Podcast

How do you navigate the overwhelming challenges of supporting a loved one dealing with mental illness or substance abuse when the systems meant to help are failing? And how can you be sure you’re making the right choices when it feels like everything is stacked against you?

In this powerful episode of Financially Ever After, Stacy Francis sits down with Lisa Herman, a seasoned mental health attorney who guides families through some of life’s most difficult situations—mental health crises, substance abuse struggles, and complex family dynamics. Lisa shares her personal journey and professional insight, revealing the emotional and legal challenges that families often face. Together, they discuss the crucial resources and strategies that can make a difference when dealing with a loved one’s mental health or addiction issues. Lisa’s experience gives a unique perspective on how to act quickly, thoughtfully, and with care in times of crisis.

You’ll hear them discuss:

• The challenges of navigating mental health and substance abuse systems, and why it often feels like families are flying blind without proper guidance.
• Lisa’s personal journey of losing her husband to cancer and how it shaped her understanding of crisis and family support.
• The importance of acting quickly and seriously when a loved one expresses harmful intentions, and how to identify when immediate intervention is needed.
• The legal mechanisms available to families, including guardianship, Kendra’s Law, and the assisted outpatient treatment law to help manage loved ones with severe mental illness.
• How to avoid enabling destructive behavior while still showing love and support for a family member going through a crisis.
• The delicate balance between helping someone get the treatment they need while preserving family relationships and communication.
• Practical advice for reaching out to the right resources, including psychiatric case managers, security personnel, and legal professionals who can step in during critical moments.

Resources

Lisa Herman on LinkedIn | Email I Phone: 914-607-7010