S.J. Hart Speaks at Springfield College

Springfield College hosted a lecture by author and international mental health advocate S.J. Hart for the sixth consecutive year on June 26.

Hart talked to students in Professor of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies Michael P. Accordino’s psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse counseling graduate class.  A frequent lecturer for allied health professionals, law enforcement and medical providers, Hart addressed aspects of mental illness such as suicide, homicide, substance dependence, the high percent of prison population, and the connection to prominent social issues.

A clinician/educator, Hart is the author of the internationally successful book “Lies in Silence,” a stunning account of the onset of psychiatric disability over multiple generations. A first-hand account, Hart speaks openly about three generations of psychiatric disabilities in her family. With an insider's insights, Hart describes in the book the impact of mental illness on patients, their families and communities.  The book is widely used in higher education.

Hart is the winner of the 2009 Dr. Maxie Collier Scholars Award for her significant contribution to the field of mental health.