In this episode of the My City My Health podcast, host Caroline Carlson speaks with Dr. Candyce Briggs, a licensed clinical psychologist and mental health advocate based in Iowa City, about the importance of prioritizing self-care and mental health in underserved communities. Dr. Briggs shares her experiences working with community organizations and non-profits to increase access to mental health services for Black and culturally diverse families, as well as her insights on the challenges faced by these communities in seeking care.

About the guest:
Dr. Candice Briggs is a licensed clinical psychologist and mental health advocate based in Iowa City, Iowa. She is passionate about increasing access to mental health services for underserved communities and has worked with a variety of local organizations to improve mental health outcomes for Black and culturally diverse families.

Shownotes:
00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Dr. Candyce Briggs
01:42 - About Dr. Briggs and her work as a mental health advocate
03:30 - The importance of prioritizing self-care in mental health
05:12 - Challenges faced by underserved communities in seeking mental health services
07:28 - Dr. Briggs' experiences working with community organizations and non-profits to increase access to mental health services for Black and culturally diverse families
11:30 - The impact of COVID-19 on mental health in underserved communities
14:10 - Dr. Briggs' insights on the upcoming My City My Health Conference and the importance of community collaboration
16:20 - Dr. Briggs' affirmations for prioritizing self-care
18:10 - How to connect with Dr. Briggs and access her services

"I think the biggest thing I would like to take it or listeners to take is really just always prioritizing self-care. And I say radical self-care in the sense of making sure that you do something every day that brings you joy, that makes you feel good. And making sure that you have a sense of community." - Dr. Candyce Briggs

About the host: Caroline Carlson is a student at the University of Iowa studying Health and Human Physiology on the Health Studies track.  Caroline is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health.