Summary:
In this episode of Truly Mental, host Joe Smarro speaks with Sandeep Acharya, CEO and founder of Octave, a behavioral health company focused on improving access to quality mental health care. Sandeep shares his personal journey into the mental health field, the challenges faced in the current system, and how Octave is leveraging technology to enhance therapy matching and outcomes. The conversation covers the importance of addressing mental health issues, the role of insurance, and the future vision for Octave as a catalyst for change in the healthcare system.

Website: https://www.findoctave.com/

LinkedIn: Sandeep Profile

Takeaways:

• Sandeep Acharya founded Octave to improve access to quality mental health care.
• Octave operates both in-person and virtually, focusing on evidence-based practices.
• The company aims to provide affordable therapy, with many clients paying only $30 per session.
• Sandeep's personal experiences with therapy and friends' struggles motivated him to enter the mental health field.
• Octave's matching technology helps connect clients with the right therapists based on their needs.
• The mental health system struggles with high dropout rates, with many clients quitting after the first session.
• Octave's focus on outcomes has resulted in a lower dropout rate compared to industry averages.
• Insurance companies often impose session limits that can hinder effective treatment.
• Sandeep emphasizes the importance of quality care and the need for better organizational structures in mental health.
• The future vision for Octave includes creating a universal scheduling system for mental health care.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Octave and Sandeep Acharya
• 01:01 The Mission Behind Octave
• 03:18 Sandeep's Personal Journey to Mental Health
• 07:20 The Role of Technology in Mental Health
• 10:22 Matching Patients with Therapists
• 14:31 The Integration of AI in Mental Health Care
• 17:23 Identifying Systemic Issues in Mental Health
• 21:59 Balancing Patient Care and Business Outcomes
• 23:54 The Ethics of Therapy Duration
• 28:14 Navigating Insurance Challenges
• 29:05 Scaling Clinical Standards
• 32:38 State Boundaries and Licensing Issues
• 33:55 A Vision for Universal Care
• 35:45 Future Aspirations for Octave
• 38:01 The Meaning Behind 'Octave'
• 39:20 A Message of Love and Support