Mario Espitia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in palliative care, and a doctorate student at USC. 

Mario is also an expert in having difficult conversations. From coming out to his parents...to leaving his religious community...to helping patients and families discuss serious illnesses...he’s been especially courageous. 

He also talks with THOTM about his career switch from teaching to social work, and his exciting new journey as a doctorate student.

Haile Wright and Micheala Whaley are clinical social workers providing intensive outpatient treatment in San Diego. They joined THOTM for a discussion about mental health stigma and misconceptions, helping the underserved within a broken system, and the need for an integrative approach to mental health treatment. Haile and Micheala also share their experiences as Black women in the mental health profession.