James Clifford is a psychiatric social worker at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego.
What inspired you to pursue a career in behavioral health?
I’ve always been interested in mental health and social justice and I see both as intertwined. My parents came from social justice and democracy and cooperative traditions in Minnesota and Canada and the Philippines. From a young age I saw prevalent mental health and addiction problems, though little public discussion and I joined efforts to address these issues early on.
How has being in NUHW helped you in your profession?
NUHW membership affords a unique position from which to advocate for mental health and social justice issues in our profession and to actively participate in pursuing labor rights and mental health treatment access for all.
