Welcome to Discover U! On this episode, straight from the Emerging Themes Behavioral Health Conference, host JD Kalmenson (CEO of Montclair Behavioral Health) talks with the one-and-only Dr. Skip Rizzo. He's the brains behind Medical Virtual Reality at USC's Institute for Creative Technologies, and he’s got some mind-blowing stuff to share.

Dr. Rizzo breaks down how VR is becoming a total game-changer for mental well-being. You'll hear about:

(00:01:13) The awesome "Game Boy story" that first sparked his ideas for VR in brain injury rehab.
(00:03:05) What makes VR tick for therapy? Think super-controlled, immersive worlds designed for healing and growth.
(00:06:16) VR's rollercoaster history: From 90s sci-fi movies to today's powerful headsets (and how the gaming world accidentally helped fund it!).
(00:09:28) Using VR to help veterans face PTSD, new ways to support military sexual trauma survivors, and even inspiring global efforts in places like Ukraine and Israel.
(00:15:12) What therapists actually need to know to use VR – and how it can make the connection with their patients even stronger.
(00:18:00) Could VR help us build resilience and maybe even head off some mental health struggles before they start?
(00:20:07) Where can you actually find VR therapy today? (Hint: The VA is already a big believer!)
(00:26:02) The great news: VR is here to boost therapists and the crucial human connection in healing, not replace it.
If you're curious about how tech is making a real difference for people dealing with PTSD, autism, ADHD, Alzheimer's, pain, and so much more.

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This podcast features an interview with Dr. Markus Rogan, a former Olympic gold medalist who transitioned into the field of behavioral health and mental health counseling. The discussion covers Dr. Rogan's unorthodox personal journey, including his family's history and his own conversion to Judaism.

Key topics discussed include:

• Dr. Rogan's shift from elite athletics to mental health work, and how he found meaning and fulfillment in helping others rather than pursuing individual athletic glory.
• The challenges athletes face in transitioning to post-athletic careers and finding a sense of identity and purpose.
• The concept of "enough" and how many people struggle with a lack of intrinsic self-worth and an excessive focus on external validation.
• Dr. Rogan's unique therapeutic approach that blurs the lines between therapist and patient, with the goal of creating a more authentic, mutual exchange.
• Simple breathing techniques that Dr. Rogan recommends for regulating anxiety and stress.

Overall, this podcast provides a thoughtful and personal exploration of finding meaning, authenticity, and mental/emotional wellness, drawing on Dr. Rogan's diverse life experiences.

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In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Gita Vaid, a board-certified psychiatrist and psychoanalyst based in Manhattan, discusses the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Dr. Vaid shares her expertise on MDMA and ketamine, explaining their potential for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship issues.

The discussion covers:

• The unique benefits of MDMA and ketamine in psychotherapy
• How these medicines can help process trauma and increase self-awareness
• The potential for psychedelics in couples therapy
• Making psychedelic therapy more accessible and affordable
• Using psychedelics for personal growth and "peak performance"
• The importance of tailoring mental health treatments to individuals
• The nature of subjective experience in psychedelic journeys

Dr. Vaid offers profound insights into how psychedelic medicines can expand our understanding of consciousness, memory, and healing. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of mental health treatment and personal transformation.

This conversation between JD Kalmenson and Dr. Gita Vaid took place at the Emerging Themes in Behavioral Health 2024. For more information: https://emergingthemesinbehavioralhealth.com/

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