The state’s Office of Mental Health is partnering with Behavioral Health News to sponsor four roundtable discussions on the impact of stigma on the care and treatment of people living with mental illness.

The first of the 2023 Mental Health Stigma Roundtable Discussion Series will be held on Thursday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m. The roundtables are all virtual, free, and open to the public. Registration information is available on the Behavioral Health News website.

The roundtable discussions will feature subject experts, including people with lived experience, mental health care providers, community leaders, journalists, policy makers, and advocates.

The sessions will be facilitated by Dr. James Rodriguez, a New York State licensed clinical social worker and psychologist in private practice with more than 25 years of experience as a direct practitioner, trainer, and researcher in mental health services to children, youth, adults, and families.

Rodriguez directs clinical initiatives at the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research and teaches at the New York University Silver School of Social Work.

Panelists will share their personal and professional experiences with mental health stigma. The roundtables will delve into the various types and causes of stigma, the experience of living with stigma, and the impact stigma has on the care provided to people living with mental illness.

Registration information, as well as additional details on the subjects, panelists, times, and dates of each roundtable is available on the Behavioral Health News website at the links below:

— Roundtable 1: Understanding the Experience of Mental Health Stigma;

— Roundtable 2: The Experience of Mental Health Stigma Among Diverse Group;

— Roundtable 3: The Role of the Media in Reducing Stigma; and

— Roundtable 4: Paths to Reduce Stigma and Promote Positive Attitudes.