Finding the right form of therapy is crucial for a new mental health journey. Host Frantzces Lys talks with Charles Daniels, who shares insights on group therapy for men, specifically fathers. He emphasizes the cultural aspects that influence fatherhood, men's mental health, and therapy engagement, and underscores the importance of support networks in recovery from substance use disorders and addiction. 

Then, Frantzces speaks with Gina Connor, a seasoned therapist, who unpacks the structure and benefits of group therapy for eating disorders. She discusses specific methodologies like Health at Every Size (HAES) and how these approaches address the unique challenges faced by individuals. Gina also highlights Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT, and EMDR in her work. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, this episode offers valuable guidance and resources to navigate the journey to resilience.

Charles C. Daniels Jr., PhD, MDiv, LICSW

• LinkedIn
• Dr. Daniel’s TED Talk 

Gina Cipolla Connor, LICSW

• Instagram
• flourish-therapy-center.com/

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Turning Points: Navigating Mental Health returns, delving into empowering moments in mental health journeys. We explore family and peer-based therapies, tackle the unique challenges of trauma and PTSD in women, and confront the emotional impact of cancer. Later in the season, we introduce the compassionate work of end-of-life doulas, and uncover the reality of late-in-life diagnoses of autism and ADHD. Join host Frantzces Lys and a lineup of mental health professionals and people with personal experiences as we uncover their turning points and offer you insights and support for your own mental health journey.

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Taking hold of your mental health journey can include unlearning the expectations set by society over a lifetime and, instead, discovering who you really are and what you really want as an individual. This can start with re-examining “success” in life and what that really means. Creative entrepreneur, Glo Atanmo, and the founder of Black Girl Ventures, Shelly Omilâdé Bell share how they are redefining success to put their wellness first. Then, licensed therapist Stevon Lewis discusses strategies to manage stress and achieve the next level of growth.

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Every family has different needs when it comes to managing wellness, and there may be times when parents struggle to bring harmony into their households. In this episode of Turning Points, host Frantzces Lys talks with Julia Dennison, a single mother, about how she co-parents with her ex-husband and creates a village to support her child’s growth. Parenting expert Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart shares how finding community and embracing your full identity outside of parenthood can model positive mental health for your child.

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Whether you’re a pro athlete or in a high-performance field, the pressure to be perfect can be overwhelming. We’ll talk to Red Sox player Alex Verdugo about how he has developed his own strategies to stay at the peak of his game – physically and mentally. We’ll then talk to an expert Dr. Amishi Jha, PhD, about research-driven methods from her book, Peak Mind that are proven to help people face high-pressure situations head on — no matter what field they’re in.

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Each and every one of us is on our own journey with mental health. Mental health journeys look different for everyone -- but throughout our journeys, we all experience turning points – those pivotal moments where we rise to the occasion, commit ourselves to a better quality of life, and find an idea or treatment that really helps.

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In this bonus episode celebrating Marathon Monday, Frantzces talks to Joan Benoit Samuelson, an American Olympic Icon and two-time Boston Marathon winner. Samuelson recounts her struggle with anxiety after becoming a mother, and describes how running, gardening and a strong sense of place have kept her grounded through her long career. For a transcript of this episode and more information, visit Globe.com/turningpoints.

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Frantzces talks to a young woman who discovered that yoga, therapy, and finding community helped her heal from a trauma. Then, she gets the lowdown from a meditation expert and a neuroscientist on how and why mindfulness can help everyone’s mental health. For a transcript of this episode and more information, visit Globe.com/turningpoints.

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Our digital lives can affect our mental health -- for better or worse. In this episode, Frantzces talks to a teenager who shares his emotional ups and downs online--and who has gained a following of other teens looking for connection. Then, she gets tips from Dr. Michael Rich, the “mediatrician,” on how all of us can use media more mindfully. For a transcript of this episode and more information, visit Globe.com/turningpoints.

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Exercise can help us not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. In this episode, Frantzces talks to a Bostonite who says running with a group of fellow black men helps his mental health, and gets tips from a sports psychologist about how to talk to ourselves even when we’re not performing as well as we’d like. For a transcript of this episode and more information, visit Globe.com/turningpoints.

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Host and mental health professional Frantzces Lys describes her turning point moment, and explains how a seismic shift can occur when someone truly commits to their mental health. Then, she talks to Kara Loewentheil, feminist life coach and host of the popular Unf*ck Your Brain podcast, about her turning point moment: realizing that it's possible to change our thoughts and combat the internalized oppression that affects our mental health. For a transcript of this episode and more information, visit Globe.com/turningpoints. 

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A commitment to putting mental and emotional well-being first can be a turning point in life. From making meaningful connections in a digital world to mindfulness and meditation, hear the multitude of ways people can put their mental health first — and why each method is effective in its own way.

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Stigma can affect everything from how we see ourselves to how we access help for our mental health. So how can we overcome shame around a mental health condition and medication?

Host Frantzces Lys talks with Rachel Star Withers, who has experienced these stigmas as a person living with schizophrenia, as well as licensed therapist Kati Morton. Both guests have found strength in taking ownership of the narrative, and have found that he best way to dismantle stereotypes surrounding mental health and medications is by talking openly and honestly.

Rachel Star Withers is an entertainer, stuntwoman, and person living with schizophrenia. She is the host of HealthLine / Psychcentral podcast Inside Schizophrenia and has appeared on MTV’s Ridiculousness, America’s Got Talent, Black Panther, and TUBI's #shockfight. 

Kati Morton, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a highly sought-after speaker in the field of mental health. She has written two books on mental health: Are U Okay? A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health and Traumatized: Identify, Understand, and Cope with PTSD and Emotional Stress. She hosts a mental health YouTube channel and a podcast named Ask Kati Anything. 

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Kati Morton

Web: katimorton.com

Social: Facebook |  Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/katimorton 

Podcast: Apple | Spotify | Amazon Music

Rachel Star Withers

Web: rachelstarlive.com | psychcentrail.com/is

Social: Facebook | Instagram

YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelstarlive 

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There are significant ways that pregnancy and birth can shake our mental health. What can cause postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis? Who can you turn to for help and support to pull you out of what can be an isolating experience? And what happens when the doctor's office itself causes even more anxiety? 

Host Frantzces Lys first speaks with a doula and a reproductive psychiatrist on navigating mental health during pregnancy and how we can recognize the symptoms of postpartum disorders. Then Frantzces hears from a mom and patient advocate who navigated postpartum herself.

Dr. Shari Lusskin is a clinical professor of psychiatry, obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Ebony Harvey is a registered nurse, doula, student nurse practitioner and a holistic health and wellness coach with a focus on maternal health. Jillian Amodio is an award-winning yoga instructor, writer, author, speaker, mental health advocate, licensed masters social worker and a mother of two children.

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Dr. Shari Lusskin:

Web: https://www.sharilusskinmd.com/ 

Ebony Harvey:

Web: https://inharmonyhw.com/ | https://matermea.com/overdue/ 

Social: Instagram

Jillian Amodio:

Web: www.waypointwellnesscenter.com/providers/jillian-amodio/ | momsformentalhealth.com/ 

Social: Instagram | Twitter

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No two mental health journeys are the same. Our unique identities and experiences play a huge role in shaping our perspectives and actions. 

How can our cultures uplift our spirits and benefit our collective health? What’s preventing more therapists from various cultural backgrounds from joining the field? And how do you find a therapist who understands and respects your culture? 

Host Frantzces Lys is joined by fellow experts in a roundtable discussion to explore how cultural differences shape our health journeys: Dulce Orozco is a therapist who focuses on women of Latina and Hispanic origin in her practice. Krystle Canare is deputy director of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association and vice chair of the Asian Mental Health Collective, working to destigmatize mental health in the AAPI communities. Dr. Earl Turner is a licensed psychologist, professor, internationally recognized speaker, and founder and executive director of Therapy for Black Kids, which provides mental health support and psychoeducational resources to parents.

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Dulce Orozco:

Web: www.dulceorozco.com 

Social: Instagram

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latinaimmigranttherapist/ 

Krystle Canare:

Web: naapimha.org | tayohelp.com | asianmhc.org 

Social: Instagram @naapimha | @tayohelp | @tayotrails 

Dr. Earl Turner:

Web: www.drerlangerturner.com | www.therapyforblackkids.org

Social: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Therapy is a big step in any mental health journey but finding a therapist who meets your needs can be daunting, and even discouraging. Join us as host Frantzces Lys talks to psychologist Dr. Charmain Jackman and licensed therapist Celeste Viciere about the process of finding the best therapist for you. 

Frantczes and her expert guests discuss how to overcome the challenges of finding a therapist, which starts with understanding which type of therapy is right for you. It’s not always easy; the roadblocks to finding a therapist led psychologist Dr. Charmaine Jackman to create a directory called Innopsych that specializes in helping people connect with therapists of color. Frantczes and her guests also discuss when it’s time to “break up with” a therapist, if they’re not the right match for your needs. 

Celeste Viciere, also known as Celeste the Therapist, is a renowned therapist based out of Boston who’s been in private practice since 2015. Celeste is also a best-selling author, mental health advocate and host of the “Celeste The Therapist” podcast . Dr. Charmaine Jackman is a licensed psychologist, speaker, writer, consultant and the Founder & CEO of InnoPsych, a company that focuses on disrupting racial inequities in mental health.

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Celeste Viciere:

Web: www.celestethetherapist.com

Social: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

Podcast: Apple | Spotify

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-the-therapist-3a3480121/ 

Dr. Charmain Jackman:

Web: www.innopsych.com | www.drcharmainjackman.com. 

Social: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram - @InnoPsych and @AskDrCharmain 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/InnoPsychTV

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcharmainjackman/

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It’s no secret that work causes us stress, but how can we prioritize our mental well-being while navigating the demands of our work? Host Frantzces Lys talks to Morra Aarons-Mele, mental health advocate, author, and self-described “anxious achiever” about the importance of understanding your mental health in order to create a work environment that supports your well-being. In this era of burnout and quiet quitting, Morra shares how she took back agency over her own time to restore balance in her mental health at work.  

Morra Aarons-Mele is the co-founder of HelpfulConversations.co and hosts The Anxious Achiever by LinkedIn podcast. She is the author of the best selling book The Anxious Achiever: Turning Your Biggest Fears Into Your Leadership Superpower and Hiding in the Bathroom: How to Get Out There When You'd Rather Stay Home. 

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Morra Aarons-Mele

Web: www.morraam.com 

Social: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Podcast: Apple | Spotify

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morraaaronsmele/

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Hear personal stories from advocates who learned to thrive while living with anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and maternal mental health conditions such as postpartum depression. Every week, Turning Points explores pivotal moments from a wide range of mental health journeys. Experts and advocates join us to offer guidance, as we cover topics including how people with marginalized identities can find therapists who understand them, how to know when to break up with your therapist, and how we can overcome harmful stigmas around medication. 

Follow the Turning Points podcast on your favorite podcasting app so you never miss an episode. Leave the podcast a rating or review, and tell a friend about the show. 

Visit globe.com/turningpoints for more information on mental health care and resources.

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Grief can stem from losing a loved one — but we can also feel grief from other kinds of life events such as a complicated pregnancy or receiving a major diagnosis. Understanding that it’s okay to grieve in all these situations can be an important step on the path to healing and growth. Host Frantzces Lys talks to Tracy Grant, the editor-in-chief of Encyclopedia Britannica, who wrote a moving essay for the Washington Post about her experience with grieving a pregnancy, the loss of her husband, and her mother’s dementia diagnosis.Then Frantzces talks with Marisa Renee Lee, the author of “Grief is Love,” about how to sit with and honor grief.

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Recovery from addiction isn’t a linear path. People with a substance use disorder can face setbacks, relapses, and stigma — but the strength to move forward comes from finding the right support and treatment. Brendan Little is the Founding Policy Director of Boston's Office of Recovery Services, and he has also been sober for the past 18 years. Host Frantzces Lys talks to Brandon about how he found stability after years of instability. We’ll also hear from Taheera Ma'at, an expert on addiction treatment and recovery, and strategies/treatment people can seek out if they need help in their own recovery.

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A cancer diagnosis can be a profound emotional journey, often accompanied by anxiety, depression, and distress. Host Frantzces Lys delves into the mental health challenges that cancer patients face throughout their treatment journey. She is joined by Dr. Beverly A. Zavaleta, a board-certified family physician, and cancer survivor who was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2015. Dr. Zavaleta turned her experience into a mission to support others and provide hope, authoring the invaluable guide "Braving Chemo." 

Her unique perspective as both a physician and a patient provides deep insights into the intersection of cancer, trauma and mental health. Dr. Zavaleta shares her personal journey, highlighting the critical role of compassionate care, self-care, the importance of mental health support, and the resilience required to navigate such a daunting diagnosis. She offers practical advice for patients and caregivers alike, ensuring that listeners understand they are not alone in their struggles and healing.

Beverly A. Zavaleta, MD

• Instagram 
• Braving Chemo 
• Website 

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Host Frantzces Lys explores the multifaceted nature of trauma, the barriers to recovery, and the critical role of community support in fostering healing and resilience. We unpack the nuances of PTSD,, particularly in the context of sexual trauma, with experts Dr. Tara Galovski and Sharon Imperato, as well as survivor and advocate Kate Speer.

Kate Speer, a survivor and advocate, shares her personal journey of resilience and the importance of celebrating small victories in the healing process. Her powerful narrative underscores the necessity of believing survivors and the transformative power of self-efficacy.

Dr. Tara Galovski, a seasoned psychologist specializing in trauma, sheds light on the physiological and psychological responses to trauma, emphasizing the chronic nature of untreated PTSD. She explains the nuances between PTSD, offering insights into effective treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Sharon Imperato, representing the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC), highlights the essential services provided by her organization. From a 24-hour hotline to legal advocacy and confidential counseling, BARCC's comprehensive support system aims to dismantle barriers that prevent survivors from seeking help.

Through these rich and informative conversations, Frantzces explores the multifaceted nature of trauma, the barriers to recovery, and the critical role of community support in fostering resilience. 

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Sharon Imperato

• Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) Website
• Instagram: @barccofficial
• Twitter: Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
• Facebook: Boston Area Rape Crisis Center

Dr. Tara Galovski

• National Center for PTSD Website
• Women Veterans Network (WoVeN)

Kate Speer

• Kate Speer’s Website
• LinkedIn Profile

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Host Frantzces Lys explores the profound impact of end-of-life doulas with two deeply personal stories involving the death of a family member.

First, David Duffin, a high school teacher, reflects on his experience working with a doula during his sister’s final days and how this support helped his family navigate the emotional complexities of end-of-life care. 

Next, Frantzces speaks with Dawn Walsh, a death educator and the inaugural executive director of Lily House, who shares how the loss of her mother inspired her journey into end-of-life care. Together, David and Dawn offer poignant insights into how doulas provide comfort, hope and acceptance during life's most challenging moments.

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Dawn Walsh

• The Lily House

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Host Frantzces Lys explores the stories of adults who discovered their autism or ADHD and their overlap (sometimes called “AuDHD”) later in life. With a compelling lineup of guests, she discusses the challenges and unique perspectives of living with these conditions, shining a light on how they shape everyday experiences. 

Frantzces first speaks with Grace Oribhabor, a high school teacher and advocate, whose late-life diagnosis has inspired her advocacy and personal growth. Grace’s story highlights the importance of embracing one’s unique traits and seeking support.

Next, Frantzces is joined by Dr. Thor Bergerson, founder of ADHD Boston and a leading expert on ADHD and co-occurring disorders. Dr. Bergerson offers insights into diagnostic barriers, misconceptions, and the benefits of a holistic approach to managing ADHD.

Finally, Frantzces converses with Eric, a journalist and mental health advocate who shares his journey with ADHD and autism. Eric’s experiences provide a powerful testament to resilience and self-discovery.

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Eric Garcia

• LinkedIn
• The Art of Autism
• The Oxford Student

Dr. Thor Bergersen

• ADHD Boston

Grace Oribhabor

• CHADD 

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How do we redefine who we are as we grow older? This episode explores how aging — including retirement, physical changes, and shifts in cognition — can shape our sense of self. We’ll look at the emotional and psychological impact of big life transitions, like stepping away from a job after 40+ years, and how ageism can influence the way we see ourselves and others.

But it’s not all loss — it’s also about growth. We’ll talk to a professional who can shed light on the range of identity changes that come with aging, both challenging and empowering. Then, we’ll hear from someone who’s lived through a major turning point, sharing how aging became a gateway to self-discovery, new purpose, and even joy.

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 This season on Turning Points, we're diving deep into the mental health journeys that come with growing older. These are stories of resilience, reinvention, and the turning points that reveal who we really are. Join host Frantzces Lys for intimate conversations about loneliness, isolation, friendship, and the commitment to putting mental and emotional well-being first - no matter what stage of life you're in.

Follow the Turning Points podcast on your favorite podcasting app to stay up-to-date. Leave a rating or review, and share the show with a friend.

Visit globe.com/turningpoints for more information on mental health care and resources

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Caring for aging parents or loved ones — especially those with dementia — can take a deep emotional toll. In this episode, we’ll speak with a therapist or mental health professional about the mental and emotional effects of caregiving, including burnout, guilt, grief, and stress. Then we’ll hear from a caregiver who shares their honest experience: the exhaustion, the emotional complexity, and the deep sense of connection that can come from spending this time with a loved one. It’s a look at both the challenges and the moments of meaning that come with showing up day after day.

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For years, Annalisa thought the anxiety, sleepless nights, and brain fog were just stress from COVID. But when she could barely function at work and felt like a stranger in her own body, she discovered the real culprit: perimenopause and menopause. We explore the profound mental health effects of this natural transition that affects nearly every woman, yet remains largely misunderstood.

Annalisa shares her five-year journey from feeling like she was "going crazy" to finding effective treatment through hormone therapy. Dr. Tara Iyer, medical director of the Menopause and Midlife Clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital, explains the science behind why hormonal changes can trigger depression, anxiety, and cognitive issues - and what women can do about it.

If you or someone you love is navigating perimenopause or menopause, this episode offers both validation and hope. From the importance of self-advocacy to finding the right healthcare provider, we discuss practical steps for getting support during one of life's most challenging transitions.

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Can a meaningful friendship bridge a 51-year age gap and help combat social isolation? Meet Peter and Pooja; two unlikely companions whose intergenerational bond proves that friendships can flourish when we break down barriers and embrace human connection.

In this episode of Turning Points, explore how Peter and Pooja’s weekly conversations through Boston's FriendshipWorks program evolved from a simple volunteer match into a life-changing friendship filled with book launches, grocery runs, and life advice that flows both ways.

We also speak with Kyle Robidoux, Executive Director of FriendshipWorks. He shares insights on addressing social isolation and loneliness and how community-based friendship programs are strengthening social connections.

Peter and Pooja's transformative friendship shows that when we approach relationships without preconceived notions, we can unlock the healing power of human connection. Their story offers hope and practical wisdom for anyone struggling with loneliness or seeking to build deeper, more meaningful relationships.

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Guests: Peter MacIntyre, Dr. Pooja K. Agarwal, Kyle Robidoux

Host: Frantzces Lys

Follow the Turning Points podcast on your favorite podcasting app so you never miss an episode. Leave the podcast a rating, review or tell a friend about the show.

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Loneliness has been called more dangerous than smoking 15 cigarettes daily—a stark warning from the former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. Social isolation is a hidden health crisis affecting millions, especially older adults.

In this episode of Turning Points, Frantzces talks with Roxy Rocker, a Disability rights advocate, founder of Embracing Disability, who reveals how chronic illness and disability can intensify loneliness and offers practical strategies for overcoming barriers to social connection. Frantzces is also joined by Dr. James Lubben, Professor Emeritus at Boston College and UCLA, to learn more about groundbreaking findings from his decades-long research on social isolation among older adults. They discuss evidence-based interventions for combating elderly loneliness, and policy solutions for strengthening social support systems.

Follow the Turning Points podcast on your favorite podcasting app so you never miss an episode. Leave the podcast a rating, review or tell a friend about the show.

Visit globe.com/turningpoints for more information on mental health care and resources.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.