SMI Spotlight

SMI Spotlight shares stories, research, and helpful information relating to severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. SMI Spotlight is hosted by TAC's Scientific Officer, the renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Xavier Amador, author of "I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help!"

SMI Spotlight is a health podcast hosted by TAC, with 15 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

TAC hosts SMI Spotlight, a health show with 15 episodes published.

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  Episode #15

  "Gone Before Gone": Coping with Ambiguous Loss to Psychosis

  May 21, 202643 minS1

  <p>In today’s episode of SMI Spotlight, host Dr. Xavier Amador (Clinical Psychologist and author of “I Am Not Sick I Don’t Need Help!”) speaks with Jerri Niebaum Clark, author of “Gone Before Gone: When Mental Illness Steals Someone You Love.” Together, they explore the deeply personal and often misunderstood experience of ambiguous loss caused by severe mental illness and psychosis.Jerri shares the story of her son Calvin, offering an intimate look at how bipolar disorder and psychosis impact not only individuals, but entire families. This conversation sheds light on the emotional toll of loving someone who is physicall...

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  Episode #14

  SMI Spotlight Short: A Music Fundraiser for Mental Health

  Apr 20, 20267 minS1

  <p>Today, SMI Spotlight host Dr. Xavier Amador interviews two special guests who are collaborating to raise money for TAC through the release of a musical album. Jimmy Haslip is an acclaimed Grammy-winning bassist. Julia Gillies is an advocate whose family has been deeply impacted by severe mental illness across generations. Here they share the story of what inspired them to launch this music fundraiser and how they hope it will help others access quality care for mental illness. To donate and support the creation of their album, go to:https://gofund.me/5efbbfc7d</p>

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  Episode #13

  How can Police Effectively De-escalate Mental Health Crises?

  Mar 11, 202641 minS1

  <p>In this episode of SMI Spotlight, Dr. Xavier Amador sits down with Sgt. Robert McKeirnan, a leader in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and co-response strategies in Olathe, Kansas. Together, they explore how law enforcement can respond more effectively, compassionately, and safely to individuals experiencing mental health crises.</p><p>Sgt. McKeirnan offers an insightful look into the realities of crisis response. He discusses how de-escalation begins the moment a call comes in and carries through in the decisions leading to direct interaction. He also covers the barriers that make it difficult to connect people with the right services...

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  Episode #11

  Effective Talk Therapy for Schizophrenia and Psychosis

  Jan 21, 202641 minS1

  <p>In this SMI Spotlight episode, Dr. Xavier Amador - clinical psychologist and author of I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help! - sits down with Dr. Aaron Brinen, author of Living Well With Psychosis and a leading expert in Recovery‑Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R).Together, they explore how CT-R helps people living with severe mental illness (SMI) build hope, strengthen personal agency, and move toward meaningful, self‑directed recovery.Dr. Brinen shares insights from his clinical work, the science behind CT-R, and the powerful role that goals and adaptive motivation play in helping individuals with psychosis move forwar...

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  Episode #11

  The nurses leading mental illness outreach in NYC subways

  Nov 19, 202547 minS1

  <p>In this episode of SMI Spotlight, Dr Xavier Amador sits down with three nurses from New York City’s SCOUT (Subway Co-Response Outreach Team) program — a unique initiative that brings mental health expertise directly into the NYC subway system. These clinicians meet people with severe mental illness (SMI) where they are, building trust underground, offering compassionate care, and helping individuals access treatment when they need it.The SCOUT nurses share what drew them to this work, how they build relationships in unpredictable environments, and how they know when it’s time to bring someone to the hospital. They break down t...

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