IMAP News July 2026
Insulators Member Assistance Program Update
Rich’s Rants
Each month, the LMCT IMAP Newsletter will feature the “rants” of Youturn Health Chief Clinical Officer Rich Jones.
Check out this short video as Rich, who is recognized nationally as a subject matter expert on substance use disorder (SUD) and healthcare and recovery integration, introduces viewers to the concept of noticing and avoiding bias.
July's Focus is BIPOC Mental Health and PTSD
From Surviving to Serving: My Journey Through Addiction, Loss, and Healing
My life reached its lowest point when I turned 30 years old. I experienced the loss of my parents and my only brother before reaching the age of 22. I was grieving, angry and deeply broken. The world seemed to be a heartless environment, so I directed my pain toward myself. Addiction ruled my existence for 13 years during this period. The deepest wounds came from the sexual and verbal abuse I endured while carrying out these traumatic experiences. I felt abandoned, not just by people, but by God. My anger turned into numbness. I lost all interest in my existence, so I no longer cared about my survival.
But something inside me refused to give up.
Breaking BIPOC Stereotypes: Challenging Stigma and Promoting Mental Health
Mental health stigma continues to persist, particularly within BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. Stereotypes and cultural norms can create significant barriers to seeking and receiving adequate mental health support. This blog post aims to challenge these stereotypes, dismantle stigma and promote mental health within BIPOC communities. By raising awareness and fostering understanding, we can create a culture of compassion and support for mental well-being.
Fostering Mental Health Awareness: Supporting BIPOC Employees in the Workplace
In today’s diverse workplaces, it is crucial for employers to prioritize the mental health needs of their employees, particularly those from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. By promoting mental health awareness and implementing supportive measures, employers can create an inclusive environment that supports the wellbeing of all employees. This blog post explores practical strategies and initiatives that employers can adopt to promote mental health awareness specifically for BIPOC employees in the workplace.
Empowering BIPOC Veterans with PTSD: A Guide to Accessing Support
Veterans, particularly those from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) backgrounds, often face unique challenges when dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Recognizing the specific needs of BIPOC veterans and ensuring they have access to appropriate support is crucial for their wellbeing. This blog post aims to provide a guide for BIPOC veterans with PTSD, outlining strategies and resources available to help them navigate and access the support they deserve.
Veteran Mental Health: How to Get Help
Let’s look at some of the most common mental health issues for veterans. While these are the most common mental health issues affecting military veterans, they are not the only mental health issues a veteran can struggle with. Additionally, an individual can be diagnosed with more than one of the condition at the same time (also known as comorbid or co-occurring disorders).
Substance Use Disorders in Military Veterans — Problems Associated with Access to Care
In 2019, I was afforded the opportunity to participate in a Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center 28-day inpatient treatment program for co-occurring Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). While this opportunity ultimately saved my life and opened the door to sustained recovery, it opened my eyes to the barriers many military veterans and active-duty servicemen and women have regarding access to behavioral health treatment.
Infographic: Adult Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
When someone experiences a traumatic event, it is normal to feel stress, anxiety or depression. If those intense feelings last for more than a month and impact your ability to have a healthy life, you have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
IMAP Wallet Card
Black Men Meditate
According to Black Health Matters, “Depression among Black men is an oft-unspoken pain that deeply affects the health and quality of life of Black people.” In fact, the most current review of evidence on Black men and depression suggests a prevalence of 5 percent to 10 percent. This figure may be much larger, as depression is commonly undiagnosed. Even more, the failure to adequately address the roots of Black male depression is undermining our communities and keeping us blind to the deep harm of historical and structural racism.
Dejr Bostick is on a mission to reduce stigma and encourage black men to take care of their mental health through an organization he founded called Black Men Meditate.
Veterans Suffering with PTS Get a Helping Hand from This Dynamic Duo
Tom and Jenn Satterly are all about helping veterans and their families. Tom is a retired CSM Delta Force, and Jen Satterly was previously embedded in Realistic Training Missions with Special Operations units as Director of Film and Photography. When their relationship began, Tom was not in a good place mentally, as he could not figure out what was causing his anger and excessive drinking. He finally had a therapist explain to him that he was suffering from PTS and needed to deal with it. From that point on, things slowly began to change, and as he began to help others, he truly found his calling. Their mission is to help veterans returning home, but, more importantly, to support their families. They know that helping family members is a huge piece of the puzzle.
Veterans Unfiltered with Zach Goff and Rich Jones
Zach Goff is the Director of Quality and Compliance at Youturn Health and a former veteran and Youturn Health Coach. He has lived experience and a passion for helping others. Having overcome an opioid addiction himself, he has made it his mission to create a force for change using Veterans who have overcome their struggles to be a part of his team.
Our Chief Clinical Officer, Rich Jones, and Zach sat down with veterans Rob Reveles and Freddie McAbee. As they talk, we are able to pull back the curtain on what it is like to be a veteran today and how their experience is helping them form a bond with struggling veterans.
Retired Deputy Sheriff Stephen Balzano Describes Life on the Front Lines
Stephen Balzano is a retired Deputy Sheriff who openly discusses his experiences while on active duty. He painstakingly details the day he lost one of his “brothers in blue,” and acknowledges the lasting effects of that trauma on many of his friends on the force. Stephen explains how difficult it is for police officers, or any first responder, to ask for help and says it needs to be a safe place outside of the system where they can get help.
He is putting his experience to good use, as he is now a coach on the Youturn Health platform after being trained. No doubt he will help many of his peers along the way.