S4E2: How New York Is Building Mental Health Around People’s Lives

Caring for your mental health isn’t just about treatment. It’s about living a full life.This is how the New York State Office of Mental Health is rethinking how we handle mental health—by centering recovery, resilience, and the whole person—not just a diagnosis. The office’s Chief Recovery and Resilience Officer Julie Burton explains what recovery in the context of mental health looks like practice, why thriving—not just surviving—matters, and how empathy, choice, and community connection shape better mental health outcomes. We also explore mental health workforce challenges and how supporting them is essential to effective care. As the new year begins, this episode offers a timely reminder that recovery happens not only in clinics, but in communities and everyday human connection.Julie Burton is the first chief recovery and resilience officer at the New York State Office of Mental Health. She has over 30 years of experience in both community-based direct care for individuals and families, focusing on training and education and implementing programs to help people in care move toward full recovery. She previously served as her office’s director of adult services. More Links and Information  Check out more Fors Marsh Media  Connect or partner with Fors Marsh Explore Community Oriented Recovery and Empowerment (CORE) services Learn more about the New York Office of Mental Health