Addressing the psychological side of workplace injuries can reduce recovery time by up to 70%, transforming outcomes for both workers and employers.

In this episode, Joe Holtschlag, CEO of Ascellus Behavioral Health, and Liam Donohue, Founder and Managing Partner at .406 Ventures, explore how mental healthcare is transforming the workers’ compensation system and why this evolving market brings both challenges and opportunities. Joe traces the system’s evolution from its 1911 origins to today’s inclusion of mental health injuries, noting that 31 states now allow standalone psychological claims. He explains how Ascellus coordinates clinicians, claims adjusters, and employers to build an infrastructure that prioritizes care while ensuring timely return-to-work outcomes, achieving 88% returns within 8–12 therapy sessions. Liam adds an investor’s view, comparing this outcome-based model to AbleTo and emphasizing the double ROI of behavioral health, improving both human and financial results through technology, evidence-based therapy, and strategic partnerships.

Tune in and learn how innovation and empathy are redefining recovery in the workplace!

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Live, facilitated groups that confront loneliness head-on are a powerful and scalable lever for real behavior change.

In this episode, co-founders of Keep Company, Adrienne Prentice (CEO) and Claudia Naim-Burt (COO), share how synchronous, human-to-human groups outperform message boards and self-guided programs by dissolving shame, fostering accountability, and improving outcomes like retention and sustainable performance. They describe these groups as a “third space” between casual support and one-to-one therapy, supported by step-up and step-down pathways and referrals when clinical care is needed. To balance intimacy with scale, they highlight their patented gathering technology, 60-factor whole-person matching, and a closed-loop platform that manages registration, introductions, facilitation, and insights. Drawing on evidence across areas such as caregiving, chronic illness, and weight management, they emphasize that while AI can enhance logistics and quality, genuine human connection, and even healthy friction, it remains essential for resilience and long-term well-being.

Tune in and learn how to design connection-first, scalable group care that retains its human core!

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The next decade of mental health innovation won’t be defined by who builds the best product, but by who anticipates the policy pathways that bring it to scale.

In this episode, Kacie Kelly, Chief Innovation Officer at Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, explores how behavioral health startups can bridge the gap between early traction and national scalability by viewing policy as a strategic growth tool rather than merely a compliance requirement. She reflects on a recent Washington, DC, event that united over 60 tech and policy leaders to tackle barriers to scaling tech-enabled, measurement-informed care. The discussion spanned topics such as AI in mental health, workforce trust in technology, and the importance of constructive dialogue between innovators and policymakers. Kacie highlights that policy determines who pays for what, when, and how, urging founders to build reimbursement strategies early and leverage programs like HeadsUp to navigate policy landscapes and accelerate growth through federal initiatives.

Tune in and learn how policy foresight can become your most powerful innovation advantage!

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Thanks for tuning into the expanding access podcast. Ready to take your knowledge, network, and experience to the next level? Then join us at the BHT Conference in San Diego on November 11-13. Join thought leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and payers focused on expanding access and improving outcomes in mental health, behavioral health, substance abuse, and IDD.
Save $100 on your registration ⁠here ⁠by using your podcast promo code “Podcast100”

In a world where life feels more complex than ever, simplicity might just be the key to better care.

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Chow, Chief Mental Health Officer, and Paula Allen, Global Leader and VP of Research, Insights, and Strategic Communications at TELUS Health, discuss how organizations can make employee well-being simpler, more personal, and more effective. They explore the global shift from crisis response to prevention and how empowered, compassionate leadership directly drives both mental health and business performance. Together, they emphasize the importance of culturally responsive, locally delivered care and measurable impact, reminding us that beyond ROI, well-being initiatives ultimately save lives.

Tune in to learn how simplifying care can strengthen connection, resilience, and results!

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AI in behavioral health demands a balanced strategy that protects consumers, enables innovation, and expands access at scale. 

In this episode, Dr. Zach Boyd, Director of Utah’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, shares how his team is creating practical guardrails for responsible AI in healthcare. He traces his path from theoretical math to social science, noting that behavioral health is the front line for AI’s impact. Early milestones include broad stakeholder surveys, privacy and advertising protections, detailed guidance for professionals, and a safe harbor to reduce regulatory uncertainty. Dr. Boyd highlights opportunities in clinical automation and consumer tools, while warning about risks like deepfakes and urging leaders to balance safety, efficacy, and access.

Tune in and learn how thoughtful policy can accelerate safer, more equitable behavioral health innovation!

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Thanks for tuning into the expanding access podcast. Ready to take your knowledge, network, and experience to the next level? Then join us at the BHT Conference in San Diego on November 11-13. Join thought leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and payers focused on expanding access and improving outcomes in mental health, behavioral health, substance abuse, and IDD.
Save $100 on your registration ⁠here ⁠by using your podcast promo code “Podcast100”

The future of mental health care lies in integrating self-care, personalization, and technology to meet people where they are.

In this episode, Clayton Nicholas, Chief Commercial Officer at CredibleMind, discusses the urgent need to reimagine the intersection of mental and physical healthcare by focusing on prevention, accessibility, and personalization. He explains that the traditional, reactive, and clinician-limited model has left millions underserved and introduces the stepped care approach, where digital self-care tools form a foundational “step zero.” Clayton describes how digital front doors can simplify access, reduce stigma, and guide people toward the right level of support, helping to shorten waitlists and ease pressure on the system. He concludes by highlighting how data-driven insights and AI can personalize care, strengthen empathy and engagement, and enable earlier, more effective interventions at scale.

Tune in and learn how digital innovation is reshaping behavioral health by bridging access gaps and empowering self-care from the ground up!

Resources:

Thanks for tuning into the expanding access podcast. Ready to take your knowledge, network, and experience to the next level? Then join us at the BHT Conference in San Diego on November 11-13. Join thought leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and payers focused on expanding access and improving outcomes in mental health, behavioral health, substance abuse, and IDD.
Save $100 on your registration ⁠here ⁠by using your podcast promo code “Podcast100”

Normalizing mental health support is essential to expanding access for veterans and their families.

In this episode sponsored by Luminary Labs, 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:

Thanks for tuning into the expanding access podcast. Ready to take your knowledge, network, and experience to the next level? Then join us at the BHT Conference in San Diego on November 11-13. Join thought leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and payers focused on expanding access and improving outcomes in mental health, behavioral health, substance abuse, and IDD.
Save $100 on your registration ⁠here ⁠by using your podcast promo code “Podcast100”

The warm handoff model in behavioral health has proven to dramatically increase patient retention and improve access to care in rural communities.

In this episode, Dr. Zachary McGeorge, Director of Behavioral Health at AdventHealth in Manchester, Kentucky, shares his journey into social work and the unique challenges rural hospitals face. He highlights transportation barriers and innovative strategies such as telehealth outpost clinics, mobile units that deliver care to patients’ homes, and a warm handoff approach that has driven an 88% therapy retention rate. Dr. McGeorge addresses the difficulty of recruiting and retaining providers in rural areas, stressing persistence, authenticity, and a deep emotional connection to the mission. He also talks about the value of integrated care, provider well-being, and balanced living, along with practical advice for emerging leaders on managing change and engaging stakeholders throughout reforms.

Tune in and learn how rural healthcare leaders are innovating to close gaps in behavioral health access and build stronger, more resilient communities!

Resources:

Thanks for tuning into the expanding access podcast. Ready to take your knowledge, network, and experience to the next level? Then join us at the BHT Conference in San Diego on November 11-13. Join thought leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and payers focused on expanding access and improving outcomes in mental health, behavioral health, substance abuse, and IDD.
Save $100 on your registration ⁠here ⁠by using your podcast promo code “Podcast100”

Behavioral health was left out of the digital revolution in healthcare; now a $20 million federal initiative is changing that story.

In this episode, Talisha Searcy, Senior Advisor within the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, and Kacie Kelly, Chief Innovation Officer at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, discuss the Behavioral Health Information Technology Initiative. Talisha explained that BHIT is a $20 million partnership between ASTP and SAMHSA focused on standardizing behavioral health data, advancing EHR adoption, and improving integration with physical health. Kacie highlighted that behavioral health was left out of the HITECH Act, creating long-standing gaps in infrastructure, funding, and data standards that BHIT now aims to address. Talisha emphasized the importance of interoperability and the USCDI+ for behavioral health, with pilots testing real-world data exchange and toolkits to help providers adopt these standards. Both emphasized the importance of collaboration across federal agencies to ensure alignment, as well as opportunities for innovators and the private sector to engage in shaping policies, particularly in areas such as interoperability and AI. Locally, Talisha noted how technology like telehealth is already improving access and care coordination in communities, despite workforce shortages.

Tune in to hear from national leaders on how BHIT is setting new standards, driving innovation, and opening doors for providers and innovators in the behavioral health field!

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Connect with and follow Talisha Searcy on LinkedIn.

Follow the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy on LinkedIn and visit their website. 

Connect with and follow Kacie Kelly on LinkedIn.

Follow the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute on LinkedIn and visit their website.

Learn more about the HeadsUp service here.

Thanks for tuning into the expanding access podcast. Ready to take your knowledge, network, and experience to the next level? Then join us at the BHT Conference in San Diego on November 11-13. Join thought leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and payers focused on expanding access and improving outcomes in mental health, behavioral health, substance abuse, and IDD.
Save $100 on your registration ⁠here ⁠by using your podcast promo code “Podcast100”

The strongest organizations aren’t just scaling services; they’re scaling leadership.

In this episode, Stacy DiStefano, CEO and founder of Consulting For Human Services, discusses the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit behavioral health organizations. She explains how her team supports providers with strategic planning, growth strategies, technology adoption, and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) to ensure sustainability, while highlighting why boutique consultancies often deliver more value than large firms through lived experience and community ties. Stacy also explores the real issues keeping leaders up at night, from immigration policies impacting workforce stability to uncertainty in federal priorities and the accelerating wave of nonprofit consolidations, while outlining common pitfalls in M&A such as ego, resistance, and board misalignment. Looking ahead, she stresses the need for CEOs to educate boards, prepare the next generation of leaders, integrate technology across organizations, and embrace disruption as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Tune in and learn how nonprofit leaders can future-proof their organizations through resilience, growth, and mission-driven strategy!

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