This session discusses the significance of self-care, levels of functioning, and the meaning of “effective helpers” in the mental health field. We provide tips on how to prevent compassion fatigue and build resiliency by using self-care as a tool.
Meet the Trainers
Ragini Lal is a dedicated, compassionate, solution-driven mental health advocate and humanitarian for underserved populations. She is currently the Community Engagement Manager at NAMI California, with experience in qualitative and quantitative research, cultural competency and responsiveness trainings, family and peer support trainings, report writing, and executing mental health equity and advocacy through large events. She received a Bachelor’s in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Mental Health Clinical Counseling – Marriage, Family, and Children program to obtain a License in Professional Clinical Counseling (LPC- CA). Ragini is certified in Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Adults, Psychological First Aid, Cultural and Linguistic Competence Certification, and Peer & Family Support Specialist. Formerly a Behavior Health Therapist at Genesis Behavior Center and Peer Counselor at California State University, Sacramento, Ragini has direct clinical experience with diverse communities, families, and children with various mental health conditions. Ragini was also a Crisis Peer Counselor at California Coalition for Youth, specifically working with peer youth and family members in need of immediate crisis counseling. Her long-term goal is to earn a PhD in Clinical Psychology, specializing in holistic healing to provide whole health care for diverse populations world-wide. Her work’s devotion is to empower others to believe in their personal strengths in an all-inclusive clinical healing journey—moreover, to increase systemic changes for more sustainable access to care through education and social advocacy.
Angela Brand is the Vice President of Strategic Engagement at NAMI California. She has extensive experience in mental health programming focused on community engagement, advocacy, and training, having worked in both public and private sectors with consumers and family members. Prior to joining NAMI California, she worked for the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission and United Advocates for Children and Families. She is passionate about peer- and family-led system transformation and the inclusion of individuals in all aspects and levels of decision making. Her areas of special interest include advocacy, family and peer support, youth mental health and leadership development, prevention, early intervention, and education. Her work is driven by a passion to develop systems that improve access to care through community-based and recovery-focused programs that are reflective of and responsive to the needs of diverse populations. Ms. Brand holds a degree in Sociology from Arizona State University.