Expanding Access

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 most powerful solutions in behavioral health often come not from professionals, but from peers who’ve walked the same path.

In this episode, Arc Telos Saint Amour (they/them), Executive Director of Youth MOVE National, shares their lived experience navigating child welfare, houselessness, the justice system, and behavioral health from birth. As a queer, trans, disabled person of color, Tay reflects on how their identity and history shaped their lifelong mission to transform care for systems-impacted youth. They explain how peer support, rooted in trust, agency, and love, offers a life-saving alternative to broken institutions, and push back on narratives that blame social media, arguing it can be a vital source of safety and connection for marginalized young people. Tay also challenges widespread misunderstandings about peer support, its grassroots origins, its essential equity lens, and how it's often co-opted or commodified, offering a bold call to see youth not as problems to fix, but as people to trust, support, and uplift.

Tune in and learn what it means to truly listen to youth, challenge systems, and support healing through the power of peers!

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”

Delivering effective, modern psychiatric care demands clinical excellence, technological innovation, and a deep understanding of patient context.

In this episode, Dr. Arpan Parikh, Chief Medical Officer of SOL Mental Health, and Dr. Amit Parikh, Chief Medical Officer of Brave Health, reflect on how their upbringing, medical training, and deep family roots in psychiatry shaped their professional paths. They explore how the role of the Chief Medical Officer has evolved to include not just clinical quality, but also access, patient-centered workflows, and collaboration with payers. The brothers take a close look at the fragmentation in mental health care and emphasize the value of integrated therapy and psychiatry models, seamless patient experiences, and creating a supportive workplace for clinicians. They also discuss how virtual care can meet the needs of Medicaid populations facing barriers like housing insecurity and transportation challenges, while stressing the importance of leadership training, cultural change in the field, and careful use of technology like AI and ambient scribes to enhance patient-centered care.

Tune in and learn how two leaders are reshaping behavioral health by blending compassion, systems thinking, and clinical rigor to drive meaningful change!

Resources:

Connect with and follow Arpan Parikh on LinkedIn.

Follow SOL Mental Health on LinkedIn and explore their website. 

Connect with and follow Amit Parikh on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Brave Health on LinkedIn and visit their website. 

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”

Video introductions are a powerful tool to enhance the therapeutic alliance even before therapy begins. 

In this episode, Daniel Sorochkin, Founder and CEO of TakeOne, explores the challenges therapy platforms face, such as poor therapist-client matches, high dropout rates, and awkward first sessions. He explains how traditional therapist profiles often fall short, lacking the depth needed to build trust and connection. Daniel makes the case for therapist introduction videos as a powerful tool to improve retention and engagement, while also acknowledging the barriers to adoption like cost, complexity, and therapist hesitance. TakeOne solves these issues with an automated, scalable video solution, and Daniel emphasizes that despite advances in AI, genuine human connection remains central to effective therapy.

Tune in and learn how incorporating personalized video content transforms client-therapist interactions, reducing no-shows and dramatically improving client satisfaction and retention!

Resources:

Connect with and follow Daniel Sorochkin on LinkedIn.

Follow TakeOne on LinkedIn and explore their website. 

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”

Leveraging technology and AI in behavioral healthcare can bridge access gaps, enhance person-centered care, and promote health equity through innovative, community-focused solutions.

In this episode, Wes Williams, VP and Chief Information Officer at WellPower, shares insights on leveraging technology and AI to address gaps in behavioral healthcare. He discusses WellPower's commitment to health equity and community-focused solutions, emphasizing the importance of personalized care and human-centered design. Wes highlights how digital tools, like AI-driven digital scribes, can optimize workflows and deliver more tailored care to individuals. He also explores collaboration opportunities for innovative solutions to expand access to mental health services.

Tune in to discover how technology and AI are revolutionizing behavioral healthcare!



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”

Innovative technology solutions designed for behavioral health providers are transforming the way care is delivered, making it more efficient and impactful.

In this episode, Ben Lawrence, Director of Behavioral Health Clinic Operations, and Dr. Ben Kurian, Executive Medical Director of Risk Identification and Outreach, from Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), discuss the RIO program’s data-driven, multidisciplinary approach to behavioral and medical health comorbidities. They tackle the challenges of opioid management and untreated depression. Lawrence and Dr. Kurian address outreach and member engagement hurdles, exploring digital methods while adhering to privacy laws. Their active partnership with the American College of Surgeons promotes non-opioid pain management strategies, demonstrating their commitment to evolving care.

Tune in to learn how HCSC's innovative digital solutions are shaping the future of behavioral health care, improving provider engagement, and enhancing patient outcomes.

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”

Efficient, tech-driven revenue cycle management is key to scaling behavioral health services and sustaining financial stability amid rising mental health care demand.

In this episode, Chris Powell, CEO of Prosperity Behavioral Health, explains the pivotal role of financial infrastructure in the expanding field of behavioral healthcare. He discusses how revenue cycle management addresses the growing demand for mental health services. Chris highlights topics ranging from streamlining financial operations to leveraging technology and AI. He also highlights strategies for enhancing care access while supporting the operational growth of behavioral health organizations.

Tune in to discover how simplifying financial operations and embracing technology are transforming behavioral healthcare access.

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”

Creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals requires addressing stigma, fostering disclosure, and providing tailored solutions to support employees and their families.

In this episode, Melissa Danielsen, CEO at Joshin, shares her journey of creating solutions to support neurodivergent individuals and their families in navigating fragmented systems and how her company aims to bridge these gaps. She explores the prevalence of neurodivergence in workplaces and the stigma surrounding disclosure. Melissa mentions the innovative outcomes achieved through coaching and navigation support services. She calls for increased awareness and specialized workplace solutions to foster inclusive environments.

Tune in to learn how these innovative solutions are transforming support for neurodivergent individuals and reshaping workplaces for inclusivity!

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”

Mental health startups targeting employers need to understand employer challenges, build relationships, and innovate to make care accessible, affordable, and integrated.

In this episode, Ryan Koo, Employee Benefits Consultant at Marsh McLennan Agency, talks about critical challenges and opportunities in the mental health landscape. Ryan highlights actionable insights for startups aiming to succeed in employer markets. He discusses the vital role of community and relationships in the healthcare ecosystem. Ryan also discusses emerging trends like integrated mental health solutions addressing acute and chronic needs.

Tune in to discover how to bridge gaps in mental health care, foster innovation, and navigate the complex employer ecosystem with actionable strategies and expert insights!

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”

Innovative partnerships and culturally tailored approaches are essential to expanding access to behavioral health services and addressing critical gaps in care.

In this episode, Luis Suarez, CEO of Sanarai, and Stella Tran, Senior Program Investment Officer of the California Health Care Foundation, talk about the importance of building trust and leveraging cultural competence. Luis shares how his organization provides culturally relevant mental health services for Spanish-speaking communities, addressing a critical gap in access. Stella discusses how her foundation uses innovation as a lever to improve care quality and access for low-income populations.

Tune in to discover how innovation and cultural competence are transforming behavioral health access for underserved communities!

Innovative solutions and heartfelt experiences are driving significant changes in mental health care.

In this episode of the Expanding Access podcast, Tina Keshani, co-founder and CEO of Seven Starling, highlights the urgent need for addressing maternal mental health. 1 in 5 women experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, which are often underreported and untreated. Tina shares that Seven Starling’s specialized care tailored specifically for women features specialized therapists, groups for shared experiences, and partnerships with OB/GYNs for seamless referrals.

Tune in to explore how Seven Starling's personal experiences and innovative technology are shaping the future of maternal mental healthcare!

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”