Maxwell E. Guttman, LCSW, a dedicated therapist, writer, and mental health advocate, died on 19th April 2025, at the age of 38. As the founder of Bronx River Road Licensed Clinical Social Work LLC, Max spent his career supporting individuals facing complex mental health challenges, especially those related to psychosis and schizoaffective disorders.
Max’s approach to therapy was shaped by his personal experiences living with schizophrenia. He believed that his life experiences added humility, authenticity, and openness to his practice. This created a more equal therapeutic environment for his clients. His blend of personal insight and professional knowledge made him a source of hope for many. He wasn’t afraid of being vulnerable in front of others. This has been made quite evident over the six years we have been friends and colleagues.
Max joined the Psychreg team in 2018 as a contributing writer. He wrote articles on a regular basis and has been a huge supporter of the Psychreg Journal of Psychology. He also appeared on The DRH Show and spoke at the 1st Mental Health Bloggers Conference (MHBC 2018). His voice became a respected presence on the site, providing unflinching commentary on recovery, stigma, and the realities of living with a severe mental health condition.
In 2016, Max launched his blog and Facebook page, Mental Health Affairs. He envisioned these platforms as spaces where writing could connect clinical knowledge with valuable insights from peers living with mental health challenges. What started as an effort to explore self-management strategies evolved into a broader discussion of stigma, systemic ableism, and the shortcomings of academic and institutional mental health care. The blog’s motto, “hope and healing”, reflected Max’s strong belief that better outcomes in mental health care rely on these two principles, even as he pointed out how often they were gravely lacking in private practice. Through categories such as “prosumer”, “peer”, “clinical”, and “poetry”, Max created spaces that served as both a resource and a call to reform practices and ideas that had caused emotional harm to peers. His writing challenged established norms, questioned academic blind spots, and insisted on recognising lived experience as a valid form of expertise. Since Max’s death, his Facebook group has grown to over 1,400 members within a year, with far more meaningful content than ever before.
Beyond his clinical work and online advocacy, Max was a prolific writer and educator. He wrote over 160 articles for Psychreg, exploring the complexities of mental health, recovery, and the challenges faced by those living with mental illness. Max’s impact reached academia, where he taught social work at Fordham University, sharing his insights and experiences with future mental health professionals. His dedication to education and advocacy earned him recognition from Binghamton University, which honoured him with the “2020 Bearcats of the Last Decade 10 Under 10” award.
In addition to his professional achievements, Max was known for his caring nature and strong commitment to reducing the stigma around mental illness. He believed in the power of storytelling and self-disclosure as tools for healing and empowerment. His legacy continues through the many lives he influenced and the lasting impact of his work. He demonstrated these qualities through his friendships and professional relationships. I am so grateful for the six years that Max and I have known each other, from our professional collaborations to simply breaking bread together, listening to music, celebrating the holidays, and being there for each other in times of emotional distress.
Max’s efforts challenged systems, highlighted lived experiences, and changed how we discuss mental health. I have taken what I have seen in Max and applied those characteristics to my own life. Though I miss Max dearly, I appreciate the rich legacy and body of work that he left behind for others to benefit from. Until we meet again in Paradise, may Max Guttman continue to live in peace, love, and power in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour and Redeemer. Amen.
Rev. Dr Phillip Fleming is the chief executive officer and director of the division of peer support services at Mindful Living. He holds credentials in peer support, EFIT, and an honorary Doctor of Divinity.