BREAKING NEWS: At Talk Therapy TV we have long believed that behavioral health disorders (including mental illnesses and substance use disorders as they are so closely interconnected) need more recognition.  The millions of individuals courageously battling the challenges of these disorders every day, simultaneously shoulder the additional burden of public stigma and misinformation. 
After educating dozens of legislators about the importance of giving recognition to behavioral health disorders, including the individuals working in the field as well as the millions living with these disorders, action has been taken.  This past week, with the leadership of State Senator Shirley Huntley and State Assembly Member Vivian Cook, both the State Senate and State Assembly have adopted a resolution proclaiming October 2011 as Behavioral Health Recognition Month and requesting that Governor Cuomo do so as well.

This is the first time (to our knowledge) that any state has proclaimed a "Behavioral Health" recognition month, acknowledging the close relationship between mental illnesses and substance use disorders.  We are thankful and proud of the leadership shown by the New York State legislature and look forward to celebrating Behavioral Health Recognition Month this October.

> Read the dual Senate/Assembly resolution.
> Sign up for E-Newsletter and stay up to date on our plans for celebration in October.

Last weekend, Talk Therapy TV participated in the 24th Annual Somos conference.  Organized by the Association of New York State Hispanic and Puerto Rican Legislators, the conference was attended by dozens of state senators and assembly members as well as hundreds of others. 

Our executive director, Jacob Berelowitz, was a panelist on a Somos conference first: a mental health workshop.  He spoke to the legislators and guests about the stigma of mental illness, the unique challenges in the Latino communities, and encouraged the audience to engage in more conversations about mental illness with family, friends, and coworkers.