Becker's Healthcare Behavioral Health

In this episode, Carl Hoopes, MS, MBA, EVP, Chief Operating Officer, GRAND Mental Health, discusses redesigning behavioral health workflows, leveraging AI and telehealth technology to reduce clinician burnout, and expanding access through new pharmacy and telepsychiatry initiatives.

In this episode, Kellan Tittle, MBA, Chief Financial Officer, People Incorporated Mental Health Services, discusses the shift from access to outcomes, workforce challenges, and how AI is improving documentation and efficiency. He also shares how integrated care models and disciplined growth strategies are shaping the future of nonprofit mental health services.

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.

In this episode, Georgia Gaveras, DO, Co-Founder & CMO, Talkiatry, explores the critical link between menopause and mental health and why siloed care leads to worse outcomes. She highlights the need for integrated, whole person approaches and expanded access to specialized psychiatric care for women navigating this stage of life.This episode is sponsored by Talkiatry.

In this episode, Sandeep Acharya, CEO & Founder, Octave, shares how outdated infrastructure, fragmented systems, and ghost networks create barriers to mental health access and how smarter matching and integrated platforms can connect patients to care faster. He also explores the role of collaboration, data, and accountability in rebuilding trust and improving outcomes across behavioral health. WiseMatch by Octave is a proprietary technology platform that prioritizes the patient experience through seamless directory integration between health plans, provider groups, and independent clinicians. This technology enables real-time matching and booking to help members find the right in-network therapist without ever leaving their insurance company’s directory.This episode is sponsored by Octave.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring Behavioral Health Summit features Ken Powers, MSW, LICSW, ACSW, BCD, Director of Behavioral Health Services/Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, E. A. Hawse Health Center & Johnathan Lyon, MSW, LICSW, Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services, E. A. Hawse Health Center, who share how ambient AI is reducing documentation burden, improving clinician capacity, and enhancing patient care.This episode is sponsored by Heidi.

In this episode, Kristen Ford, General Manager of the Employer Division, Carelon Behavioral Health, discusses how employers are transforming mental health support into a proactive, integrated strategy and shares practical ways to drive engagement, align leadership, and improve workforce outcomes. This episode is sponsored by Carelon Behavioral Health.

In this episode, Shana Palmieri, LCSW, Co-Founder of XFERALL, discusses how emergency departments, case management teams, community providers, and behavioral health intake teams can be connected in real time to reduce ED boarding and improve patient flow. She explores how AI-enabled intake technology helps intake departments manage high volumes of referrals more accurately and efficiently—reducing administrative burden, supporting clinicians in operating at the top of their license, and improving access to timely behavioral health care across the U.S.This episode is sponsored by XFERALL.

In this episode Dr. Edisa Shirley, Chief Growth Officer at ClinicMind, shares how health systems can move beyond expansion to truly scalable behavioral health models by strengthening governance, access, and operational infrastructure. She highlights the shift toward hybrid care and why sustainable growth depends on integrated systems, disciplined operations, and measurable outcomes.This episode is sponsored by ClinicMind.

In this episode, Stephen Merz, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Sheppard Pratt Solutions, shares how partnering with health systems to integrate behavioral and physical care, improve access, and strengthen financial sustainability can help communities expand much needed mental health services nationwide.

In this episode, Carl Hoopes, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of GRAND Mental Health, discusses expanding access to care for 18,000 Oklahomans through telepsychiatry, crisis services, and community partnerships. He shares how lean operations, AI tools, and EHR modernization are helping standardize the client experience and support sustainable growth across new regions and care settings.

In this episode, Allie Friesen, Founder and Principal of AF Impact, shares why today’s behavioral health challenges are rooted in system design rather than effort alone. Drawing on experience across clinical care, health system leadership, and state government, she outlines how clearer ownership, aligned incentives, and structural coherence are essential to stabilizing and scaling behavioral health delivery.

In this episode, Dr. Glen Rebman, Medical Director of Telepsychiatry at Lumina Care, discusses how telepsychiatry is expanding access to behavioral health services in post acute and long term care settings. He shares insights on workforce shortages, integration with primary care, and how technology can improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable patient populations.This episode is sponsored by Lumina Care.

In this episode, Omar Fattal, MD, MPH, System Chief of Behavioral Health at NYC Health + Hospitals, shares how the nation’s largest municipal health system cut vacancy and turnover rates by making workforce a core strategic priority. He discusses enterprise wide recruitment, training, and retention initiatives, centralized infrastructure, and why investing boldly in people is essential to expanding behavioral health access across New York City.

In this episode, Kari-Beth Law, MD, Associate Chief Medical Officer and Board Member of the West Virginia University Health System, Professor of Adult, Child/Adolescent and Forensic Psychiatry, Vice Chair of Clinical Services, and Director of Telepsychiatry for the WVU School of Medicine Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, discusses how telepsychiatry has transformed access to behavioral health care across rural West Virginia.

In this episode, J.R. Greene, Founder and Chairman of Psychiatric Medical Care, shares how his organization is expanding access to behavioral health services across rural and urban communities through innovative care models, telehealth, and hospital partnerships. He also discusses workforce alignment, sustainable program design, and the leadership principles needed to scale behavioral health without relying solely on grant funding.

In this episode, Jill Wiedemann-West, CEO of People Incorporated Mental Health Services, discusses how the organization is connecting strategy, growth, and data to strengthen care for 13,000 Minnesotans. She shares insights on building organizational agility, leveraging social determinants data, and creating a community-focused system of mental health services.

In this episode, John Meier, CEO of Aurora Charter Oak Behavioral Health Hospital, discusses his career path, key trends shaping behavioral health, and the impact of new California nursing staffing ratios. He also shares leadership lessons, optimism for expanded access to care, and what it takes to lead through rapid change.

In this episode, Shannon Werb, CEO of Array Behavioral Care, discusses how an employed clinical workforce, interoperable technology, and evidence based care pathways are helping health systems deliver consistent, high quality behavioral health services. He shares lessons on integration, scalability, and why measurement based care is becoming an operational standard rather than a nice to have.

In this episode, Joseph Lee, MD, President and CEO of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, discusses the growing crisis among young people, exploring the links between trauma, isolation, mental health, and substance use, and why integrated, community centered treatment is critical for lasting recovery.

In this episode, Dr. Obianuju Berry, Medical Director of Domestic Violence Programs at NYC Health + Hospitals Office of Behavioral Health, discusses the urgent need for integrated, trauma-informed mental healthcare for pregnant and postpartum individuals, children, and families. She shares how prevention focused models, early intervention, and care delivered in non traditional community settings can reduce disparities, strengthen families, and improve long term outcomes across New York City.

In this episode, Bernard R. Jones, Vice President, MGB Behavioral & Mental Health, Mass General Brigham; Vice President, MGB Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, McLean Hospital, Brigham & Women’s Faulkner Hospital, discusses his dual leadership roles across Mass General Brigham and the system’s work to integrate psychiatric services, expand innovative treatments, and improve both patient and provider experience.

On this episode, Adam Williams, VP of Payer Operations and Strategy at Tava Health, joins the podcast to discuss why mental health care must remain at the center of organizational strategyrula, the realities of provider burnout, and how leaders can better support clinicians in high-pressure environments. He also shares where he sees the greatest opportunities for growth in the future—from innovative care models to more sustainable approaches that strengthen access and outcomes.

In this episode, Sri Velamoor, President and COO of NextGen Healthcare, shares how seven efficiency levers are helping practices improve performance, with a special focus on behavioral health, technology adoption, and strategies for long-term sustainability.This episode is sponsored by NextGen Healthcare.

In this episode, Mandy Fauble, PhD, LCSW, Vice President of Operations at UPMC Western Behavioral Health, discusses workforce transformation, community partnerships, and the role of technology in expanding access and improving behavioral health services.

Dr. Matthew Hurford and Dr. Michael Lynch join the Becker’s Behavioral Health Podcast to discuss UPMC’s investments in behavioral health, from neighborhood centers addressing social needs to expanded inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth services. They share lessons on building integrated networks of care, advancing recovery efforts, and reducing stigma during National Recovery Month.

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Chaudhary and Dr. Jeffrey Hite of Carelon Behavioral Health discuss innovative approaches to suicide prevention, the role of predictive modeling in identifying at-risk individuals, and how 988 and crisis response systems are shaping the future of mental health care.This episode is sponsored by Carelon Behavioral Health.

This episode features Dr. Dan Schatz, Medical Director of Addiction Services at NYC Health + Hospitals, discussing how the city’s largest public health system provides comprehensive, low-threshold addiction care. Dr. Schatz shares strategies to reduce stigma, support recovery, and train staff to deliver trauma-informed, patient-centered care.

n this episode, Dr. Tracy Mullare discusses the rising rates of adolescent ADHD diagnoses, the challenges families face in accessing timely care, and how telepsychiatry can close critical gaps in treatment. She shares insights on improving access, reducing wait times, and supporting long-term outcomes for young patients.This episode is sposored by Iris Telehealth.

In this episode, Dr. Fasal Tai, CEO of PsychPlus, shares his journey from psychiatry residency to building a nationwide mental health platform focused on technology, access, and outcomes. He discusses how PsychPlus is addressing the mental health crisis through same-day care, predictive AI, and a value-based model designed to reduce suicide and improve whole-person wellness.This episode is sponsored by PsychPlus.

This episode features Dr. Karin Price, Chief of Psychology at Texas Children’s Hospital, who shares how the hospital is responding to the recent Central Texas floods by supporting employees, patients, and the broader community. She highlights strategies for behavioral recovery, emergency preparedness, and the importance of long-term trauma care and community resilience.

In this episode, Dorinda Mueller, CEO of Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health, shares how her clinical background and leadership are shaping innovative strategies in mental health care. She discusses the promise and challenges of AI integration, the growing need for youth-focused services, and the importance of workforce investment to drive quality outcomes.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 2025 Behavioral Health Summit features Susannah Feinstein, Product Manager for Behavioral Health, Amwell. Susannah shares how Amwell is helping expand access to high-quality mental health care through integrated virtual solutions that support patients and providers alike in an era of workforce shortages and growing demand.This episode is sponsored by Amwell.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 2025 Behavioral Health Summit features Steve Biljan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of evolvedMD, a national leader in Collaborative Care. Mr. Biljan shares how evolvedMD’s enhanced Collaborative Care model is expanding access to transformational mental health services. Delivering care that is embedded on-site and integrated in primary care, learn how one of America’s fastest growing behavioral health companies is both improving clinical outcomes and reducing total cost of care.This episode is sponsored by evolvedMD.

This episode features Leah Blackwell, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, and Eric Clay, VP of Security for Memorial Hermann Health System. They share how clinical and security teams are partnering to address workplace violence, implement proactive safety strategies, and build a culture of support and respect for healthcare workers.

In this episode, Erica Carbajal speaks with Kevin Isaacs, Founder and President of Tribunus Health, about the urgent need for more equitable behavioral health reimbursement. Kevin shares how personal experiences shaped his mission to help providers negotiate sustainable payer contracts. He also dives into the power of data, price transparency, and strategic partnerships to level the playing field for independent behavioral health organizations.  This Episode is sponsored by Tribunus Health.

Chris Beamish, Service Line Executive for Mental Health and Addiction at Fairview Health Services, joins the podcast to share his personal journey into the mental health field and the inspiration behind his work. He discusses the current challenges facing mental health care, particularly around access to services, and highlights how Fairview Health is working to deliver top-tier support and treatment to patients in crisis.

In this episode, Aimee McCann, CEO and Founder of Banyan Mental Health Solutions, shares her vision for trauma-focused, research-driven mental health care. She discusses the gaps in access, challenges of traditional treatment models, and her mission to create innovative, insurance-accessible care for underserved populations.

In this episode, Caroline Carney, President of Behavioral Health and CMO at Magellan Health, discusses integrating behavioral and physical health, addressing social determinants, and expanding access through value-based and collaborative care models. She shares strategic insights on improving outcomes while navigating industry headwinds.

In this episode, Kristen Kichefski, Chief Nursing Officer at Bradley Hospital, shares how her team is addressing the psychiatric nursing shortage, strengthening workforce safety, and creating innovative career pipelines to support behavioral health across the Brown University Health System.

 In this episode, Dr. Priyanka, Chief Medical Officer at Mindpath Health, joins Rylee Wilson to discuss the organization's push to improve mental health access, invest in clinician well-being, and leverage technology to ease the patient journey and support specialty care

In this episode, Rylee Wilson speaks with Dr. James O’Dea and Dr. J. Craig Allen of Hartford HealthCare about the future of behavioral health and addiction medicine. They discuss the critical importance of access to care, strategies for keeping patients engaged in treatment, and the latest advancements in addiction medicine, including new technologies and value-based care approaches.

In this episode, Tammer Attallah, Executive Clinical Director of the Behavioral Health Program at Intermountain Health, shares insights on improving access to behavioral health services, reducing emergency department strain, and leveraging AI to enhance clinical decision-making and reduce provider burnout.

In this episode, Thomas Otten, Vice President of Avera Behavioral Health Services, discusses Avera’s innovative approach to behavioral health, including the expansion of inpatient services, the launch of an urgent care model, and future initiatives like psychiatric residential treatment for adolescents.

In this episode, Dr. Manish Sapra, Executive Director of the Behavioral Health Service Line at Northwell Health, discusses innovative strategies to improve access to mental health care. From digital therapeutics to integrated care models and AI-driven solutions, Dr. Sapra shares how Northwell is addressing the growing demand for behavioral health services.

Dr. Scott Zeller, VP of Psychiatry at Vituity, joins Becker’s Healthcare to discuss the growing behavioral health crisis in emergency departments, the systemic challenges hospitals face, and the innovative care models reshaping psychiatric care delivery.This episode is sponsored by Vituity.

In this episode, Kelsey Smith, Senior Director of Care Management and Behavioral Health Services at Providence Swedish, and Jenni O'Donnell, Senior Medical Director of Behavioral Health Integration at Swedish Medical Group, discuss the critical importance of caregiver well-being. They explore the impact of burnout, innovative support programs, and the future of well-being initiatives aimed at fostering resilience and retention in healthcare.

Natalie Schneider, Founding CEO of Fort Health, discusses the mental health challenges children face post-COVID and how collaborative care models are addressing these issues. She highlights the integration of psychiatry with pediatric care, ensuring that pediatricians remain at the center of a child’s mental health journey. Schneider also shares Fort Health’s unique approach—graduating children from therapy once they’ve met their goals, promoting long-term well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Colby Newsome, Director of Behavioral Health Pharmacy at Appalachian Regional Healthcare, discusses emerging opportunities in behavioral health, including long-acting injectables, substance use disorder treatment, and pharmacogenomics. He shares insights on improving medication adherence, expanding access to evidence-based treatments, and the future of psychedelic science in mental health care.

In this episode, Matt Brown, Chief Administration Officer and President at ARC Healthcare, discusses how ARC is transforming behavioral health and addiction recovery services. He shares insights on expanding telehealth, aligning outcome measures, and ensuring quality care in Kentucky’s evolving healthcare landscape.