Steve Miccio’s life was forever changed after experiencing a bi-polar manic episode that lead to a hospital stay. He says he went in Steve Miccio and left a mental patient. 

He knew then that there was a “better way to treat people than tradition.” 

With that mission in mind, he began working on a mental health unit, and eventually became the CEO of People USA, a peer run organization for people with mental health issues. 

At People USA, Steve and his staff ensure that they’re there with their guests every step of the way. They have a respite house, a stabilization center, help with hospital discharge planning, to care coordination, and more.

They treat people with hope and dignity. 

Check out the full interview with Steve to hear about his journey and how he’s changing mental health care. 

You can also listen to the interview in podcast form:

Apple podcast link: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speaking-of/id1549592446  

I Heart podcast link:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-speaking-of-76708275/#  

Spotify podcast link:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1g2LUGr0SzxbBmSHB3FHyL?si=PNO79sBOReGXQJu_CrsJEg

Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-miccio-78a48314/

Learn more about People USA: people-usa.org 

Topical time codes:

00:00 – video starts

00:35 – About People USA

1:03 – Steve’s story

9:06 – Changing the system

14:52 – Treating people with hope and dignity

17:54 – Moving beyond the stigma

21:19 – Funding & taking time with those they serve 

24:20 – Working with ambivalence 

27:20 – The role of empathy

29:19 – Shifting communities

30:26 – Positive situations that stand out