Description

In this episode of Open Source Health, Tripp Johnson sits down with Kayla Fenty, LCSW, LCAS, a clinical therapist at the Advaita Collective, to discuss the intersection of the criminal justice system and substance use disorder treatment. Kayla shares her journey into social work, highlighting her experiences in different levels of care, from residential to outpatient treatment. They explore the challenges of providing person-centered care within the constraints of policy and insurance systems and the importance of rapport-building in therapy.

Key Points

• Kayla’s Journey into Therapy: How personal experiences led Kayla to a career in mental health and social work.
• Joining the Advaita Collective: Kayla’s decision to join the team and how the organization’s culture and flexibility align with her values.
• Intersection of Criminal Justice and Substance Use Disorder: The impact of incarceration on mental health and substance use treatment.
• Challenges of Insurance and Policy in Healthcare: How external factors like insurance policies influence treatment decisions and outcomes.
• Rapport Building in Therapy: The critical role of trust and rapport in effective therapy, especially in substance use treatment.
• Diversity in Treatment Approaches: Kayla’s use of varied therapeutic methods tailored to individual client needs.
• The Importance of a Holistic Approach: Addressing the whole person in therapy, including emotional, social, and cultural factors.
• Advice for Aspiring Social Workers: Encouragement for flexibility and openness to diverse opportunities in the field.

About Flourish by Advaita Health

Flourish by Advaita Health explores how people, providers, and communities move from suffering to flourishing. Each episode weaves together perspectives from healthcare, wellness, and human experience — from the science of mental and physical health to the art of living well.

Advaita Health is a North Carolina–based behavioral health organization dedicated to supporting whole-person flourishing. Learn more about our work and clinical services below.

• 🌿 Advaita Health: advaitahealth.com
• 🩺 Advaita Integrated Medicine: aimwellbeing.com
• 🎙️ Podcast: Flourish by Advaita Health
• 📸 Instagram: @advaitahealth
• 💼 LinkedIn: Advaita Health
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