotional Healing: Toxic-Free Living – Model New Behaviors & Reset Old Belief Systems. In this inspiring episode, Jodi shares the powerful tools and insights that helped her transform her health and life. Discover how to reframe your relationship with food, energy, home, and thoughts to become the healthiest, most authentic version of yourself.

Illinois, like many states, is facing a critical shortage of mental health professionals, including counselors, therapists, and behavioral health specialists—leaving many in need without access to care. But what’s being done to address this growing crisis? In this episode, we explore efforts from schools, professional associations, and the state of Illinois aimed at expanding the mental health workforce. Listen as Brooke Werner, a current student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and Dr. Joseph Troiani, Associate Professor of Psychology at Adler University, share their insights, real-world experiences, and potential solutions to help bridge the gap. Tune in for an informative and inspiring conversation about the future of mental health care.

MHAI board member and retired clinical law professor Mark Heyrman walks through top mental health legislation signed into law by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. Topics: 3:20 Health Care Protection Act 7:56 Appeals 11:02 The end of step therapy ("Fail First") policies 13:18 Medicaid, the state, federal partnership 16:09 Mental Health Summit 19:33 Worker shortage 23:50 Criminal justice legislation 30:24 Youth Screening 35:20 988 dedicated funding proposal 41:00 Fitness for trial 45:52 Additional changes to Prior Authorization

Tina Chevalier, Kristina Faulkner and Michael Vinton were once three strangers from distant corners of the U.S. Then, remarkably tragic events united them. Their lives were changed by acts of murder-suicide and loss of loved ones. They soon found they were also united in the need for understanding and support that fit their grief journey. Through their pain and unmet needs, they created help and purpose by founding Impacted Survivors - a support group to help people who find themselves members of this tragically exclusive group. Listen as they share the story of their coming together, healing and how others can learn from their experiences and connect to a new community of hope.

Jessica Gimeno is an unrelenting advocate for the disabled community. She seeks equality and representation for the individuals who historically do not "have a seat at the table". The search for justice and inclusivity drive her work as the Mental Health Policy Analyst at Access for Living in Chicago. There she focuses on mental health parity, child and adolescent mental health, and the implementation of the Community Emergency Services & Supports Act (CESSA). She joined MHAI Talks to highlight the services and mission of Access for Living and share the progress of CESSA implementation since the law passed in 2021.

Naomi Ruth Cohen Institue's Executive Director Tracy Levin shares information about their 2024 conference that focuses on the definition of work and workplace, work cultures, challenges, and the importance of valuing mental health.

Dr. Dimple Patel is many things. She's a proud, first-generation Indian-American, a daughter, sister, mental health advocate and a suicide loss survivor. Through the struggles of a tragic family event, Dimple confronted many emotions, including the courage to step beyond her South Asian traditions to create a place of healing and purpose for her life. In this episode, we discuss the impact that a death by suicide can leave on survivors, as well as some signs of depression and suicide risk signs in others or yourself. Follow Dr. Patel on Instagram where she advocates and educates on mental health and suicide prevention at @MentalHealthBhavanas .

Clinical Psychologist and author, Dr. David Carbonell, practices therapy with a style of hope that focuses on clients' present-day issues. He shows clients and therapists that phobias and anxiety can be approached with humor. He joined MHAI Talks to share more of his thoughts on healing with humor and founding The Therapy Players, a group of improv-performing therapists who bring laughter to the practice and audiences.

Alexander Technique instructor and body wellness expert, Sharon Jakubecy, M. AmSAT, discusses the impact of stress and tension on our bodies and the practice that we can use to ease pain, calm the nervous system and alleviate stress symptoms.

Retired Orland Park Police Lt. Troy Siewert discusses the efficacy of CIT (Crisis Intervention Teams) in our communities when the model is used properly and goes beyond law enforcement. He also shares how he uses his new endeavor Insightful Crisis Response to train the community to prevent and reduce crises in individuals.

Law expert and Mental Health America of Illinois Board Member Mark Heyrman discusses major advancements and new mental health laws that take effect this year.