WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of a week-long programming focus, “CBS This Morning” aired a special live broadcast today titled "Stop the Stigma: A Conversation About Mental Health." It featured interviews with Jane Pauley, Karamo Brown, a culture expert on “Queer Eye,” Miana Bryant, founder of “The Mental Elephant,” Cynthia Germanotta, who co-founded the Born This Way Foundation with her daughter Lady Gaga, and Sue Varma, M.D., a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

APA was one of a few mental health organizations that helped consult on the special. For instance, former APA President Carol Bernstein, M.D., provided expertise to the show’s producers.

APA President Bruce Schwartz, M.D., issued the following statement in response:

“It is terrific and encouraging to see a top television network and highly respected news organization devote an hour of programming to mental health. We congratulate CBS on its efforts to discuss mental illness in a constructive way that counters the stigma and discrimination encountered by many with mental illness and substance use disorders. We hope others will follow their lead and continue the conversation.”

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 38,500 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information please visit www.psychiatry.org.