Podcasts about behavioral health

"I relate it to one of the Wizard of Oz characters... I've seen behind the curtain. I know how it's all put together."What happens when a man who spent nearly five decades inside every corner of the self-funded industry decides his final act is to give the playbook away?My guest this week is Charlie Gragg, a true first-generation veteran of self-funding. Charlie started in the late 1970s underwriting stop-loss cases on napkins from payphone booths, went on to run his own TPA, and has now semi-retired into a role he believes the industry desperately needs: the fiduciary co-pilot.He won't take your broker of record letter; he doesn't want it. Instead, he partners with brokers, consultants, and C-suite executives to build health plans from scratch, the way an owner would.If you're a broker who knows you have a ceiling on your self-funding expertise, this episode is your permission slip to get help. Tune in.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Behind the Curtain of Self-Funding(00:00:55) The Fiduciary Co-Pilot: Why Charlie Won't Take Your BOR(00:02:58) Charlie's Background: First-Generation TPA in the Late '70s(00:04:46) Napkin Underwriting and $2,000 Aggregate Stop-Loss(00:06:18) The Two Sales: Selling the Employer AND the Underwriter(00:07:20) Why the TPA Business Is So Hard to Do Right(00:11:27) The Fiduciary TPA: Accountant of the Health Plan(00:13:32) The 401(k) Parallel: Fiduciary Standards Are Coming for Brokers(00:14:43) Building Custom Plans vs. Buying the Box(00:16:25) Stop Haggling Over Stop-Loss — Solve the Claims Instead(00:18:46) Owning Your Stop-Loss Through a Group Captive(00:21:25) The 3-6 Month Setup: Finding Fiduciary Partners First(00:23:34) The One Question to Ask Every TPA(00:26:07) Why PBMs Need the Fiduciary Standard Too(00:28:01) Eating the Elephant: Meeting Employers Where They Are(00:30:56) Winning Over the C-Suite Before the HR Director(00:34:42) Claims Negotiators, Re-Pricers, and the Lost Art of the Phone Call(00:39:11) Do You Still Need a Carrier Network?(00:41:51) The Quality Anomaly: Why the Best Care Costs Less(00:43:34) DRG Bundles and the $20,000 Burn Unit That Never Was(00:46:52) Wellness, Behavioral Health, and the Loyalty Dividend(00:55:31) Building the Utopian Health Plan: The Blueprint(01:01:03) What's Missing? Belief.(01:04:18) The Future: Adoption in the Mid-Market(01:06:33) Closing Thoughts: The System Won't Fix ItselfKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

"I relate it to one of the Wizard of Oz characters... I've seen behind the curtain. I know how it's all put together."What happens when a man who spent nearly five decades inside every corner of the self-funded industry decides his final act is to give the playbook away?My guest this week is Charlie Gragg, a true first-generation veteran of self-funding. Charlie started in the late 1970s underwriting stop-loss cases on napkins from payphone booths, went on to run his own TPA, and has now semi-retired into a role he believes the industry desperately needs: the fiduciary co-pilot.He won't take your broker of record letter; he doesn't want it. Instead, he partners with brokers, consultants, and C-suite executives to build health plans from scratch, the way an owner would.If you're a broker who knows you have a ceiling on your self-funding expertise, this episode is your permission slip to get help. Tune in.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Behind the Curtain of Self-Funding(00:00:55) The Fiduciary Co-Pilot: Why Charlie Won't Take Your BOR(00:02:58) Charlie's Background: First-Generation TPA in the Late '70s(00:04:46) Napkin Underwriting and $2,000 Aggregate Stop-Loss(00:06:18) The Two Sales: Selling the Employer AND the Underwriter(00:07:20) Why the TPA Business Is So Hard to Do Right(00:11:27) The Fiduciary TPA: Accountant of the Health Plan(00:13:32) The 401(k) Parallel: Fiduciary Standards Are Coming for Brokers(00:14:43) Building Custom Plans vs. Buying the Box(00:16:25) Stop Haggling Over Stop-Loss — Solve the Claims Instead(00:18:46) Owning Your Stop-Loss Through a Group Captive(00:21:25) The 3-6 Month Setup: Finding Fiduciary Partners First(00:23:34) The One Question to Ask Every TPA(00:26:07) Why PBMs Need the Fiduciary Standard Too(00:28:01) Eating the Elephant: Meeting Employers Where They Are(00:30:56) Winning Over the C-Suite Before the HR Director(00:34:42) Claims Negotiators, Re-Pricers, and the Lost Art of the Phone Call(00:39:11) Do You Still Need a Carrier Network?(00:41:51) The Quality Anomaly: Why the Best Care Costs Less(00:43:34) DRG Bundles and the $20,000 Burn Unit That Never Was(00:46:52) Wellness, Behavioral Health, and the Loyalty Dividend(00:55:31) Building the Utopian Health Plan: The Blueprint(01:01:03) What's Missing? Belief.(01:04:18) The Future: Adoption in the Mid-Market(01:06:33) Closing Thoughts: The System Won't Fix ItselfKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

In the eighth episode of season 5, of Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast special host Dr. Brandy K. Biglow, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program alumna at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), is joined by Dr. Jeremy Henderson-Teelucksingh, CGI DBH program alum and Kat Vasquez for a conversation about the role of marketing in behavioral healthcare. The conversation explores the unique challenges behavioral health professionals face when promoting their services, the importance of visibility and accessibility, and practical ways organizations can improve their messaging without losing sight of their mission. By reframing marketing as an extension of care, this episode shows how thoughtful communication can support stronger patient engagement, better access, and more meaningful health outcomes.About the Podcast Guests:Dr. Brandy K. Biglow, DBH, LMHC, CCTP, CIMHP, CGI DBH program alumna, is the CEO and co-founder of Renovation Integrative Health, LLC. She has served as a mental health professional for 12 years, where she has supported others in her role as a counselor, clinical supervisor, and licensed clinical program manager. She is a burnout expert, a licensed mental health counselor and supervisor for mental health and marriage and family therapists in Florida, a certified clinical trauma professional, a certified integrated mental health practitioner, a certified individual coach, and a certified group coach. Dr. Brandy uses an integrative health approach infused with humor, empathy, and current information from research (anecdotal and qualitative). Prior to her career in mental health, she educated and supported students as a certified K-12 Exceptional Education teacher for 10 years. Brandy is passionate about her work: supporting people on their journey to design a life of harmony, continuing to establish to status and significance of Doctors of Behavioral Health in the United States and globally, and advancing the model of integrated behavioral health. Her long-term goals are to open an integrative health clinic.Dr. Jeremy Henderson-Teelucksingh, DBH, LPC/MHSP, LCMHC, NCC, CCMHC, CGI DBH program alum, is a counselor, leadership and management coach, and corporate and community human relations consultant. As a counselor, Jeremy works with adults (individuals, couples, and families) who experience PTSD/trauma, abuse in the context of family relationships, anger, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, relationship issues, and more. Jeremy also works with the LGBTGEQIAP+ community (teens and adults) and is an “out” counselor with a history of diversity, equality, inclusion, and belonging advocacy. Jeremy approaches counseling from a multicultural and social justice viewpoint and has lived and worked in many US states and countries, which Jeremy draws from to understand the client's unique experience.Kat Vazquez, is a brand strategist and Marketing Director with a passion for turning powerful ideas into compelling stories that move people to action. As Director of Marketing at Renovation Integrative Health and Owner/Director of First Impressions Studios, she operates at the intersection of brand strategy, content marketing, and video production. She helps visionary leaders clarify their message, build their audience, and grow their impact. Kat brings a multi-platform fluency to every engagement, drawing on frameworks from StoryBrand by Donald Miller, Alex Cattoni, Rachel Pedersen, and Chris Do to craft campaigns that convert. Whether she's developing a full brand strategy, leading a multi-day production, or building a launch sequence from scratch, her work starts with one truth: you can have the best offer in the world, but if the right people don't hear it in a way that moves them, it doesn't matter. When she's not crafting strategy or behind a camera, Kat is fueled by a love of travel, culture, and the stories she learns and gets to tell through her travels.

For families seeking behavioral health care for their child, the process can feel confusing, disjointed, or even scary. When diving into the planning process for the Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services' Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health, the team approached each design decision with a different goal: creating an experience rooted in clarity, connection, and comfort from the moment families arrive.Melanie Baumhover, BWBR Principal, Director, and Behavioral + Mental Health Market Leader, joined us to discuss the recently completed project and how its “no wrong door” model is improving access to care for families in Michigan and beyond. If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

In this episode, Chris Santarsiero, Vice President of Government Affairs at Connections Health Solutions, discusses the policy, reimbursement, and community partnerships needed to expand access to behavioral health crisis care. He also shares how crisis stabilization centers, the 988 Lifeline, and coordinated care models are improving outcomes while reducing pressure on hospitals, law enforcement, and the broader healthcare system.

Behavioral health rarely gets the funding or attention it deserves. Relying on makeshift tracking for controlled substances is a massive liability.David Wilson, Vice President of Business Development at AdvancedMD, sat down with Healthcare IT Today to share the origin story of their new eMAR solution. He breaks down why mental health practices are shifting care in-house to combat shrinking reimbursements. You will learn how this targeted software rollout solves point-of-care medication administration and keeps organizations completely compliant.

In this episode, Chris Santarsiero, Vice President of Government Affairs at Connections Health Solutions, discusses the policy, reimbursement, and community partnerships needed to expand access to behavioral health crisis care. He also shares how crisis stabilization centers, the 988 Lifeline, and coordinated care models are improving outcomes while reducing pressure on hospitals, law enforcement, and the broader healthcare system.

Behavioral health services continue to face heightened payer scrutiny. The result: inaccurate documentation, coding, and compliance issues.Panacea Healthcare recently hosted a webinar that focused on three high-risk areas: relative to Behavioral Health–telehealth, psychotherapy with evaluation and management (E&M) services, and the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM).Special guest George Kelly is expected to summarize these issues while outlining the common compliance pitfalls, documentation requirements, coding best practices, and audit risks associated with each service.Broadcast segments will also include these instantly recognizable features:• Monday Rounds: Ronald Hirsch, MD, vice president of R1 RCM, will be making his Monday Rounds.• The RAC Report: Healthcare attorney Knicole Emanuel, partner at the law firm of Nelson Mullins, will report the latest news about auditors.• Risky Business: Healthcare attorney David Glaser, shareholder in the law offices of Fredrikson & Byron, will join the broadcast with his trademark segment.• Legislative Update: Adam Brenman, legislative affairs analyst for Zelis, will report on current healthcare legislation.

https://youtu.be/xzbBFO95Zyw?si=1Cx8taXFPtTYaWyN Behavioral health is essential to whole-person care, but obstacles include fragmented systems, rising costs, and paperwork burden. On this episode of HMA Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare, HMA Principal Alyssa Lord, former Secretary of Maryland’s Behavioral Health Administration, discusses how behavioral health integration and program integrity can work hand in hand to improve care. Alyssa shares practical strategies for building more connected, effective, and sustainable behavioral health systems by supporting Medicaid innovation that reduces administrative burden while strengthening accountability.

Send us Fan MailBehavioral health is no longer a "nice to have"—it's an essential part of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.In this episode of Medical Money Matters, Jill Arena welcomes healthcare executive and behavioral health expert Ed Speedling (MSW, MHA, FACHE), President of ES Healthcare Consulting. Drawing on decades of leadership experience, Ed shares why integrating behavioral health into primary care is one of the most important opportunities facing medical practices today.Together, Jill and Ed discuss the practical steps practices can take to embed behavioral health services, improve patient outcomes, strengthen care teams, and create a more sustainable model of care. Whether you're in private practice, leading a medical group, or planning for the future of healthcare delivery, this conversation offers valuable insights into treating the whole patient while building a healthier practice.You can reach Ed via LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-speedling-msw-mha-fache/ or via email at: info@eshealthcareconsulting.com His website can be found at: https://eshealthcareconsulting.com/Please Follow or Subscribe to get new episodes delivered to you as soon as they drop! Visit Jill's company, Health e Practices' website: https://healtheps.com/ Subscribe to our newsletter, Health e Connections: https://share.hsforms.com/1FMup6xLPSpeA8hB77caYQwd32sx?hsCtaAttrib=171926995377 Want more formal learning? Check out Jill's newly released course: Physician's Edge: Mastering Business & Finance in Your Medical Practice. 32.5 hours of online, on-demand CME-accredited training tailored just for busy physicians. Promo pricing available now: https://education.healtheps.com/offers/Ry3zfLYp/checkout?coupon_code=PHYSEDGE3000  Purchase your copy of Jill's book here: Physician Heal Thy Financial Self Join our Medical Money Matters Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3834886643404507/ Original Musical Score by: Craig Addy at https://www.underthepiano.ca/ Visit Craig's website to book your Once in a Lifetime music experience Podcast coaching and development by: Jennifer Furlong, CEO, Communication Twenty-Four Seven https://www.communicationtwentyfourseven.com/    

How Array is Connecting Behavioral Health Experiences Hosts Jared Johnson and Zain Ismail talk to Shannon Werb, CEO of Array Behavioral Care, who describe what the digital entry points for mental health look like today, the downsides of investing so heavily in digital access, and what it takes to make virtual mental health actually feel personalized and trustworthy for patients.  All that, plus the Flava of the Week about Oura and Resmed's new partnership. How are they creating a ""wearables to care"" strategy, and how can health become more preventive as more consumer devices become entry points to care? Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen/

In the seventh episode of season 5, of Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast, special host Nicole Heuer, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), is joined by Dr. Ronke Komolafe, DBH, MBA, Founder and CEO of Advancing Integrated Health, and Dr. Hokehe Eko, pediatrician and CEO of Glow Pediatrics, for a discussion on autism-informed care and integrated healthcare delivery. The conversation explores how overlooking autism in treatment planning leads to misdiagnosis and fragmented care, then turns to practical system-level changes healthcare organizations can implement to improve outcomes for autistic patients.About the Podcast Guests:Nicole Heuer, MS, BCBA, LBANicole Heuer, MS, BCBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in New York and a doctoral student in Behavioral Health. Her clinical work focuses on supporting autistic children and adolescents in school-based settings, with an emphasis on behavior regulation, skill-building, and systems-level collaboration. She specializes in translating behavior analytic principles into practical, humane, and sustainable supports for teachers and families, with a strong focus on proactive intervention, environmental design, and consistency across settings.As a neurodivergent clinician diagnosed with autism in adulthood, Nicole brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Her academic and clinical interests include autism diagnosis disparities, integrated care models, and adapting mental health interventions to better meet autistic needs across the lifespan. She is particularly passionate about bridging the gap between behavioral, educational, and mental health systems to improve outcomes for individuals who are often underserved by traditional service models.Dr. Ronke Komolafe, DBH, MBADr. Ronke Komolafe is a strategic healthcare leader, business executive, and nationally recognized advocate for integrated mental, physical, and social health. She is the Founder and CEO of Advancing Integrated Health and the Integrated Physical and Behavioral Health Alliance, leading national work in value-based care, population health, and digital transformation. Her career spans more than 15 years of innovation across healthcare operations, behavioral health systems, technology, and public policy, advising government agencies on improving outcomes, reducing costs, and elevating the experience of both patients and providers.As an associate professor, Dr. Komolafe is known for her clarity, rigor, and ability to translate complex healthcare concepts into practical, real-world skill. She teaches leadership, population health, and integrated care at  the Cummings Graduate Institute, where she has built a track record of strengthening student performance and equipping learners with actionable frameworks they can implement immediately. Her teaching style blends evidence-based practice with industry insight, giving students a competitive edge in navigating modern healthcare environments. She holds a Doctorate in Behavioral Health and an MBA, bringing a unique blend of clinical insight and business strategy.Dr. Hokehe Eko, MD, MPH, FAAPDr. Hokehe Eko, Mom, Board Certified Pediatrician, TedX Speaker , Author and CEO of Glow Pediatrics partners with parents of children with ADHD/Autism to address the root causes of their children's behaviors so they GLOW with health from the inside out using Integrative Pediatric Medicine.  She is also CEO of Kits of Hope, a 501 (3) organization, sharing love, hope, and dignity with children in foster care. She has been featured on PBS, Autism Research Institute, NPR, AfroTech, Business Insider, Thrive Global and Authority Magazine.  She has given Keynotes on Healthy and Uplifted webinars, Kids Brain and Parenting Summits, spoken on multiple podcasts such as Doctors changing medicine, Doctors unbound, the On-air Advocate, Motherhood, Melanin, and Medicine.  

Mental health crises are among the most challenging incidents law enforcement agencies face. Whether it's a barricaded subject, a hostage situation or a person in severe emotional distress, negotiators and commanders often have to make critical decisions with limited information and high stakes. To help agencies navigate those situations, the National Tactical Officers Association recently released guidance on integrating behavioral health advisors into crisis negotiation teams. In this week's episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with NTOA Executive Director Thor Eells to discuss the new policy and the role behavioral health advisors can play during critical incidents. Eells explains how these specialists can help negotiators better understand behavior, assess risk and shape communication strategies while supporting commanders with real-time insights that may improve decision-making and help preserve life. Click here for more information on the NTOA. Police1 related content When patrol becomes the hostage rescue team ‘Time is your biggest tactic': ‘Shots Fired' podcast details lessons from Bakersfield hostage standoff A day in the life of a San Francisco Police Department hostage negotiator Barricaded suspect response: What's the rush? Enhancing patrol response to barricaded subjects: A three-step strategy About our sponsor American Military University supports law enforcement professionals with flexible online programs designed around the demands of the job. Whether you're looking to grow your own career or support the development of your officers, the Everyday Heroes Grant provides eligible first responders and their families with a 20% tuition grant. Students may also be eligible to transfer up to 45 credits for academy training, prior education, and professional experience, helping them start ahead and finish sooner. Learn more at PublicSafetyAtAMU.com.

Housing changes everything, and nobody knows that better than Christine Frederick. The CEO of The Lord's Place in Palm Beach County joins RWorld Talk host Chris Krzemien for a conversation about impact, outcomes, and the very real role that Realtors® play in building stronger communities.The Lord's Place has spent decades developing a model that works. With a 96 percent success rate for clients who do not return to homelessness, the organization proves that when the right services surround the right people, lives shift in lasting ways. Christine walks through what that looks like in practice, from outreach and dignified meals at Cafe Joshua to employment support, behavioral health services, and transitional housing that creates a true pathway forward.The stories in this episode are the kind that stay with you. A woman managing a late-stage cancer diagnosis who now lives peacefully and independently in her own apartment. A young man who spent time on a Lord's Place family campus and is now a college student at FAU. These are the outcomes the community is creating together.Realtors® listening to this episode will find plenty of practical takeaways, including how they can bridge the gap between landlords and nonprofits, what master leasing actually looks like, and why being an ambassador in this space starts with a single conversation.We Covered:➡️ Why affordable housing impacts far more people than most realize➡️ The connection between rising housing costs and homelessness➡️ The challenges facing working families in South Florida➡️ How organizations like The Lord's Place help people regain stability➡️ What Realtors® and community members can do to make a difference➡️ Why housing is the foundation for long-term success➡️ and more…Learn more about The Lord's Place and discover ways to get involved in helping individuals and families build a path forward: https://thelordsplace.org/Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Meet Christine Frederick, CEO of The Lord's Place02:29 Who They Serve and How the Lord's Place Achieves a 96% Success Rate07:18 Behind the Scenes: Wraparound Services That Actually End Homelessness09:25 Breaking the Biggest Misconceptions About Homelessness16:13 Real Stories: From the Streets to Stability24:20 Palm Beach Reality Check: Elderly, Behavioral Health, and the Affordability Gap32:14 How Realtors® Can Be Ambassadors, Master Leasing, and Shifting the Section 8 Stigma39:50 The One Commitment Challenge for Every Realtor in South FloridaFOLLOW US:Instagram: @rworldtalkLinkedIn: @rworldtalkpodcastWebsite: https://rworld.com/LISTEN ON AUDIO:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TFUYs7cTWw539wUD7aLkE?si=79cdc73ede2f4828Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rworld-talk-south-florida-real-estate/id1671206655#RealEstate #SouthFlorida #Housing #AffordableHousing #TheLordsPlace #RWorldTalk #Community #Realtor

In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, Gary Costa and Jesse Kratz from Behavioral Health join Jeff Pickens from Community Justice to discuss their collaborative approach to supporting people on parole and probation.  Learn how this partnership connects clients with behavioral health services, improves outcomes and strengthens public safety through coordinated care.

Send us Fan MailShow NotesWhat happens when the systems designed to help people with serious mental illness become the very barriers preventing care?In Part 2 of this important conversation, Tony Mantor welcomes Dr. Aaron Meyer and Anne Marie Council for a candid discussion about the failures and possibilities within America's mental health system. Together, they explore why so many individuals spend years cycling through emergency rooms, jails, homelessness, and crisis without ever receiving the long-term treatment they truly need.The conversation examines the gap between policy and practice, the importance of housing with wraparound support, and why accountability—not simply creating more laws—may be the key to meaningful change.This episode challenges listeners to rethink assumptions about involuntary treatment, homelessness, public safety, and compassion while offering practical ways communities can advocate for a better behavioral health system.If you've ever wondered why so many people fall through the cracks, this conversation provides insight, hope, and a call to action. In This EpisodeWhy the "10-year loop" delays treatment for countless people living with serious mental illnessHow emergency rooms and jails have become default mental health providersThe importance of continuous support instead of one-time stabilizationWhy existing mental health laws are often not fully implementedThe need for more psychiatric beds and comprehensive treatment optionsHow housing combined with wraparound services can change livesThe role families and caregivers play in advocating for better careWhy stigma continues to prevent people from receiving helpThe importance of investigative journalism and public accountabilityPractical ways listeners can become advocates for change in their own communitiesWhy empathy and person-centered care must become the foundation of mental health policyKey TakeawaySerious mental illness is not a moral failing or a criminal issue—it is a healthcare issue. Until communities invest in accessible treatment, supportive housing, and systems that prioritize people over bureaucracy, too many individuals will continue cycling through crisis instead of recovery.Connect with Why Not Me?If this conversation resonated with you, please follow, rate, and share the podcast. Every listener helps expand understanding, reduce stigma, and create meaningful conversations about autism and mental health around the world.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

One in five Americans lives with a mental health condition. Employee assistance programs have existed since the 1940s. And the field is now entering a third wave — one that asks not just how to help workers after they are struggling, but how to build workplaces where fewer people reach that point. On today's episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, Carelon Behavioral Health Medical Director Brian Keefe traces the full history of EAPs from their origins in labor-management alcoholism programs to today's proactive whole-person model. He also addresses the fast-growing behavioral addiction crisis around legalized sports gambling and introduces Carelon's Workforce Mental Health Complete — a partnership with Lyra Health that uses AI-assisted matching to connect employees with a compatible licensed provider within a day or two, while also addressing social determinants of health, financial counseling, caregiver support and critical incident response under a single integrated platform. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988. Visit carelonbehavioralhealth.com to learn more.

In this repurposed episode of BS Free MD, Dr. May Hindmarsh shares a powerful conversation with Steve Feldman, CEO of Feinberg Consulting, whose personal journey from addiction to more than three decades of sobriety transformed his life's mission. After achieving sobriety in 1992, Steve dedicated his career to helping individuals and families navigate addiction, mental health crises, and the complex road to lasting recovery. Together, they have a candid, stigma-free conversation about substance use disorders, emotional pain, family dynamics, treatment misconceptions, and what true recovery actually requires. Steve offers a deeply human perspective on why addiction is not a moral failure, why the right support system matters, and how individuals can rebuild meaningful, purpose-driven lives. Whether you're a healthcare professional, someone navigating your own recovery journey, or supporting a loved one through addiction or mental health struggles, this episode offers hope, compassion, and practical insight into healing. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How Steve Feldman's personal experience with addiction shaped his work in recovery and advocacy Why addiction should be viewed through a lens of compassion rather than shame The connection between mental health challenges, trauma, and substance use Common barriers that prevent people from seeking help What families can do when supporting a loved one experiencing addiction Why individualized treatment and long-term support are essential to sustainable recovery How purpose, accountability, and connection play a major role in healing About Steve Feldman Steve Feldman is the CEO of Feinberg Consulting, a recovery support and behavioral healthcare consulting organization that helps individuals and families facing addiction, mental health, and complex healthcare crises. Drawing from his own sobriety journey that began in 1992, Steve has spent decades helping people find the right path to recovery and reclaim their lives. Connect with Steve Feldman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-feldman-1a501825  

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health recently developed a program to train those funding behavioral health initiatives in prevention science.

Most behavioral health marketers are talking to patients in a language patients don't speak, and it's costing them admissions. On Ignite, host Ashley Petrochenko, Cardinal's VP of Brand Marketing, sits down with Jennifer Munoz-Callahan, VP of Digital Performance at Promises Behavioral Health, to explore how behavioral science can transform the way healthcare organizations connect with patients. Drawing from her experience in behavioral health and her personal connection to the space, Jennifer shares why understanding patient fears, motivations, and decision-making is critical to driving meaningful growth. You'll walk away knowing: Why patients are the toughest persona to convert and how to actually reach them How speed-to-call and admissions team alignment directly impact patient acquisition What retention marketing looks like after a patient leaves your facility Why plain language outperforms clinical terminology every time If behavioral health marketing is part of your world, this conversation will change how you approach every message you send. RELATED RESOURCES Connect with Jennifer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-munoz-callahan/ The Key Behavioral Health Marketing Trends Shaping 2026 - https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/healthcare-resources/blog/mental-behavioral-health-trends-2026/ What is a Patient Journey? Examples to Grow Your Practice - https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/healthcare-resources/blog/what-is-a-patient-journey-grow-your-practice/ Marketing + Operations: Why Total Alignment is Vital to Growth - https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/healthcare-resources/blog/healthcare-marketing-operations-alignment/ How to Build a Full-Funnel Healthcare Marketing Strategy - https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/healthcare-resources/blog/healthcare-full-funnel-marketing-strategy/

What if educating your people so well that they could leave was exactly the point? At Your Health, that's not a risk to manage — it's the philosophy that built an entire learning ecosystem. In this episode, Jamie talks with Aubrey Wall, who came to Your Health from a background in education and now leads Your Health University, the organization's learning management system and continuous-development engine. Aubrey brings an educator's eye to a fast-evolving healthcare environment, where best practice changes by the day and meeting patients where they are demands that staff never stop learning. Here's what you'll hear: Why a healthcare company runs 12-month, Department of Labor–registered apprenticeships — including programs in management, value-based care, population health, and hospice aide preparation How gamification is being built into nurse instruction (straight from Aubrey's dissertation research) The difference between Your Health University (your classroom) and the Hub (your resource library) How LinkedIn Learning delivered roughly $4.2 million in CEUs to staff last year Meeting Leah — the new AI assistant that helps employees find exactly the right course If you've ever believed growing your people is a cost rather than the whole point, this conversation will change how you think. Press play, then go ask Leah a question. www.YourHealth.Org

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 10, 2026, was primarily focused on the revision and approval of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Recommended Budget and the five-year Capital Improvement Plan. The meeting featured a detailed presentation by the County Executive and Chief Fiscal Officer, followed by reports from seven key departments and extensive public testimony. Fiscal Overview and Challenges Chief Fiscal Officer Amanda Thomas presented an $8.9 Billion all-funds spending plan, which represented a $101 million operating deficit driven by two primary factors: Structural Deficit: The ongoing reliance on one-time funding to pay for continuing costs. Federal HR 1 Impacts: Changes at the federal level that shifted approximately $50 million in costs to the county, particularly regarding Med-Cal eligibility, indigent care, and CalFresh administrative costs. To address the shortfall, the Board had previously directed departments to implement a 2.5% initial allocation reduction. Departmental Budget Presentations District Attorney (Tan Ho): Ho opposed a proposed $4.1 million reduction (14 positions), arguing his office was already "running on fumes". He emphasized that "vacant" positions were actually committed to law students slated to pass the bar and that cuts would force him to scale back misdemeanor prosecutions and the Community Prosecution unit. Sheriff's Office (Jim Cooper): The Sheriff contested a $13.7 million reduction (48 positions), asserting that while "core functions" like jails and contracts were mandated, the cuts would decimate "non-core" but vital public safety units such as POP (Problem Oriented Policing), HOT (Homeless Outreach Team), and Marine Enforcement. He highlighted that the county already has the fewest officers per capita in the region and response times are double the national average. Public Defender (Amanda Benson): Benson reported a 20% increase in criminal filings and a 300% increase in City Attorney cases. She warned that cutting mental health diversion and post-conviction representation units would lead to caseload overloads and increased county liability. Regional Parks (Liz Bellis): Bellis noted that while the park system has grown 70% in acreage since 1991, permanent staff has decreased by 15%. Proposed cuts included three park rangers (a 17% reduction to the Parkway patrol) and a 46% reduction in extra-help seasonal staff. Human Assistance (Ethan Dye): Dye focused on the impacts of HR 1 on CalFresh, noting that every dollar spent by the county now only draws down $3.44 in state/federal funds, compared to $5.67 previously. Health Services (Tim Letts): This department accounts for 70% of health spending via Behavioral Health. Letts highlighted growth for a new youth facility but noted intense pressure from the Mays Consent Decree, which requires significant staffing and infrastructure investments in correctional health. Public Comment and Deliberations Over 120 residents and officials provided testimony. Business leaders and community members strongly advocated for restoring the Sheriff's HOT and POP teams and the DA's Community Prosecutors, citing their effectiveness in addressing retail theft and homelessness. Conversely, many community advocates urged the Board to maintain the DA and Sheriff cuts, suggesting the DA could save millions by ending the pursuit of the death penalty. Others pleaded for the restoration of foster youth transportation (Hop Skip Drive) and prevention programs like Birth and BEYOND. Final Board Actions After extensive debate regarding the use of the 9.9 million in funding: Sheriff's Office: Restored funding for the Marine and HOT teams ($7,894,989), but notably did not include the POP team. District Attorney: Restored four Community Prosecutor positions (~$1.37 million) contingent on an MOU to ensure the funds are used for that specific purpose. Public Defender: Restored funding for critical caseload support ($649,076). The Board agreed to revisit other high-priority "prevention" programs—including foster youth transportation, Birth and BEYOND, and public health initiatives—during the September budget revision when final state funding numbers are clearer. The final action left the county with a remaining contingency of $6,330,683.  

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 9, 2026, covered a wide range of topics, including public health updates, significant policy changes regarding behavioral health and homelessness, and new regulations for animal keeping. Community and Public Health Presentations The meeting began with an adoptable pet update, featuring a six-month-old dog named Penelope Le Piu from the Bradshaw Animal Shelter. The shelter reported a successful "California Adopt a Pet Day," with 68 pets adopted in a single day. The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District provided its annual presentation, emphasizing the management of West Nile Virus. Manager Gary Goodman highlighted the use of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), which involves releasing male mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria to reduce the population; this program is expanding to 120 acres in the Rosemont area this year. Additionally, the department promoted Family Health and Fitness Day (the second Saturday in June), which includes activities such as nature walks, yoga, and trail accessibility equipment demonstrations. Public Comment Highlights Wesley Trummel praised the Parks and Recreation commissioners but urged the Board to protect the park system's budget during upcoming deliberations. Darryl Turrell, a Riverside County resident, advocated for an ordinance to curb catalytic converter theft, proposing a "one and you're done" policy to hold thieves accountable. Edrick Brown shared his personal journey of rehabilitation after a 23-year prison sentence and introduced "Public Bridge," a program aimed at "rewiring" youth to prevent them from entering the justice system. Behavioral Health and Homelessness A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Integrated Plan for FY 2026-29. This new plan, mandated by Proposition 1, shifts prevention funding to the state and requires the county to allocate 30% of its BHSA funds to housing interventions. The Board discussed the "sunsetting" of several local programs to meet these new funding requirements, though they committed to a temporary contract with WellSpace to maintain the 988 suicide prevention line until state funding is clarified. The 2026 Homeless Point-in-Time (PIT) Count results sparked intense debate. While the county saw an overall 13% increase in homelessness, the unincorporated area experienced a 130% increase. Board members expressed deep frustration with the "slow pace" of county action and the perceived failure of current strategies. Chair Rodriguez explicitly called for a change in leadership and a forensic audit of homeless spending, stating that the county lacks a clear vision and a sense of urgency. Ordinances and Public Safety Crowing Fowl Ordinance: The Board introduced amendments to regulate roosters in urban and suburban areas. Prompted by over 800 complaints regarding noise and inhumane conditions like tethering, the new rules set maximum limits based on lot size and include a registration process for legitimate hobbyists. Music Festival Agreement: The Board approved a 10-year agreement with Danny Wimmer Presents to keep major music festivals like Aftershock and Golden Sky at Discovery Park. Tourism and hotel representatives testified that these events generate millions in economic impact and significant hotel tax revenue. Military Equipment (AB 481): The Sheriff's Office, District Attorney, Probation, and Park Rangers presented their annual military equipment reports. The Sheriff's Office requested authorization to eventually replace its 2008 Bearcat armored vehicle, which has reached the end of its 20-year lifespan. Public Meeting Disruptions: In compliance with SB 707, the Board adopted new procedures for handling service disruptions during remote public participation, including a mandatory one-hour minimum recess if the telephonic or audio-visual systems fail. Administrative and Closing Matters The Board approved several consent items, including a $10 million amendment for architectural services at the Sacramento International Airport due to unforeseen underground conditions and FAA line-of-sight issues. The meeting concluded with a reminder of the county's illegal fireworks campaign, featuring increased fees and a 311 reporting system, and an adjournment in honor of Joaquin Razzo, a dedicated community volunteer and singer.  

What does support really mean for caregivers? In this episode, Lauren sits down with Emily Killian, a PhD candidate in Community and Behavioral Health at the University of Iowa, to discuss her research on caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Emily shares how her interest in aging and caregiving led her to study social support networks, particularly among caregivers in rural communities. The conversation explores the realities of caregiving, the unique challenges faced by rural families, and why traditional measures of social support may not fully capture caregivers' experiences. Emily also explains how researchers use cognitive interviewing to improve survey tools and ensure that the voices of caregivers are reflected in public health research. Whether you have experience caring for a loved one, work in healthcare, or are simply interested in how research shapes public health programs and policy, this episode offers valuable insights into the importance of listening to the people most affected by the issues we study. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-supporting-rural-dementia-caregivers/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks. #publichealth #healthcare #communityhealth #behavioralhealth #caregivers #dementia #alzheimersdisease #research #support #iowacity

On Friday, May 08, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the "NYS Asian American and Pacific Islander Summit AI For All" at Albany Empire State Plaza. The New York State AAPI Summit is an annual landmark legislative event uniting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) legislators, community organizations, advocates, and activists from across New York. In this labor segment, part two of two, Willie had a chance to interview one of the participants, Dr. Henry Zhu, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Brooklyn, NY. He is the founder of the private practice  Mind-Body Wellness and also practices as part of the clinician team at Behavioral Health of New York (BHNY).

On Friday, May 08, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the "NYS Asian American and Pacific Islander Summit AI For All" at Albany Empire State Plaza. The New York State AAPI Summit is an annual landmark legislative event uniting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) legislators, community organizations, advocates, and activists from across New York. In this labor segment, part one of two, Willie had a chance to interview one of the participants, Dr. Henry Zhu, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Brooklyn, NY. He is the founder of the private practice  Mind-Body Wellness and also practices as part of the clinician team at Behavioral Health of New York (BHNY).

How does a program built around relationships, adventure, and the outdoors evolve over ten years while staying true to its mission? In this episode, Will sits down with Foster Post, co-founder of Confluence Behavioral Health, as the Vermont-based program celebrates its 10th anniversary. Foster shares his journey into outdoor mental health treatment and reflects on the lessons learned from building a small, owner-operated program during a time of unprecedented change. From its early years featuring multi-day wilderness expeditions to its current model serving young adults through residential treatment, adventure-based programming, and community engagement, Confluence has continually adapted while staying true to its core belief in the healing power of relationships and the outdoors. Foster and Will also explore the changing needs of young adults, including rising anxiety, social isolation, self-doubt, and the impact of technology on mental health. Together, they discuss how outdoor behavioral healthcare is evolving, why community and experiential learning remain essential for growth, and what the future may hold for nature-based treatment programs. This conversation offers valuable insights for parents, clinicians, educational consultants, and anyone interested in young adult mental health, outdoor therapy, and the future of behavioral healthcare. This podcast is supported by White Mountain Adventure Institute (wmai.org), offering adventure inspired retreats and coaching facilitated by Will White.

Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Michelle Stuercke, RN, MSN, DNP, MPA, LNHA, QCP, chief clinical officer with TCM consulting and management, discuss how to manage behavioral health issues in the nursing home.

In today's episode, we sit down with Dr. Rachel Pappert Docekal to explore the neuroscience, social influences, and behavioral patterns driving addiction in today's world. As the CEO of Hanley Foundation, Dr. Docekal is leading efforts to prevent substance misuse through education, advocacy, treatment access, and recovery support.  Join us as Dr. Docekal shares her vision for addressing addiction at its roots and explains why prevention may be one of the most powerful tools we have in combating substance use disorders… Hit play to find out: How addiction affects the brain and influences human behavior. Why prevention and early intervention are critical in reducing substance abuse. The ways that social media can contribute to addiction trends today. How loneliness, technology, and modern lifestyles may increase vulnerability to addiction. Dr. Docekal holds a Bachelor of Arts from Chatham College, a Master of Business Administration from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh, and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. In addition to her role at Hanley Foundation, she founded the Lyrae Group, a consulting firm focused on philanthropy, where she served as Managing Director until 2023.  Connect with Dr. Docekal: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn X Hanley Foundation Website

Dive into Episode #170 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Dr. Kalim Wigfall, a veteran of the U. S. Coast Guard and behavioral health expert, who is the founder of the American Board for First Responder Behavioral Health. Psychosocial hazards may be perceived or experienced differently by individuals, but they originate in fully controllable organizational conditions: workload design, leadership behavior, communication patterns, staffing models, operational tempo, and cultural norms. These are system variables, not personal traits. System variables require system controls. The goal of FRBH is to establish national standards for first responder behavioral health systems and to establish a system to accredit organizations to address the behavioral, emotional, and mental health of their members.

Send us Fan MailWhat if the tools patients use between therapy sessions mattered more than the sessions themselves?In this clip from our episode “Fixing the Access Crisis In Mental Health”, host John Driscoll and Mark Frank, Co-Founder and CEO of SonderMind, break down how a fully integrated platform combining 80 digital interventions with an AI coach is producing outcomes up to 275% better than traditional therapy alone.Listen to the full episode here

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Brian Oss, Head of Solutioning at Calm, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of workforce health literacy, behavioral health, and digital mental health solutions.Calm is a leading mental health company on a mission to support everyone on every step of their mental health journey. Our flagship consumer app - ranked #1 in its category with over 180 million downloads and available in seven languages across nearly 190 countries - helps people sleep better, stress less, and live more mindfully through content and tools from experts and beloved celebrity voices.Since their launch, they've expanded their offerings with Calm Sleep, an app providing deeper, personalized sleep support, and Calm Health, an evidence-based digital solution offered through employers, health plans, and providers to expand access, boost benefits engagement, and drive positive health outcomes.Today, Calm supports more than 3,500 organizations and reaches over 26 million covered lives through Calm Health.Brian leads solutioning to address some of the toughest challenges in behavioral health.Brian and Seth discuss:Career Paths Are Not Linear: Both Brian and Seth highlight the importance - and inevitability - of nontraditional career journeys in health and wellness leadership.Cost and Access as Top Challenges: Controlling costs while increasing access to mental and behavioral health care remains a leading concern for employers and health plans.Digital Content as a Scalable Solution: For roughly 75% of a given population, high-quality digital content can be a first line of support, offering tools for episodic needs and keeping people out of higher-acuity care.Data-Driven Personalization: Calm Health leverages PHQ and GAD scores to curate programs tailored to each user's unique needs, including specialized tracks for those with chronic conditions like diabetes.Clinical Expertise Meets Engaging Delivery: Calm collaborates with top psychologists to create evidence-based programs, then crafts them into highly engaging audio-visual experiences featuring trusted voices.Proof of Outcomes: A recent payer-led study of 70,000 users showed significant reductions in anxiety and depression scores - demonstrating that digital tools can make a real impact.Health Literacy = Access + Navigation: True health literacy goes beyond reading level - it includes providing clear pathways and referrals to the right care, tailored to each user's situation and acuity.Supporting the Full Continuum: Calm Health's offerings help users at every point in the journey, from “green” users needing only light support to those who require referral to therapy or crisis services.Cautious Approach to AI: While Calm Health utilizes AI to help users articulate their goals, they are conservative about using AI for actual clinical care - mindful of both ethical concerns and payer requirements.Brian closes with a reminder of the human side of mental health - urging listeners to check in, offer a smile, and truly see one another, as small moments of connection can be transformative.Discover how digital innovation and compassionate leadership are reshaping mental health support in the workplace - one small step, and one smile, at a time.Learn About EdLogicsWant to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.Get Seth's BookCheck out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

Dr. Julie Radlauer joins Something For Everybody this week. Dr. Julie is a leading expert in behavioral health, international keynote speaker, founder of Collectively, a TEDx speaker, and a best-selling author of CONNECT.  Dr. Julie shares her perspectives on mental health, resilience, social influences, and how to build a supportive community. She discusses practical tools for improving mental well-being, the importance of authenticity, and how young people can navigate life's challenges with confidence. -

Most people don't fear change itself — they fear the moment before they know if they're going to be okay. And according to Dr. Jimmie Williamson, that gap between uncertainty and clarity is where organizations either hold their people together or quietly lose them. In this episode of Your Health University, Jamie sits down with Dr. Jimmie Williamson, Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Your Health, in the middle of a real organizational merger — making this conversation as timely and personal as it gets. Dr. Williamson draws on decades of clinical experience, behavioral health expertise, and his own career pivots (including leaving a 28-year career to step into healthcare) to walk us through what change actually does to the human brain and body — and what it takes to move through it well. Key topics include: Why even positive change triggers a physiological threat response — and what science says is actually happening in your brain The five stages of change people move through (shock, resistance, exploration, and beyond) and why getting stuck isn't a character flaw Dr. David Rock's SCARF model — the five psychological domains (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness) that determine whether people feel safe or threatened during transitions What leaders most commonly get wrong when communicating change — and the one mistake that always creates a narrative vacuum Why insecurity in leadership is more dangerous than the change itself The one self-care practice you can start today if you're feeling the weight of uncertainty Change is positive. It is good. And it is inevitable. This episode will help you believe that — and act like it. www.YourHealth.Org

Behavioral Health is Under Pressure, and Healthtech is Here to Help On this episode of In Practice, Dr. Robert Murry, chief medical officer at NextGen Healthcare, is joined by Javier Favela, vice president of market and segment strategy at NextGen Healthcare, and Erin Paige, solutions engineer at NextGen Healthcare and a licensed associate counselor, for a timely conversation on the pressures facing behavioral health organizations today. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

In this episode, Melissa Brule, Director of Behavioral Health and Specialty Services at Elliot Health System, shares how her team transformed outpatient behavioral health access through a “no wrong door” intake model, rapid clinical assessments, and patient navigation support. She discusses the importance of matching patients to the right level of care, reducing barriers to treatment, and building a more coordinated, patient-centered behavioral health experience.

Send us Fan MailMore than 160 million Americans live in federally designated mental health provider shortage areas. Even those with insurance often spend months searching for a therapist who takes their plan and has availability.Mark Frank, Co-Founder and CEO of SonderMind, joins host John Driscoll to discuss why fixing the provider infrastructure had to come before solving patient access, and how a fully integrated platform combining measurement-based care with AI-powered tools between sessions is producing outcomes up to 275% better than traditional therapy alone.

Mental health and physical health are deeply connected—but too often, care for each exists in separate systems. In this conversation, we connect with Kristin MacGregor, National Clinical Director for Integrated Behavioral Health at LifeStance, to explore how changing that dynamic can create a better experience for patients and providers alike. We unpack what integrated behavioral health (IBH) and the collaborative care model really mean—and why more healthcare systems are embracing this connected approach to care. Kristin shares how behavioral health providers, primary care clinicians, and psychiatric consultants work as one coordinated team, making it easier for patients to access support for concerns like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and everyday life stressors—often within the medical settings they already know and trust.

SummaryJoin Sean Weiss as he discusses behavioral health coding, billing, and the current challenges faced by providers with expert Sonda Kunzi. Explore topics like reimbursement issues, telehealth, and regulatory complexities in behavioral health care.Key TopicsBehavioral health reimbursement challengesTelehealth regulations and complianceImpact of COVID-19 on behavioral health services

In this episode, Omar Fattal, MD, MPH, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals, shares insights on workforce development, continuity of care, patient engagement and innovative programs designed to improve outcomes and equity for New Yorkers facing mental health and substance use challenges.

Hunter Hoover and RJ Olmstead discuss the importance of a daily spiritual practice and how to foster that in a culture and a day to day that is often counterintuitive to it.--contact@parableministries.comhttps://www.parableministries.comhttps://www.instagram.com/parable_ministries/--Music created by Chad HoffmanArtwork created by Anthony Kuenzi--About the teacher: RJ Olmstead is a central Arizonan who has set his heart to follow God's calling into academia. Using an undergrad focus on Behavioral Health and Ministry, and an M.Div. focused on Intercultural Studies and Missiology, RJ strives to engage people on their own grounds for Christ and biblical thinking through his adjunct professorship at Arizona Christian University and partnerships with parachurch ministries, such as Pickled Parables. With his wife, Camryn, the two aim to provide firm, faithful ground for their community through hospitality, biblical literacy, and higher education.-Hunter Hoover grew up in Montana and now serves the Church in Albany Oregon where he works as a youth and young adults pastor. He and his wife Ana stay busy with two kids. Hunter loves studying the Bible and communicating it in a way which encourages further exploration of others. Hunter enjoys listening and making podcasts for others to enjoy.

Send us Fan MailWe sit down with Virginia State Senator Creigh Deeds to talk about how personal loss turns into a long-term push for mental health reform that actually survives the news cycle. We focus on what legislation can change, what funding really buys, and why the mental health workforce crisis is the wall every good idea hits. • his path from rural public service to mental health advocacy after his son's diagnosis and death • why he builds a legislator-led commission so reforms do not die on a shelf • taking lawmakers into hospitals, crisis units, and schools to see gaps firsthand • expanding community mental health services statewide through budget-driven mandates • investing in long-term supportive housing as a stability tool for serious mental illness • assisted outpatient treatment limits when there are not enough clinicians to deliver care • loan forgiveness, residency expansion, and pay increases to strengthen the behavioral health workforce pipeline • handling constituent calls and the emotional weight families carry when the system fails • the mental health and criminal justice intersection, including CIT training and Marcus Alert • normalizing mental health care as health care and reducing stigma so people get help earlier If you know someone who has a story to share, tell them to contact us at why notme.world. One last thing spread the word about why not me.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

Heads up — this is Part 2 of Jamie's conversation with Jaclyn Taylor If you haven't heard Part 1 yet, go back and start there. It sets up everything we unpack today. Most healthcare teams are working hard. They're just not working together. And the patient is the one absorbing the cost. In this second half of the conversation, Jamie and Jaclyn move from the why into the how. What does it actually look like when a provider stops responding to today's schedule and starts managing an entire patient panel? How do you turn a community health worker, a pharmacist, a PT, and a social worker into one coordinated team instead of four parallel ones? And what's the difference between data that produces reports and data that produces decisions? You'll hear: Why "frequent touches" only work when they're connected — and how fragmented touches still land patients back in the hospital The quarterback model — what it actually means for a provider to own a patient's trajectory, not just their visit The shift from seeing patients to managing a population — and why most providers were never taught how Why we don't have a resource problem in healthcare — we have an orchestration opportunity How to use technology and data without drowning in either What "showing up" really means inside a system that isn't perfect yet This is the episode for anyone trying to lead change from inside a system that's still catching up. Press play. www.YourHealth.Org

In this episode, we explore the growing impact of integrated behavioral healthcare and why embedding mental health counseling into primary care settings leads to better outcomes for clients, providers, and health systems. Our guest, Dr. Nic Schmoyer-Edmiston discusses how integrated models improve access, reduce waitlists, support health equity, and ease provider burnout, while normalizing mental health as a core part of overall wellness.   For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast  The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University's Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at concept.paloaltou.edu

Parable Ministries Presents: Hebrews Part 15.-Scripture Explored: Hebrews 12:1-17-Check out our other podcasts!"Rejoice, O Beloved!"CommentariesMy Dusty Bible-Connect with Us:contact@parableministries.comParableMinistries.comParablePublishing.comInstagramTikTok-RJ Olmstead is a central Arizonan who has set his heart to follow God's calling into academia. Using an undergrad focus on Behavioral Health and Ministry, and an M.Div. focused on Intercultural Studies and Missiology, RJ strives to engage people on their own grounds for Christ and biblical thinking through his adjunct professorship at Arizona Christian University and partnerships with parachurch ministries, such as Pickled Parables. With his wife, Camryn, the two aim to provide firm, faithful ground for their community through hospitality, biblical literacy, and higher education.-Music created by Chad HoffmanArtwork created by Anthony Kuenzi-If you feel led to give to Parable Ministries, please visit: Donate

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: National Conference of State Legislators, “FY 2027 State Budget Status,” May 7, 2026, https://www.ncsl.org/fiscal/fy-2027-state-budget-status. Robert Tann, “Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs state budget, with Medicaid taking brunt of cuts to close $1 billion gap,” May 8, 2026, https://www.aspentimes.com/news/colorado-new-budget-cuts-medicaid/, The Aspen Times. Liese Klein, “Connecticut hospitals get funding boost as federal Medicaid cuts loom,” May 9, 2026, https://www.ctinsider.com/business/article/connecticut-hospitals-budget-provider-tax-medicaid-22244864.php, CT Insider. Clark Corbin, “Idaho Senate passes rewritten health and welfare budget with additional budget cuts,” March 26, 2026, https://idahocapitalsun.com/2026/03/26/idaho-senate-passes-rewritten-health-and-welfare-budget-with-additional-budget-cuts/, Idaho Capital Sun. Jason Bailey, “Budget Agreement Cuts and Freezes Funding for Most Services, Continues to Underfund Medicaid,” April 15, 2026, https://kypolicy.org/budget-agreement-cuts-and-freezes-funding-for-most-services-continues-to-underfund-medicaid/, Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. Roz Brown, “NM's Medicaid program gets state funding boost after federal cuts,” March 26, 2026, https://www.krwg.org/regional/2026-03-26/nms-medicaid-program-gets-state-funding-boost-after-federal-cuts, KRWG Public Media. Hayley DeSilva, “Layoffs, closures tracker: Providence to cut 40 positions,” May 12, 2026, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/staffing/mh-layoffs-closures-healthcare-live-updates/, Modern Healthcare. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

This episode explored mental health and behavioral health in the workplace, including the role of employers and legislators in helping people facing mental health conditions.  Our guests included Julie Hocker, assistant secretary for Disability Employment Policy at the U.S. Department of Labor, and Michigan Representative Curtis VanderWall. This discussion came during Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to take stock of how mental health issues can affect the workplace, communities, and families.  Assistant Secretary Hocker addressed the scope of the problem, noting that despite a growing need, nearly 140 million Americans live in places with a shortage of behavioral health workers. She also discussed ways the federal government, states, and employers can support workers facing mental health-related issues.  Representative VanderWall discussed legislation he sponsored to create a student mental health apprenticeship and internship program in Michigan. He explained why it was needed and his hopes for the program long-term.  Resources Apprenticeship.gov Behavioral Health at Work policy briefs, NCSL. A series of briefs that explore policies and practices related to the behavioral health workforce and ways to remove barriers to employment for people with behavioral health conditions or related disabilities. Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) Policy examples highlighted in the podcast : Wyoming SB 112 (2023) provides an employee assistance program for state employees to deliver short-term counseling, legal benefits, financial benefits counseling and work-life benefits consultations. Colorado SB 24-007 (2024) creates a behavioral health first aid training program for educators, law enforcement officers, first responders, military personnel and others. Kentucky HB 505 (2024) to set training and registration requirements for alcohol and drug peer support specialists. State Exchange on Employment & Disability (SEED) is ODEP-funded initiative that helps states and localities advance disability employment policies through technical assistance, policy expertise, research, and peer learning opportunities. Connect with SEED at info@SEEDdisabilitypolicy.org.

What if every "non-compliant" patient was actually a signal that the system isn't working for them? In this episode, Jamie sits down with Jaclyn Taylor, Clinical Strategy Director at Your Health and a nurse practitioner who started her career as a home-based provider in 2020 — thrown straight into the fire of COVID, isolated patients, and a healthcare world rewriting itself in real time. What she saw inside patients' homes — medications scattered on tables, food insecurity, missing transportation — changed how she thinks about every chart she's ever read. You'll hear: Why a nurse-first pathway gives nurse practitioners a fundamentally different lens than a medical school pathway — and why patients feel it What working across home care, telehealth, trauma, and wellness teaches you about treating the whole human, not just the diagnosis Why trauma surgery turned Jacqueline into a believer in proactive, longitudinal care — and what gets missed when we only meet patients after something has already gone wrong The two words she uses to describe what's most broken in traditional healthcare: fragmentation and misalignment How empathy stops being a poster and starts being operational — built into the design of care itself If you've ever felt invisible inside the healthcare system, or if you're the one trying to fix it, this conversation reframes the whole game. Press play. www.YourHealth.Org

Unified enterprise systems are no longer back-office upgrades in behavioral health. They are essential infrastructure for access, workforce stability, and financial resilience. In this episode, Tasneem Sanwarwalla, Director, Healthcare Presales at Workday, explains why behavioral health organizations need a unified platform that connects HR, finance, and operations in real time. She highlights how fragmented systems contribute to burnout, limit visibility, and force leaders to rely on outdated data for critical decisions. Tasneem shares how modern platforms enable better workforce planning, scenario modeling, and early detection of staff strain while aligning staffing, care delivery, and financial performance. She also discusses how AI can reduce administrative burden by automating repetitive tasks and allowing clinicians and leaders to focus more on people than paperwork. Tune in and learn how unified systems and thoughtfully applied AI can help behavioral health organizations scale access, support staff, and make better decisions. Resources: Connect with and follow Tasneem Sanwarwalla on LinkedIn. Learn more about Workday on LinkedIn and explore their website here.

In this episode, Ben Johnson, Director of Behavioral Health Provider Practices and Operations at Lakeland Regional Health-Florida, discusses how to standardize operational infrastructure without compromising clinical care. He also shares insights on leveraging technology, reducing administrative burden, and improving continuity across the behavioral health continuum.