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In this important episode of Why Not Me? Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide, Tony Mantor sits down with Dr. Alan Meyer, psychiatrist and Behavioral Health Officer for the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, and Ann Marie Council, retired Senior Deputy City Attorney and mental health policy advisor, for an in-depth discussion about the challenges facing today's mental health system. 

Together, they explore why so many individuals with serious mental illness fall through the cracks, the disconnect between policy and real-world implementation, and how communities can better support those in crisis before tragedy strikes.

The conversation covers assisted outpatient treatment, California's CARE Act, healthcare burnout, homelessness, autism, schizophrenia, and the urgent need for earlier intervention and stronger collaboration between healthcare providers, lawmakers, first responders, and community organizations.

This is the first of a two-part series that shines a light on the people working to create meaningful change in mental healthcare.

In this episode you'll learn:
Why mental health and physical health must be treated together
The barriers preventing people from receiving timely care
How policy often fails frontline healthcare workers
The role of cities, counties, and states in behavioral health services
Why assisted outpatient treatment remains difficult to access
How technology and AI could improve mental health access
The importance of prevention instead of waiting for crisis
Why community partnerships are essential for lasting solutions
How burnout is affecting healthcare professionals and first responders
What changes could transform the future of mental healthcare

Our Guests

Dr. Alan Meyer
Psychiatrist at the University of California, San Diego
Behavioral Health Officer for the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
Specialist in complex behavioral health and high-utilizer emergency response systems

Ann Marie Council
Retired Senior Deputy City Attorney for the City of San Diego
Founding Partner and Mental Health Policy Advisor at Quarter Turn Strategies
Advocate for legislative reform and improved mental health policy

Key Takeaway

Real change begins when healthcare, government, first responders, and communities stop working in silos and start working together. Early intervention, compassionate care, and practical policy reforms can save lives and restore hope for individuals and families navigating serious mental illness.

If this conversation inspires you, follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who believes mental health deserves greater understanding and action.

#MentalHealth #Autism #BehavioralHealth #Psychiatry #HealthcarePolicy #EarlyIntervention #SeriousMentalIllness #WhyNotMePodcast #TonyMantor #MentalHealthAwareness #Homelessness #CommunityCare

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intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2117852/fan_mail/new">Send us Fan Mail</a>In this important episode of Why Not Me? Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide, Tony Mantor sits down with Dr. Alan Meyer, psychiatrist and Behavioral Health Officer for the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, and Ann Marie Council, retired Senior Deputy City Attorney and mental health policy advisor, for an in-depth discussion about the challenges facing today&apos;s mental health system. Together, they explore why so many individuals with serious mental illness fall through the cracks, the disconnect between policy and real-world implementation, and how communities can better support those in crisis before tragedy strikes.The conversation covers assisted outpatient treatment, California&apos;s CARE Act, healthcare burnout, homelessness, autism, schizophrenia, and the urgent need for earlier intervention and stronger collaboration between healthcare providers, lawmakers, first responders, and community organizations.This is the first of a two-part series that shines a light on the people working to create meaningful change in mental healthcare.In this episode you&apos;ll learn:<ul><li>Why mental health and physical health must be treated together</li><li>The barriers preventing people from receiving timely care</li><li>How policy often fails frontline healthcare workers</li><li>The role of cities, counties, and states in behavioral health services</li><li>Why assisted outpatient treatment remains difficult to access</li><li>How technology and AI could improve mental health access</li><li>The importance of prevention instead of waiting for crisis</li><li>Why community partnerships are essential for lasting solutions</li><li>How burnout is affecting healthcare professionals and first responders</li><li>What changes could transform the future of mental healthcare</li></ul>Our GuestsDr. Alan Meyer<ul><li>Psychiatrist at the University of California, San Diego</li><li>Behavioral Health Officer for the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department</li><li>Specialist in complex behavioral health and high-utilizer emergency response systems</li></ul>Ann Marie Council<ul><li>Retired Senior Deputy City Attorney for the City of San Diego</li><li>Founding Partner and Mental Health Policy Advisor at Quarter Turn Strategies</li><li>Advocate for legislative reform and improved mental health policy</li></ul>Key TakeawayReal change begins when healthcare, government, first responders, and communities stop working in silos and start working together. Early intervention, compassionate care, and practical policy reforms can save lives and restore hope for individuals and families navigating serious mental illness.If this conversation inspires you, follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who believes mental health deserves greater understanding and action.#MentalHealth #Autism #BehavioralHealth #Psychiatry #HealthcarePolicy #EarlyIntervention #SeriousMentalIllness #WhyNotMePodcast #TonyMantor #MentalHealthAwareness #Homelessness #CommunityCarehttps://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

Autism, Mental Health, Advocacy & Human Stories.

Embracing Autism/Mental Health Worldwide.

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition. 

Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms. 

Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support. 

From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen. 

Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite. 

Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide! 

Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.

Autism, Mental Health, Advocacy &amp; Human Stories.Embracing Autism/Mental Health Worldwide.Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition.&nbsp;Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms.&nbsp;Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support.&nbsp;From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen.&nbsp;Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite.&nbsp;Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide!&nbsp;Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.

Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

Dr Aaron Meyer and Ann Marie Council: Bridging the Mental Health Gap: Policy, Psychiatry, and the Fight for Early Intervention

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/895ffbe0-4c02-4fdf-9108-b47100fe1fb8/transcript