Mind On Mental Health

Mistakes I Made in My Anxiety Disorder Recovery (and How You Can Avoid Them)

In this episode, Andy Dean, LCSW, opens up about his personal journey through anxiety recovery — the well-intentioned strategies that backfired, and the lessons he learned the hard way. Interviewed by his friend and colleague Pete Maclearie, LCSW, Site Director at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown location. Andy shares what actually helped him move forward and what he wishes he’d known back then. If you’ve ever tried to “fix” your anxiety only to make it worse, this candid conversation will help you take a kinder, more effective approach to recovery.
 
To watch the video of this podcast click here: 
Mistakes I Made in My Anxiety Disorder Recovery (and How You Can Avoid Them)

The Hidden Toll: Trauma and Stress in First Responders

In this episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Bizzarro — Clinical Director of Treatment Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health — dives into the daily trauma and high-stakes stress that First Responders face, and how it can take a serious toll on their mental health. He also shares common missteps clinicians make when working with this unique population, and why he feels a deep sense of purpose and gratitude in serving those who serve others.
 
Watch this podcast on Youtube:  The Hidden Toll: Trauma and Stress in First Responders
 
 

The Weight of the Badge: A Corrections Officer’s Story

In this episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, retired New Jersey Corrections Officer and Certified Peer Support Specialist Ken Burkert shares his personal journey through mental health challenges — and how the intense pressures of working in corrections compounded his struggle. Now at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, Ken opens up about what truly helps First Responders facing similar issues, how leadership is responding to the growing mental health crisis, and why he’s so deeply committed to supporting this community.
 
Link to Video:
The Weight of the Badge: A Corrections Officer’s Story
 

Addiction, Recovery, and the First Responder Mental Health Crisis

In this powerful episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Bizzarro — Clinical Director of First Responder Services and a former police officer — opens up about his deeply personal battle with addiction. He also sheds light on the unique mental health struggles faced by today’s First Responders, and the barriers that often keep them from seeking help. It’s an honest, unfiltered conversation that’s as raw, heartfelt, and necessary as it gets.
 
Link to Video
Click Link to Watch on Youtube
 
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