Healing After the Fire: Mental Health, Community, and Resilience | Dr. Cris Scaglione | ANEW Ep 82

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Welcome back to the ANEW Insight Podcast—your trusted source for transformative conversations at the intersection of psychology, nutrition, fitness, and community resilience. Hosted by Dr. Supatra Tovar, clinical psychologist, registered dietitian, fitness expert, and author of Deprogram Diet Culture, this episode features a deeply moving dialogue with neuropsychologist Dr. Cris Scaglione, current President of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association (LACPA).

In this powerful second installment of our conversation, we reflect on the devastating January 2025 California wildfire—one of the most destructive in the state’s history—and examine the mental health implications for affected communities. As co-chair of LACPA’s Disaster Response Committee, Dr. Tovar and Dr. Scaglione unpack the ongoing psychological, emotional, and social impact of this crisis. They explore how psychologists, especially those in leadership, can step beyond private practice to serve directly in community recovery efforts.

Dr. Scaglione shares LACPA’s evolving vision: becoming more nimble, socially responsive, and culturally inclusive. She reveals how recent collaborations—including psychological first aid trainings, equine-assisted healing events, and partnerships with regional psychological associations—are reshaping what it means to "show up" for a traumatized population. This episode also addresses burnout among mental health professionals, the isolation of private practice, and the urgent need for psychologists to foster deeper connections with each other and the communities they serve.

But this conversation goes far beyond disaster response. We delve into the systemic issues surrounding stigma in mental health, workplace toxicity, and the shifting landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in professional organizations. Dr. Scaglione opens up about initiatives driven by younger LACPA members, including a bold DEI statement and cross-cultural collaborations with groups like the Asian American and Iranian Psychological Associations.

With honesty, humor, and heart, this episode shines a light on what it truly means to lead with integrity, hope, and joy in challenging times. Dr. Scaglione’s vision for mental health advocacy isn't just about healing trauma—it’s about cultivating joy, fostering community, and reclaiming the human connection at the heart of therapy.

If you’re a mental health professional, a wildfire survivor, or someone seeking community and clarity in a fractured world—this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

• How LACPA is rebuilding its approach to disaster recovery
• Why joy and celebration matter in post-trauma healing
• The challenge of inclusivity and volunteerism in psychology
• Tips for breaking isolation among private practice therapists
• How to engage in advocacy without burning out
  
  

To know more about Dr. Cris Scaglione here are her social media channels  :http

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