Ep. 145 Scaling Mental Health Care Through Integrated Hospital and Outpatient Models

Show Notes:In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Clayton Swalstad, President of Integrated Psych Solutions, to explore how purpose-driven leadership and operational strategy can transform mental health care delivery at scale.Clayton shares his unconventional journey from high school dropout to Air Force veteran, healthcare executive, and mental health advocate. He explains how Integrated Psych Solutions evolved from a small inpatient psychology service into a multi-state organization providing acute, outpatient, tele-mental health, school-based services, and correctional facility support across Georgia and Florida.The conversation dives deep into what differentiates their integrated care model, including embedding therapists directly into hospital settings, extending care beyond discharge, and addressing underserved populations through partnerships with hospitals, FQHCs, schools, and county jail systems.Clayton also discusses the realities of scaling a healthcare organization, navigating staffing challenges post-pandemic, building payer and hospital relationships, securing sustainable funding, and preventing clinician burnout through intentional culture and leadership.This episode highlights how mission, systems, and strategic growth can coexist while making a measurable impact on mental health outcomes for patients, families, and communities.Bio:Clayton Swalstad joined Integrated Psych Solutions in 2021. He has 28 years of senior management experience in hospital and physician network operations.Prior to joining IPS, Clayton served in several senior inpatient medicine and operations roles with Parkview Physicians Group, Northeast Georgia Physicians Group and EmCare, Inc. and has held several executive leadership roles managing physician networks at Florida companies like Open MRI of Orlando, Medical Management Options, Inc., and PainCARE Management Services, Inc.A member of the American College of Medical Practice Executives, Clayton is a Certified Medical Practice Executive and a member of the Medical Group Managers Association, the American College of Healthcare Executives and has been recognized as a Fellow by the Society of Hospitalist Medicine. Clayton holds a Masters Degree in Management from Troy University and a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Technology from Southern Illinois University.Clayton served with distinction in the US Air Force, working on six continents while receiving multiple decorations and awards, including three Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Force Commendation Medals, an Air Force Achievement Medal, five Humanitarian Service Medals, and a National Defense Service Medal with a Bronze Star cluster for service from Viet Nam to Desert Storm.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/clayton-swalstadWebsite:  Integrated Healthcare & Mental Health Solutions | Integrated Psych SolutionsConnect with me:🎁Spotlight to Scale:   Spotlight to Scale BlueprintLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/