Financing Strategies for Improving Youth Mental Health Services.: RAND's Alex Dopp

Alex Dopp is an implementation scientist and child clinical psychologist who studies the use of research evidence and related policy implications for improving youth mental health services. Alex shares how his unique dual expertise in mental health and economic evaluation helps unlock the real-world value of evidence-based interventions for adolescents. We break down: The often-overlooked role of financing strategies—like targeted reimbursements and supplemental funding—for scaling effective youth programs How federal and state funding decisions influence the adoption of evidence-based practices, with real-world case studies The importance of defining “evidence-based” in community-driven ways, honoring local expertise and cultural relevance The stark disparity between mental health and substance use services in schools, and why stigma and legal barriers hinder progress Practical tips for policymakers and system leaders to better support sustainable, impactful adolescent mental health initiatives If you’re an advocate, policymaker, or leader seeking to transform youth mental health services, this episode is your insider’s guide to making smarter investments that truly reach the kids who need it most.Links to the studies Alex mentioned in the podcast:  Optimizing Federal Grants to Scale Up Evidence-Based Practices in Health and Social Services Aligning Policy to Support the Use of Evidence-Based Practices Equitably and at Scale in Youth Substance Use Services