Bridging the Perception Gap: What Veterans Want in Behavioral Healthcare with John Boerstler, Head of Public Sector at Ipsos Public Affairs

Normalizing mental health support is essential to expanding access for veterans and their families. In this episode, John Boerstler, Head of Public Sector at Ipsos Public Affairs, discusses the unique challenges veterans face in accessing behavioral health support and the critical need to reduce the stigma surrounding care-seeking. Drawing on his own military service and career across government, nonprofit, and private sectors, he emphasizes how cultural competency, community engagement, and innovative program design can strengthen pathways to care. He highlights initiatives such as National Buddy Check Week, proactive crisis-detection systems, and partnerships that connect veterans to vital services, including housing, employment, and legal aid. He also notes survey data showing that many veterans wait until crisis points to seek help. Finally, John reflects on how technology, combined with human-centered strategies and continuous veteran input, can help identify early warning signs, empower providers, and ensure that no veteran is left behind. Tune in and learn how innovation, empathy, and collaboration can transform veteran behavioral health care! Resources: Connect with and follow John Boerstler on LinkedIn. Follow Ipsos in the US on LinkedIn and explore their website. Learn more about the Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning on their website.