Advocates for Access

A Metabolic Collective Workstream

Empowering Lived Experience Voices to Lead the Movement

The Advocates for Access program is designed to train peer and family advocates to become confident, credible messengers of metabolic psychiatry and neurology. Through self-paced learning modules, live webinars, and downloadable resources, this program equips you to educate your local community, connect with healthcare providers, and engage online audiences—all through the lens of lived experience.

Whether you’re passionate about sharing your story or eager to bring metabolic therapies to your community, this program gives you the tools to lead with purpose.

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What You’ll Learn

 1. Giving Effective Presentations

• How to speak to local groups—like libraries, faith communities, Rotary Clubs, or NAMI chapters—about metabolic psychiatry.
  
• Craft your compelling personal story to illustrate the power of metabolic therapies.
  
• Offer an engaging, digestible overview of the science, even as a lay person.
  
• Learn public speaking techniques to boost confidence and impact.
  

 2. Becoming a Local Advocate

• Master the art of the “elevator pitch” to introduce metabolic therapies to local mental health clinics and psychiatry offices.
  
• Encourage providers to explore free CME (Continuing Medical Education) courses in metabolic therapies.
  
• Share studies, trials, and real-world outcomes in an approachable way that encourages curiosity and exploration.
  

 3. Promoting Online Advocacy

• Learn how to effectively communicate about metabolic psychiatry and neurology online in a way that raises awareness and interest.
  
• Understand what to share to spark curiosity, and how to direct people to trusted sources.
  
• Get tips on sharing your story and on building an online advocacy presence
  

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First Course Launching Soon:

Giving Effective Presentations on Metabolic Psychiatry

Join psychiatric nurse and lived experience advocate Natasha Smikles, who manages her ADHD with ketogenic therapy, for our first virtual training course.

This self-paced course will include:

• Step-by-step video modules covering public speaking, storytelling, and how to explain key scientific concepts.
  
• A downloadable, ready-to-use (or customize) PowerPoint presentation to guide your local talks.
  
• A Frequently Asked Questions handout to help you prepare for audience interaction.
  
• Optional live webinars for additional Q&A and community connection.
  

Whether you’re just starting your advocacy journey or looking to sharpen your skills, this course will help you bring metabolic psychiatry and neurology to a wider audience. 

Ready to Become an Advocate?

We believe the future of mental health will be shaped by those with lived experience. Fill out our Get Involved Form to be notified when Giving Effective Presentations on Metabolic Psychiatry becomes available, and be the first to access resources that can ignite change in your community.