Episode description

Dr. Joe Parks, the Medical Director of the National Council for Behavioral Health, joins me in Session 96 to discuss mass shootings - a topic that was first talked about on this podcast back in Session 79, with Dr. Merrill Winston. It turns out that the National Council's Medical Directors Institute was wrapping up a lengthy report, titled Mass Violence in America, around the same time that Merrill's episode aired. As such, the council graciously offered to have Dr. Parks joins me to discuss the report's findings.First, here's a little background on Dr. Parks: In addition to serving as the Medical Director of the National Council, Dr. Parks is a Distinguished Research Professor of Science at the University of Missouri-St.Louis, as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Missouri-Colombia. He also practices outpatient psychiatry at the Family Health Center, a federally funded community mental health center established to expand services to uninsured, and under-insured populations. In this episode, Dr. Parks and I discuss the following: How he first became involved in this research project. How the MDI researchers defined mass violence for the purposes of their report. What motivates mass shooters. Prevention strategies that are and aren't helpful. The role of "threat assessment." The role of "problem solving," courts. And most importantly, what individuals can do if they suspect someone is behaving in a manner consistent with mass shooter profiles. If you're interested in reading the MDI report, click here to access it. And for more information about the National Council for Behavioral Health, click here. This podcast was supported by the Mental Health Risk Retention Group and Negley Associates. For 30 years, the Mental Health Risk Retention Group and Negley Associates have proudly served the unique insurance needs of mental health centers, community mental health facilities, shelters, halfway houses, counseling centers, and substance abuse and addiction treatment centers, to name just a few. They specialize in meeting the needs of behavioral health care organizations to ensure they get the comprehensive liability insurance programs they need. The Mental Health Risk Retention Group & Negley Associates bring together “best in class” insurance experts to provide a broad array of customized coverages. Their team of distinguished attorneys and actuaries, reinsurance companies, and underwriting and claim managers have decades of insurance experience in the behavioral health care industry. With Mental Health Risk Retention Group & Negley behind you, you have the peace-of-mind to focus on running your organization and serving your client, knowing that they have you protected. For more information, check out mhrrg.com. Or better yet, call them today at 862-286-3517 to schedule a meeting and find out how they can work with you to create a specialized package that meets your organizational needs.