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    Health & Fitness

    Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

    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.

    Advertise

    Copyright: 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia

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    Latest Episodes:
    Eric Dias: Hope, Recovery, and Finding Your Voice with Schizoaffective Disorder May 24, 2025
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    Eric Diaz shares his journey of living with schizoaffective disorder and becoming an advocate for those with serious mental illness.

    Through finding the right medication, supportive communities, and creative outlets, Eric transformed from someone who couldn't leave his house to a published author helping others navigate similar challenges.

    • Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder as a teenager but initially lacked insight into his condition
    • Participated in a clinical trial at Emory University that was crucial for starting treatment
    • Struggled with significant medication side effects before finding an effective treatment in 2011
    • Went from making fries at Wendy's to getting his GED and attending college
    • Became a Certified Peer Specialist to help others with mental health conditions
    • Recently published his novel "I Got Sober For This" exploring themes of mental illness
    • Now works as an employment specialist helping others with brain disorders find work
    • Credits stable housing, family support, and faith community as vital to his recovery
    • Emphasizes the importance of both medical treatment and social support systems
    • Currently focusing on writing and will be taking a screenwriting workshop

    Keep hope, keep going, and don't give up. Reach out to Eric at EricJDiaz1981@gmail.com if you'd like to learn more about his book or experiences.

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

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Crystal Fox: One Mothers Journey Through Tragedy May 23, 2025
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    Crystal Fox shares her heartbreaking journey as the mother of a son with schizophrenia and co-founder of Arizona Mad Moms, an organization supporting families of loved ones with degenerative brain illnesses causing psychosis. Through her dual perspective as both a parent and a psychiatric nurse with 30 years of experience, Crystal illuminates the critical gaps in our mental healthcare system.

    • Anosognosia is a symptom of serious mental illness where individuals cannot recognize they are ill, truly believing their hallucinations and delusions are real
    • Despite clear signs of severe psychosis, Crystal's son Joshua was repeatedly denied proper psychiatric treatment because he wasn't actively suicidal
    • Current mental healthcare prioritizes treating suicidal ideation while allowing untreated psychosis, despite psychosis leading to higher rates of suicide and homicide
    • America has regressed in mental healthcare, removing people from hospitals and placing them in jails or communities without adequate support
    • Arizona Mad Moms successfully advocated for legislation requiring screening centers to document family information and created training programs on anosognosia

    Tell everyone, everyone everywhere, about Why Not Me, The World, the conversations we're having and the inspiration our guests give to everyone everywhere, that you are not alone in this world.

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

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Cohen Miles-Rath: How One Man Transformed Crisis into a Call for Change May 22, 2025
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    Cohen Miles-Rath shares his powerful journey from psychosis and incarceration to becoming a mental health advocate and author.

    His story reveals how proper support systems and personal determination transformed a life-altering crisis into a mission of education and advocacy that's changing how we approach mental health treatment.

    • Surviving untreated schizoaffective disorder that led to a psychotic episode and incarceration
    • Using the four dimensions of recovery—purpose, home, health, and community—to rebuild life
    • Transitioning from jail to graduate school within a year through structured support
    • Working with Mental Health Association in New York State and the Suicide Prevention Center
    • Writing memoir "Mending Reality" to share experiences and reduce stigma around psychosis
    • Speaking publicly to create understanding and empathy for serious mental illness
    • Advocating for better interventions before people reach crisis points
    • Emphasizing the distinction between general mental health challenges and mental illness
    • Building communities where recovery becomes not just possible but probable
    • Using personal vulnerability to help others develop empathy for those experiencing mental illness

    If you know anyone who would like to tell their story, send them to TonyMantor.com and they may become a guest on Why Not Me? The World.

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

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://tonymantor.com
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    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Sherri Witwer: Rethinking How We help People in Mental Health Crisis May 21, 2025
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    Sherry Witwer, board president for CIT Utah, shares her insights on improving crisis response systems for people experiencing mental health emergencies and creating alternatives to incarceration through specialized training and community partnerships.

    • CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) training provides law enforcement with tools to effectively respond to mental health crises and connect individuals with appropriate treatment
    • Mobile crisis outreach teams staffed by behavioral health providers and peers can handle most crisis calls without police involvement
    • Receiving centers offer alternatives to jails or emergency rooms, providing specialized assessment and stabilization for those in mental health crisis
    • Proper training helps officers distinguish between substance use and mental health crises through scenario-based practice and building community partnerships
    • Access to care remains a significant challenge, particularly coordinating services for people with serious mental illness across different systems
    • Better case management and peer support services are needed to help individuals navigate complex systems when they're least able to do so independently
    • Affordable and supportive housing is essential for recovery and breaking cycles of hospitalization and incarceration
    • Including voices of people with lived experience and families is crucial for designing effective mental health services that people will actually use

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

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Darrell Herrmann : Straight Talk About Living With A Severe Mental Illness May 20, 2025
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    Darrell Herrmann, a retired US Army captain and former computer programmer, shares his remarkable journey of living with schizophrenia since 1984 and his mission to help others with severe mental illness live better lives.

    • Former US Army captain specializing in field artillery and nuclear weapons before developing schizophrenia
    • Earned a computer science degree and worked as a programmer for 18 years after his military discharge
    • Spoke to over 30,000 people in hospital groups before COVID, helping patients understand psychosis
    • Author of "Straight Talk About Living with Severe Mental Illness," available on Amazon
    • Explains that diagnosis often changes and finding the right medication takes time and patience
    • Defines psychosis as experiencing hallucinations and delusions while losing touch with reality
    • Developed a personal three-bucket strategy to sort real experiences from hallucinations
    • Advocates for comprehensive education programs for people diagnosed with psychotic disorders
    • Believes the mental health profession itself is often the biggest source of stigma
    • Argues most mental health professionals lack proper training in understanding and treating psychosis

    https://tonymantor.com
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    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)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://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)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Pete Earley:From Journalist to Advocate May 19, 2025
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    Pete Early shares his journey from Washington Post journalist to mental health advocate after his son developed bipolar disorder, revealing how a broken system forces families into crisis before providing help.

    • Diagnosis came during his son Kevin's college years with warning signs like "food doesn't taste good" and confusion about reality
    • Psychiatrist delivered a devastating prognosis: "incurable disease" with lifetime medication, weight gain, likely unemployment
    • Kevin stopped taking medication after a few weeks, leading to psychosis and breaking into a stranger's house
    • Early couldn't get help until his son became "dangerous" enough for intervention
    • His son joined 365,000 Americans with serious mental illness who end up in jails and prisons annually
    • Crisis intervention training for police makes crucial difference in mental health encounters
    • Recovery came through proper medication, independent living with supportive roommates, and finding purpose as a peer counselor
    • Early discovered the difference between being a parent versus a partner in someone's recovery
    • Mental health system requires criminal behavior before providing adequate treatment
    • Despite Early's connections and resources, getting proper help took years of struggle

    If you know anyone who would like to share their story on Why Not Me? The World, visit TonyMantor.com/Contact. T

    ell everyone everywhere about our show and the inspiration our guests provide, reminding you that you are not alone in this world.

    https://tonymantor.com
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    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)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://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)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Colleen Scott: One Mother's Journey Through Schizophrenia May 18, 2025
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    A mother shares her 18-year journey supporting a son with schizophrenia through mental health system failures, incarceration, and experimental brain surgery.

    • Colleen Scott's son started showing signs of schizophrenia at age 17, withdrawing socially and exhibiting erratic behavior
    • A prosecutor advised having her son arrested "to get him in the system" for mental health help, resulting in traumatic incarceration
    • Laws preventing family commitment, alongside HIPAA restrictions at age 18, create nearly insurmountable barriers for families seeking help
    • After years of struggle, Colleen secured disability benefits and eventually enrolled her son in an experimental Deep Brain Stimulation trial at Johns Hopkins
    • The mental health system's integration with the legal system often criminalizes mental illness rather than treating it
    • Current group home living with court-ordered treatment provides some stability, though interactions with police remain common
    • Colleen advocates for better training for law enforcement and restoration of family commitment options with proper safeguards
    • Organizations like the National Schizophrenia and Related Conditions Society (NSSC) offer hope through focused advocacy and lobbying efforts

    https://tonymantor.com
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    https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
    intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
    Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://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)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Stephanie Beilin: Mother's Journey Through Mental Illness and Incarceration May 17, 2025
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    A mother and clinical social worker shares her heartbreaking journey navigating the legal system after her high-achieving son developed serious mental illness, revealing how our justice system criminalizes rather than treats mental health conditions.

    • Licensed independent clinical social worker with 40+ years experience working with vulnerable populations
    • Her academically successful son began experiencing internal racing thoughts and anxiety despite outward success
    • Despite parents' professional backgrounds (mother a social worker, father a psychologist), they faced enormous challenges getting appropriate care
    • Son discontinued medication at 29, leading to psychotic episodes and repeated negative police encounters
    • Law enforcement and legal system demonstrated lack of training and empathy in handling mental health crises
    • Massachusetts lacks assisted outpatient treatment programs that could have prevented criminalization
    • 70-80% of incarcerated individuals suffer from serious mental illness
    • Anosognosia: neurological condition where individuals lose ability to self-reflect on their behaviors
    • Advocate working with National Shattering Silence Coalition to change legislation and improve mental health services
    • Need for systemic change in how police, courts, and society respond to mental health conditions

    Tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me, the world, the conversations we're having and the inspiration our guests give to everyone everywhere that you are not alone in this world.

    https://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)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://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)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Justin Volpe : How Peer Support Changes Lives May 16, 2025
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    Justin Volpe shares his journey from being diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and incarcerated to becoming a certified recovery peer specialist who has trained over 3,500 police officers in crisis intervention.

    His story demonstrates how individuals with lived experience can transform systems and save lives by bridging gaps between law enforcement, courts, and treatment providers.

    • Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in his early 20s after struggling with substance abuse
    • Released from jail through Miami's Jail Diversion Program, which provides support, therapy, and resources
    • Became a peer specialist within 8 months of incarceration, helping others navigate the system
    • Worked for 14 years getting thousands of people out of incarceration and connecting them to services
    • Describes his role as a "bridger" between systems that don't typically communicate with each other
    • Trained over 3,500 police officers in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) approaches
    • Featured in documentaries "The Definition of Insanity" and Ken Burns' "Hiding in Plain Sight"
    • Now works nationally with state behavioral health teams at NASMHPD
    • Advocates for including people with lived experience at policy and planning tables
    • Emphasizes that recovery is possible: "I was written off and told I'd die on the street"

    Tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me: The World, the conversations we're having and the inspiration our guests give to everyone that you are not alone in this world.

    https://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)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://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)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Jessica Ferguson : Brother in Crisis: A Family's Desperate Fight for Mental Health Support May 15, 2025
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    Jessica Ferguson shares the deeply personal story of her brother's struggle with serious mental illness and how systemic failures led to his incarceration after being accused of a triple homicide when he should have been in psychiatric care.

    • Her brother had been stable with his mental illness for a decade before showing concerning behavior changes in early 2023
    • Despite three psychiatric hospitalizations within months, he was repeatedly discharged after 72-hour holds with no substantial care plan
    • Family pleas for help were ignored as healthcare providers cited voluntary treatment requirements and HIPAA restrictions
    • Only after being accused of a crime did he receive consistent psychiatric care
    • The jail system provides minimal mental health support compared to psychiatric hospitals
    • Families need healthcare proxy arrangements and better knowledge of resources before crises occur
    • Massachusetts lacks Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) options that could mandate treatment
    • Mental health systems must partner with families who know their loved ones best

    If you know someone with a story to tell, send them to TonyMantor.com. Tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me, the World, the conversations we're having and the inspiration our guests give to everyone everywhere that you are not alone in this world.

    https://tonymantor.com
    https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
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    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)

    The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

    Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

    Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

    Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

    Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

    https://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)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


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