Vivian Brown

An interview with Vivian Brown, PhD as she discusses the inspirations behind her career in psychology and the push for identifying co-occurring disorders and trauma in addiction.

Interviewed by Dr. Areta Crowell. Date of interview: 10-28-14. Length of interview: 1 hour and 3 minutes. Transcript of interview: 22 pp. DVD containing interview.

Interview Topics

(00:31) - Introduction . (01:39) - Beginning of Career in Mental Health & USC School Research Psychology. (02:12) - VA Hospital in Brentwood. (04:16) - Breaking Down Barriers in Co-Occurring Disorders. (04:46) - History & Inspirations . (08:18) - First Job - Los Angeles Psychiatrist Service . (08:36) - Funding Under President Kennedy. (08:51) - Writing Grants & Developing Co-Occurring Programs. (09:42) - Alternative Means of Funding & Politics of the 1960’s. (14:17) - Career Development. (14:50) - Addition of Trauma - 1970’s. (15:40) - Federal Funding w/ Addition of AIDS. (17:20) - The Founding of Prototypes - 1986. (20:25) - Women with Co-Occurring Disorders and Violence Study. (22:21) - Integration of Substance Abuse, Mental Health, and Trauma in Interventions. (27:00) - Family Drug Treatment in Court Systems. (28:10) - Role in Policy Development. (29:30) - Reviewing Programs and Proposals . (30:33) - Federal Government Advisory Councils . (33:24) - Lessons Learned – Integration of Mental and Primary Healthcare. (33:49) - Trauma as Central Issue. (37:14) - Getting the Message of the Importance of Trauma Across. (39:30) - Obstacles . (42:30) - Reduction of Barriers . (45:12) - Dealing with Frustrations. (48:18) - Most Satisfying Experiences. (50:08) - Changes in Political and Academic Climate Over 50 Years. (51:55) - Role of Consumers. (55:10) - Do it Differently? . (56:26) - Improving the Field of Social Work. (59:39) - Importance of LA County. (01:01:20) - Closing Remarks

Additional Materials

  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • DVD containing interview.

Download the transcript: 
» Transcript