MAFIAxMaverick

First off thanks for doing this and engaging with fans. It’s always awesome for people to do these AMAs. Second, I love the show!

 

How important do you think Jimmy Tatro was to getting the show noticed? Honestly, it was the reason I watched the first episode of season one and then I was hooked. Do you think the show would have taken off as well as it did if Jimmy wasn’t a part of the equation?

Thanks! One more question for y’all if you don’t mind. I am a school based mental health professional. I work in public schools. A lot of my work revolves around suicide prevention, substance abuse prevention, and working with students with mental health concerns.

 

What are some things you all do to make sure you’re not minimizing mental health issues in the show? I don’t think the show has ever minimizes them. And the show definitely depicts kids who, as a professional, I think have mental health issues.

 

I guess another way to ask it if my question doesn’t make sense is was there ever content planned that you ended up cutting because you feel like it might be going too far? And how did you come to that conclusion. I know it’s a rated mature show, but the reality is lots of my students have seen it.

I actually did want to ask one more question. What is your platform, if any, in behavioral (mental) health care? As someone who works in that field I don't think it's given enough attention on the national level at least. I would love to hear your thoughts!

What are your favorite things to do outside of gaming/gaming industry - hobbies, sports, etc?

Hey guys! Thanks for doing this. Will definitely check out your podcast. I'm an LCSW myself. I'm curious as to y'all's thoughts on (in the private practice settings) insurance vs not accepting insurance?

 

It's been something I've struggled with (though I'm not in a private practice setting atm) throughout my brief career in the field so far (5 years post-MSW). On one hand going through insurance can be cheaper, but you have to provide a diagnosis, you have to provide some details in your case notes, so there's less confidentiality. I go through insurance to see my own therapist. It's hard because he doesn't really have a formal diagnosis for me - I use my therapist for maintenance after shitty days/weeks in the field and I love it. But he has to provide a diagnosis for insurance to accept the claim. Iirc I'm diagnosed as Unspecified Anxiety Disorder. My co-pay per session is about $30. Which is great.

 

On the other hand, not accepting insurance means you can have complete confidentiality in your case notes. But some of the rates in the area I live in are just fucking outrageous. I'm in the DC Metro area and it's not surprising to see rates of $150-200+ per individual session. For me, personally, that's ludicrous. I try to be non-judgmental about rates like that because people need to make money and some of my colleagues/friends have rates like that. I know a lot more goes into it than just the rate. You have to think about leasing space, office costs, etc. So I know I'm simplifying it. But still....those rates baffle me.

 

Thanks for your time! Looking forward to this podcast.