In this on-demand recording, Dr. Raymond Kotwicki examines two ramifications of the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. The first centers on individuals who directly contracted the virus and how it affects their own mental health. Preliminary data suggest that between 20% and 30% of people infected with Covid-19 will develop some mental illness within 90 days of infection. Such additional demand will place an even greater burden on an already-stressed mental health care system. The experience of addressing demand for evidence-based, timely and respectful mental health care at a private, non-profit residential and intensive out-patient treatment facility serves as a case example of the second, indirect impact of the pandemic. Efforts to continue serving patients in a safe way while managing personal lifestyle upheaval has taken its toll on many health care workers including mental health clinicians. Strategies to help create a safe and resilient workforce are offered.
Dr. Raymond Kotwicki is the Charles B. West Chief Medical Officer at Skyland Trail, a nationally acclaimed private, nonprofit residential and day treatment organization for adults and adolescents with mental illnesses in Atlanta, Georgia. In this role, Dr. Kotwicki oversees all the clinical, educational, quality, and research activities within the organization.
Dr. Kotwicki trained as a Department of Energy Fellow, and was a Medical Scholar at the University of Wisconsin Medical School. He had post-graduate training at Harvard Medical School, the Boston University School of Medicine, and Emory University, where he earned a Master in Public Health degree in Health Policy and Management. He remains an adjunctive Associate Professor at the Emory University School of Medicine.
Over his career, Dr. Kotwicki has presented over 350 invited lectures, symposia, and seminars to tens of thousands of attendees. He regularly appears on television, radio and in newspaper articles discussing issues related to mental health and integrated medical care.
