In this episode, our goal is to bring you tools to understand and destigmatize addiction. We discuss the complexity of addiction at the biological, psychological and societal levels. So if you are ready to explore this complex topic, take a listen!

Topics Discussed:

• Past and present definitions of addiction
• DSM-5's "Substance Use Disorder" - more than a checklist
• Biological, genetic, chemical aspects of addiction
• Psychological, emotional, experiential aspects of addiction
• Societal, political, economic aspects of addiction
• WHY the addictive behavior is hard to stop
• Trauma and addiction
  • ACE study
  • Stress response system
• Treatment Approaches
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Caregiver burnout
• Normalizing addiction

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This episode starts with the various ways social media has changed how we view ourselves and others. We then discuss the sobering link between cyberbullying and suicide rates among young people. Finally, we bring you practical tips and ideas about how to fight bullying at the individual, school, state, and systems levels. You are not alone in this fight!

Topics discussed:

• Social media and its socio-cultural revolution
• Bullying and cyberbullying
• Cyberbullying and suicide rates
• What can we do about this?
  • How to talk to your child
  • How to talk about screen time
  • How to talk to the school
  • Anti-bullying laws
  • How to handle bullying as a family unit

Resources:

• https://www.stopbullying.gov/
• https://cyberbullying.org/
• AACAP Bullying Resource Center: https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Bullying_Resource_Center/Home.aspx

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Hello! We are back after a busy month at the clinic! In this episode, we discuss a very niche topic -- the different levels (or continuum) of care in mental health treatment. These acronyms can be so confusing for parents and families, so we hope to clarify them for you as you navigate what is the appropriate level of care for you or your loved ones.

Topics Discussed:

• Overview of mental health continuum of care
• The importance of the least restrictive treatment environment
• Emergency and crisis facilities
• Outpatient, IOP, PHP, RTC levels of care in detail
• What are RTCs (Residential Treatment Centers) like?
• What it means to be voluntary
• What about wilderness programs?
• Questions to ask the programs to assess goodness of fit

Resources:

• Questions to ask before hospitalization: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/11-Questions-To-Ask-Before-Psychiatric-Hospitalization-Of-Your-Child-Or-Adolescent-032.aspx#:~:text=When%20can%20I%20see%20my,the%20plans%20for%20ongoing%20treatment%3F
• Continuum of Care: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/The-Continuum-Of-Care-For-Children-And-Adolescents-042.aspx
• Residential Treatment Programs: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Residential-Treatment-Programs-097.aspx

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In this episode, we explore the impact of the Los Angeles wildfires on families and the individual person, emphasizing trauma-informed care and support for those affected by disasters. We also cover practical tips for disaster psychiatry, psychological first aid, and how to start an honest conversation with your kids about traumatic exposures.

Topics discussed:

• What is a disaster?
• What is trauma?
• Acute stress disorder vs PTSD
• Risk factors for PTSD
• Goal of psychological first aid + trauma therapy
• Warning/concerning signs of trauma
• How to talk to your kids about a traumatic event

Resources:

• National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-disasters-and-other-traumatic-events/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-traumatic-events.pdf
• SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/trauma-violence/child-trauma
• AACAP: https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Disaster_Resource_Center/Home.aspx
• NAMI: https://namialamedacounty.org/resources/about-mental-illness/mental-health-first-aid/

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In this episode, we discuss the challenges in dealing with the recent executive orders against the LGBTQ+ community. We go over the emotional toll of political rhetoric, the need for access to gender-affirming care in youth, and how important it is to slow down and examine gender dysphoria in children (and adults!) from a compassionate and open-minded perspective. We get personal talking about our struggles with the current political climate, and we hope you join us in keeping the advocacy alive.

Topics discussed:

• What does an executive order mean?
• Understanding gender dysphoria
• Understanding gender-affirming care
• Finding your community

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This is a long-awaited episode! We talk about the difference between feeling lonely and being alone, and the biological mechanisms that drive humans to connect with each other. After we intellectualize it all (as doctors do), we get to the root of the problem in loneliness -- the importance of fostering a sense of safety. Join us in this exploration on how loneliness is deeply rooted in your attachment experience!

Topics Discussed:

• What is loneliness?
• Biological mechanisms involved in connection: mirror neurons, oxytocin, stress response system
• Physical impact of loneliness on the body
• How insecure attachment styles lead to loneliness
• What to do when you're feeling lonely
• Explanation of therapy approaches

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This week, we explore the curious and unnerving world of artificial intelligence (AI) and mental health. We discuss its potential benefits in healthcare for both psychiatrists and patients, as well as risks such as harmful content, liability issues, privacy issues, and blurring the line between what is real and fake. We are excited and wary of this new technology that is inevitably going to be in every aspect of our lives. Join us in the discussion!

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Welcome to the new year! This episode is about how to approach making a change in your life. Your ambivalence, values, fears, and goals are all crucial parts of what makes you you. It's also important to just take a pause sometimes in this ever-changing world today. So I hope this quick episode will give you that pause and reflection to propel you toward what matters the most in your life!

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