No One Left Behind: Community Mental Health in Hard-to-Reach Places Artwork

Truly Mental

This podcast has been created by Joe Smarro & Jesse Trevino and it is being provided by SolutionPoint+, a national training and consulting firm that specializes in cultivating mental wellness to maximize human capital and promote safety. They are two combat veteran marines, who have been on a shared journey as best friends for the last 20+ years. Joe and Jesse were both San Antonio Police officers for 15 and 10 years, respectively, and have started a training and consulting firm which is now their full-time endeavor. They have set out on a mission to change the culture of law enforcement in America by focusing on individual wellness. They hope to eradicate first responder suicide. Welcome to the podcast, please subscribe, share, and leave comments for them both. BeWell -

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Truly Mental

No One Left Behind: Community Mental Health in Hard-to-Reach Places

July 15, 2025 • Season 4 • Episode 8

In this episode of the Truly Mental Podcast, host Joe Smarro speaks with Bill Black, the Chief Operating Officer of Appalachian Counseling Center. They discuss Bill's journey from a military career to mental health advocacy, the differences between therapy and life coaching, and the importance of addressing stigma in mental health. Bill shares insights on the role of community, the challenges of cultural perceptions around mental health, and the need for resilience and wellness in individuals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of prevention in mental health and the need for a cultural shift in how we approach mental health discussions.

Website: https://www.wvcounseling.com/

Website: https://www.e-therapycafe.com/

Bill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamblack1/

Takeaways

Bill Black combines military experience with mental health advocacy.
Appalachian Counseling Center offers various mental health services.
Therapy focuses on unpacking past issues, while life coaching addresses immediate solutions.
Stigma in mental health is a significant barrier to seeking help.
Community support is crucial for mental health initiatives.
Resilience and wellness are essential for mental health.
Cultural perceptions of mental health need to change.
Prevention should be prioritized over reaction in mental health care.
Education on mental health should start at a young age.
Every day has good and bad moments, and we should focus on the positives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Advocacy
03:11 Understanding Appalachian Counseling Center
05:53 The Difference Between Therapy and Life Coaching
09:02 Bill's Personal Journey into Mental Health
12:06 The Impact of Military Experience on Mental Health
14:51 Stigma in Mental Health and Leadership
17:58 The Role of Champions in Mental Health Advocacy
21:12 Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Care
24:14 Conclusion and Call to Action
25:42 Annual Mental Health Check-Ins
26:41 Cultural Issues in Mental Health
27:11 The Role of Education in Mental Health Awareness
29:00 Stigma and Self-Induced Barriers
30:30 Proactive Approaches to Mental Health
31:51 Teaching Resilience to Younger Generations
35:20 The Importance of Life Skills
39:47 Personal Wellness and Resiliency Strategies