Episode #5- The Criminalization of Mental Illness

In this episode, Patricia Costales, LCSW speaks with Melissa Mojica, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with The Guidance Center, about the criminalization of mental illness. Melissa holds a unique role at The Guidance Center, serving as the Public Safety Clinician housed in the Long Beach City Jail.  There, she assesses and treats the mentally ill men and women who are routinely incarcerated.

The Public Safety Clinician program started three years ago as a pilot partnership between The Guidance Center and the Long Beach Police Department. Melissa has served in the role since the inception of the program.

In My Backyard is brought to you by The Guidance Center, a children’s mental health agency in Long Beach, CA. In My Backyard is produced by Tricia Costales and Matthew Murray. Production assistance provided by Julie Ruano. Thank you to Jay Vincent B for original music. All other music licensed through SoundStripe. Thank you to our listeners and supporters.

Please visit tgclb.org or text HOPE to 562-262-5689 to make a one-time donation or join our Hope and Healing Club to become a monthly donor today. And subscribe to In My Backyard on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.