In this episode of Finding New Waters, we sit down with Ross Ellenhorn, Ph.D., a social psychiatrist, author, and founder of Ellenhorn—one of the most innovative community-based mental health programs in the country. Ross shares powerful insights on why traditional models of treatment often fail those in deep psychiatric distress, and how purpose, social value, and human connection play a vital role in true recovery.

From challenging the current system’s focus on diagnosis and disempowerment to unpacking how fear of hope holds people back from change, Ross offers a thought-provoking conversation that will shift how you view mental health, addiction, and healing.

• [00:00] Welcome & Introductions

• [02:00] Ross on Charleston and cultural memory

• [05:00] The Ellenhorn Model: A Community-Based Approach

• [10:00] The Problem with Readiness Models in Mental Health

• [14:00] Why Traditional Programs Can Fail

• [17:00] Risk in Recovery and the Mystery of What Works

• [22:00] Treating People as Humans, Not Diagnoses

• [26:00] Fear of Hope and Resistance to Change

• [28:00] On Play, Improvisation, and Sacred Originality

• [33:00] How to Learn More About Ross & Ellenhorn

1. The Limits of Diagnosis-Centered Care

2. Why Community-Based Support Outperforms Institutions

3. Hope as a Double-Edged Sword in Recovery

4. The Role of Improvisation and Play in Mental Wellness

5. Humanizing Treatment: Why Relationships Matter Most

Ross Ellenhorn is a social psychiatrist, founder of Ellenhorn, and author of multiple books including How We Change (and Ten Reasons Why We Don’t) and Purple Crayons: The Art of Drawing a Life. His work centers around helping individuals with severe psychiatric and substance-use issues recover while staying integrated in their communities.

Ross’s approach focuses on restoring dignity, connection, and autonomy to people whose needs are often minimized or pathologized. Learn more at:

🌐 https://www.ellenhorn.com

📘 Books on HarperCollins or Amazon

🌱 https://www.cardeacare.com (Ketamine & psychedelic therapy)

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