For episode 227 of the Metta Hour, we are continuing our Mental Health Series. In this series, Sharon sits down with different teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health by applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice. For this fifth episode of the series, Sharon speaks with psychiatrist, clinical researcher, and meditation scholar-teacher, Joe Loizzo, MD, PhD. Joe is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and Columbia-trained Buddhist scholar with over forty years’ experience studying the beneficial effects of contemplative practices on healing, learning and development. He is an Assistant professor at Weill-Cornell Medical College, the founder of the educational non-profit Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science, and author of several books. Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/metta In this episode, Sharon and Joe discuss:The conflict in the Middle EastHow Joe came into the field of Mental HealthHow the field has evolved thus farHow events of the world affect the personalShould mental health care plans include service?How stigma around treatment is evolvingContributing factors to the Mental Health Crisis in the U.S.The impetus for founding Nalanda InstituteThe role Joe played in Sharon’s early teachingEastern vs Western approach to psychologyThe compassionate approach to the human conditionLearning to work with our minds is not a luxuryWhere psychedelics fit inThe future of Mental HealthThe conversation closes with a guided meditation led by Joe. To learn more about Joe’s work or his different books, you can visit his website. If you would like to suggest a topic for this series, you can email [email protected] with your questions and suggestions. Mental Health ResourcesNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 988 or (800) 273-8255Psychology Today Find a Mindfulness-Trained TherapistActive Peace Yoga with Reggie HubbardThe Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry KaufmanMark Epstein Psychiatrist & Author with a Buddhist LensNalanda Institute Contemplative Psychotherapy ProgramExpress Yourself Black Man Healing Community for Black MenBlack Boys Om Black Boys & Men Healing & Wellness EducationCloud Sangha Community For Meditation & WellnessThe Trevor Project Support for LGBTQ Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Mental Wellness for Black Women and GirlsThe Friendship Bench Creating Safe Spaces & CommunityHope for Bereaved Grief Support GroupsOption B Grief, Trauma and Loss Support See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.