Episode Description: In this second part of her conversation with Josephine Wilton, Chief Strategy Officer at Hullanta Consulting, Rachel dives deeper into the complexities of value-based care. Josephine draws on decades of experience in managed care strategy, population health, and contract design to explore why these models often feel difficult to implement.

This episode examines the operational realities behind value-based care, including the importance of utilization data, the impact of contracts on organizational performance, and the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration. Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to navigate these challenges, advocate for their teams, and optimize care delivery in a system that is constantly evolving.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding the impact of value-based payment measures on provider organizations

• Why utilization data is critical for telling your organization's story

• Contract design and its influence on revenue, operations, and organizational outcomes

• Engaging specialists and ancillary providers in value-based care

• The role of social determinants of health in patient outcomes and reimbursement

• Strategies for data-driven decision-making and negotiating with health plans

Main Takeaways:

• Ownership of your data is essential — know your utilization metrics and communicate your story clearly

• Value-based care cannot succeed with primary care alone; specialists and ancillary providers must be included

• Contracts influence all parts of an organization, not just payment; thorough review is critical

• Collaboration across disciplines and sharing actionable data drives better outcomes

• Advocating for your organization requires persistence and strategic negotiation with health plans

Notable Quotes:

• "So it's very incumbent upon you to tell your story in your way. Don't let someone else tell your story." — Josephine Wilton

• "Primary care cannot do it alone. You need cardiology, endocrinology, podiatry, everyone involved, and they typically haven't so they're contributing to the total cost. They're seeing different needs of the patients than the other providers." — Josephine Wilton

Resources Mentioned:

• National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

• National Academy for State Health Policy

• Milliman

Connect with the Guest: Josephine Wilton, MHA Chief Strategy Officer, Hullanta Consulting hullantaconsulting.com

Connect with The Mental Health Evolution:

• Website: mentalhealthevolution.com

• Instagram: @mentalhealthevolution

• LinkedIn: Mental Health Evolution Podcast

• Facebook: Mental Health Evolution Podcast

Music Credit: Music by Zach Harrison

Episode Description: In this episode, Rachel sits down with Josephine Wilton, Principal Consultant at Hullanta Consulting, to dive deep into the operational realities of implementing value-based care. They discuss the challenges organizations face in aligning data, staff, and financial models, and how smaller practices and solo practitioners navigate these complex systems. Josephine shares actionable strategies for bridging the gap between theoretical value-based models and real-world execution.

Rachel and Josephine had so much to cover that they'll be back next week to continue the conversation, exploring even more practical solutions and lessons learned from both providers and payers.

Timestamped Highlights:

1. 0:52–4:28 – Introduction of Josephine Wilton and her expertise in operationalizing value-based care.

2. 5:04–7:40 – Early contracting stages and the importance of communication between providers and payers.

3. 10:15–12:27 – Why operational and clinical teams must be involved early in negotiations.

4. 13:30–16:23 – Challenges faced by solo practitioners and smaller organizations in value-based care.

5. 18:32–21:36 – Importance of real-time data and the delays that can impact value-based programs.

6. 26:25–28:24 – Friction points in attribution, performance metrics, and total cost of care.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Value-based care models vs. fee-for-service systems

• Operational and clinical alignment during contract negotiation

• The critical role of real-time data in decision-making

• Challenges for small and solo practices

• Understanding total cost of care and outcomes measurement

Main Takeaways:

• Early involvement of clinical and operations teams is crucial to success.

• Real-time data access is necessary to track performance and guide decisions.

• Smaller organizations may have agility but require support with modeling and analytics.

• Clear communication between providers and payers prevents misalignment and frustration.

• Understanding both baseline and value-based payment structures is essential before execution.

Resources Mentioned:

• Implementing Value-Based Care, a Scoping Review

• Value-Based State-Directed Payments in Medicaid, Feb 2023–May 2024

• Why Primary Care Practitioners Aren't Joining Value-Based Care Payment Models

Connect with the Guest:

• Josephine Wilton, Hullanta Consulting

Connect with The Mental Health Evolution:

• Website: https://www.traumaspecialiststraining.com/mental-health-evolution-podcast

• Instagram: @mentalhealthevolution

• LinkedIn: Mental Health Evolution

• Facebook: Mental Health Evolution

Music by Zach Harrison

In this episode, Matthew Stone, assistant managing editor at Education Week, joins the Mental Health Evolution Podcast to discuss recent shifts in school mental health policy. Matthew shares insights on federal grant changes, the focus on school psychologists, and how districts are adapting to meet the growing mental health needs of students. He explains the evolution of funding programs, challenges schools face when funding priorities shift, and practical strategies districts are using to provide more effective mental health support. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how policy impacts schools, educators, and students alike. Timestamped Highlights:

• 00:03 – Introduction to Matthew Stone and overview of episode
• 06:10 – Discussion on the increase in student mental health needs post-COVID
• 11:03 – Overview of federal grant shifts and funding uncertainty
• 14:07 – Impact of grant terminations on hiring and staffing
• 19:01 – Focus on school psychologists and narrowing of grants
• 25:38 – Implications for districts trying to fulfill local needs

Key Topics Discussed:

• COVID's impact on student mental health
• Federal grant programs for school mental health
• Policy changes and administrative priorities
• Workforce challenges: counselors, social workers, and psychologists
• Local district strategies for sustaining services

Main Takeaways:

• Student mental health needs have increased, exacerbated by COVID
• Policy changes and grant terminations create uncertainty for districts
• Narrowing grants to school psychologists may limit local flexibility
• States and districts are developing innovative strategies to meet needs
• Sustaining mental health services requires planning beyond federal funding

Notable Quotes:

• "I think the focus on school psychologists has stumped a lot of people in the mental health world."
• "Schools are navigating unprecedented changes while trying to provide consistent support to students."

Resources Mentioned:

• KFF: The Landscape of School-Based Mental Health Services
• US House Press Release: Fitzpatrick Leads Bipartisan Coalition
• Education Week: Trump Admin Relaunches School Mental Health Grants

Connect with Matthew Stone: Website: Matthew Stone – Education Week Connect with The Mental Health Evolution: Website: Mental Health Evolution Podcast Instagram: @thementalhealthevolution LinkedIn: The Mental Health Evolution Facebook: The Mental Health Evolution Music by Zach Harrison

Episode Summary

For this week's episode, I was excited to welcome Dr. Dylan Ross, PhD, LMFT, LPCC, Head of Clinical at Blueprint AI and a nationally recognized leader in behavioral healthcare, clinical innovation, and measurement-based care. Dr. Ross brings a wealth of experience from his leadership roles at Optum, Rogers Behavioral Health, and Kaiser Permanente, where he shaped clinical strategy, digital innovation, and measurement-informed care frameworks. He currently chairs the American Psychological Association's National Advisory Committee for Measurement-Based Care, guiding national strategy on standardized clinical measurement protocols.

In this conversation, Dr. Ross shares insights on measurement-based care (MBC), value-based care, and how AI can support clinicians without replacing clinical judgment. We discuss how integrating patient-reported outcomes into routine practice improves clinical efficiency, therapeutic alliance, and outcomes, while also addressing workforce challenges and administrative burden. He also highlights Blueprint's AI-driven tools that save clinicians time, enhance care delivery, and enable real-time insights to support patient care.

Episode Highlights

0:03 – Introduction to Dr. Dylan Ross, his background in behavioral health, and his current role at Blueprint AI 4:08 – Dr. Ross shares his career journey from Kaiser Permanente to Optum, Rogers Behavioral Health, and Blueprint AI 9:27 – Explaining measurement-based care (MBC): definition, benefits, and impact on treatment outcomes 16:02 – Adoption rates and challenges of MBC in behavioral health, including clinician and patient engagement 17:42 – Value-based care: evolution, payer perspectives, and how outcomes drive reimbursement 27:17 – How AI supports clinicians: reducing administrative burden, increasing MBC adoption, and providing real-time session insights 34:25 – Call to action for the behavioral health system: workforce preparedness, aligned incentives, and systemic improvements

Articles & Resources

• Value-Based Care: What It Is, and Why It's Needed — Commonwealth Fund

• Getting on Board with Measurement: Implementing Measurement-Informed Mental Health Care — Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)

• AI in Behavioral Health Documentation: Ethical Considerations for Mental Health Clinicians — Blueprint AI Blog

Connect with Dr. Dylan Ross

• Website: Blueprint AI

• LinkedIn: Dylan Ross

Connect with The Mental Health Evolution

• Website: The Mental Health Evolution

• Instagram: @thementalhealthevolution

• LinkedIn: The Mental Health Evolution

• Facebook: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Music by Zach Harrison

Episode Summary

In this episode, Rachel talks to Dr. Jane Zhu, an internal medicine physician, health services researcher, and Associate Professor of Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Zhu's work focuses on how ownership and financial structures shape healthcare delivery and equity — an increasingly important lens as private equity investment grows in behavioral health.

Rachel and Dr. Zhu explore her research on the geographic penetration of private equity ownership in outpatient and residential behavioral health, discussing the implications for access, quality, and clinician autonomy. They also dive into the broader trends of consolidation, policy oversight, and the transparency challenges that affect both patients and providers.

Episode Highlights

0:34 – Introduction to Dr. Zhu and her research focus 1:22 – Why private equity is expanding into behavioral health 3:08 – Key findings from Dr. Zhu's JAMA Psychiatry study 6:27 – Impacts on care quality, clinician autonomy, and patient access 9:52 – Policy and transparency implications for healthcare ownership 13:10 – Dr. Zhu's takeaway: balancing investment with public accountability

Articles & Resources

• Private Equity's Inroads into Mental Health Bring Concern – Psychiatry Online

• Geographic Penetration of Private Equity Ownership in Outpatient and Residential Behavioral Health – JAMA Psychiatry

Connect with Dr. Jane Zhu

Website: OHSU – Jane M. Zhu, MD, MPP, MSHP LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janemzhu

Connect with The Mental Health Evolution

Website: The Mental Health Evolution Instagram: @thementalhealthevolution LinkedIn: The Mental Health Evolution Facebook: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Music by Zach Harrison

What does it take to grow a mental health practice sustainably—without burning out the people who make it work? In this episode, host Rachel Harrison talks with Dan King, Co-Founder of Fireside Strategic, about how to align profitability with purpose in behavioral health. Dan shares lessons from years advising investors and business leaders on building organizations where clinicians thrive, culture drives retention, and long-term success balances both human and financial outcomes.

Listeners will hear practical advice on finding the right investment partners, understanding private equity and venture capital dynamics, and leading with values in a changing behavioral health market. Whether you're a clinician, practice owner, or investor, this conversation offers a blueprint for growth without burnout.

Guest & Transcript Information

• Full Transcript: Provided

• Guest Name: Dan King

• Title / Role / Credentials: Co-Founder, Fireside Strategic

• Bio / Expertise: Dan King is the Co-Founder of Fireside Strategic, helping companies scale sustainably by focusing on human-centered growth. With experience in organizational psychology, M&A strategy, and executive coaching, Dan aligns profitability with purpose to build organizations that thrive without burnout.

• Website: https://www.firesidestrategic.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmking/

Episode Highlights

• 0:32 – Introduction to Dan King and Fireside Strategic

• 1:08 – Why aligning business growth with human well-being matters

• 2:12 – Lessons from scaling companies that grew too fast

• 3:40 – The link between culture, retention, and sustainable success

• 5:05 – How private equity and venture capital differ in behavioral health

• 7:14 – Finding the right investment partner for your mission

• 9:48 – Balancing profitability with clinician satisfaction

• 12:22 – The future of integrated behavioral health services

• 14:36 – Measuring both financial and human outcomes

• 16:18 – Practical advice for practice owners considering investors

• 18:07 – Key traits of leaders who build without burnout

Articles & Resources

• Mental Health's Investment Resurgence: A Market Ripe for Innovation – Galen Growth

• Venture Capital's Priorities Are Evolving as Behavioral Health Market Matures – Behavioral Health Business

• Fireside Strategic – Dan King

Connect with Dan King

• Website: firesidestrategic.com

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmking

Connect with Us

• Website: The Mental Health Evolution

• Instagram: @thementalhealthevolution

• LinkedIn: The Mental Health Evolution

• Facebook: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Music by Zach Harrison

Episode Recap

In this episode, Rachel speaks with Becky DeGrossa, founder of CounselingWise, about the evolving landscape of mental health marketing. Becky shares her insights on how private practice therapists can leverage local marketing and AI to thrive, even in a market crowded with venture-backed platforms. She discusses practical strategies for mapping the client search journey, creating visibility online, and building sustainable practices that attract the right clients.

Episode Highlights

• Becky's unique blend of tech, psychology, and marketing experience

• Local clinicians' advantage over large therapy platforms

• Combining local marketing with AI as a competitive equalizer

• Key strategies for Search Everywhere Optimization

• Common mistakes therapists make in local search ranking

• Becky's top advice: do the work to create lasting visibility

Articles & Resources

• Is This the End of the Private Practice Therapist? – Mental Health Match

• The Marketing Formula That's Fueling Small Business Success – Entrepreneur

Connect with Becky DeGrossa

Website: counselingwise.com | skool.com/private-practice-builders LinkedIn: Becky DeGrossa

Connect with Us

Website: https://www.traumaspecialiststraining.com/mental-health-evolution-podcast Instagram: @thementalhealthevolution LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-mental-health-evolution/ Facebook: /TheMentalHealthEvolution

Music by Zach Harrison

In this episode, Rachel talks with Deborah Steinberg, Senior Health Policy Attorney at the Legal Action Center, about the current state of mental health parity in the U.S. Deborah explains what parity means, why it matters, and how gaps in enforcement continue to affect patients and providers.

They also discuss the recent HHS rule reversal and its impact on insurance coverage, including disparities in reimbursement and network adequacy. Listeners will learn about key barriers in mental health and substance use disorder care, as well as practical steps for advocacy and holding plans accountable.

Episode Highlights

• Introduction to Deborah Steinberg and her policy work

• Overview of mental health parity laws and importance

• Discussion on HHS rule reversal and its impact

• Disparities between mental and physical health coverage

• Enforcement gaps at federal and state levels

• Role of data collection in identifying parity violations

• Network adequacy challenges for providers and patients

• Aligning health plan coverage criteria with standards of care

• Steps consumers can take to report parity violations

• Ways to engage in state-based advocacy and reforms

• Advocacy benefits for patients, providers, and systemic change

Articles & Resources

• Mental Health Care May Be Harder to Obtain After HHS Rule Reversal – STAT News

• New Tool Brings Mental Health Parity Problems to Light – AMA

• Commissioner King Fines Insurers Over $20 Million for Parity Violations – Georgia OCI

• Mental Health Parity Enforcement Updates – Congressman Tonko

Connect with Deborah Steinberg

• Website: https://www.lac.org

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-steinberg-b4822536/

• Instagram: @deborahgwen

Connect with Us

• Website: The Mental Health Evolution

• Instagram: @thementalhealthevolution

• LinkedIn: The Mental Health Evolution

• Facebook: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Music by Zach Harrison

Episode Summary

This week, we have a solo episode in which Rachel explores the mental health system through a family systems lens. She examines how different players—including clients, providers, insurers, tech companies, and advocacy organizations—interact and influence access to care, reimbursement, and overall system outcomes. Listeners will gain insight into systemic disparities, the role of new disruptors, and how ongoing dialogue and advocacy can help create a healthier mental health ecosystem.

Episode Highlights

0:30 – Rachel introduces solo episode exploring the mental health system 1:06 – Discusses therapist income disparities and systemic influences 2:56 – Explains using a family systems lens to view the industry 3:48 – Highlights relevant articles on barriers to mental health care 7:28 – Role of clients/patients and access challenges in the system 9:52 – Income and influence of individual providers in insurance networks 13:14 – Tech companies and managed service organizations as system disruptors 17:08 – Insurance companies' influence on reimbursement, coverage, and policy 19:01 – Advocacy groups shaping regulations, standards, and systemic improvements 20:05 – Importance of dialogue among all system players for better outcomes

Articles & Resources

• Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Care in the U.S. – AAMC

• Therapist Salaries in 2025 – Twofold

Connect with Us

• Website: The Mental Health Evolution

• Instagram: @thementalhealthevolution

• LinkedIn: The Mental Health Evolution

• Facebook: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Music by Zach Harrison

In this episode of Mental Health Evolution, host Rachel Harrison sits down with Cathy Gilbert, a seasoned consultant and former insurance executive, to unpack how new and proposed health care policies are reshaping the future of mental health services. Cathy brings a wealth of expertise from her work in provider network development, operations, and policy analysis, offering both a big-picture perspective and practical strategies for navigating change.

Together, Rachel and Cathy dive into the Big Beautiful Bill and other recent federal actions affecting Medicaid, ACA coverage, telehealth, and funding for crisis services. Listeners will gain valuable insight into how these shifts impact providers and patients alike, from reimbursement rates to eligibility requirements. Cathy also shares concrete advice for solo and group practice owners on what to watch for and how to prepare. This episode will help you better understand the fast-moving policy environment and make informed decisions for your practice.

Episode Highlights

• 0:37 – Guest introduction: Cathy Gilbert's career in insurance and consulting

• 1:11 – Overview of the Big Beautiful Bill and major policy shifts

• 3:23 – Why policy changes feel faster in behavioral health

• 4:35 – Impact on vulnerable populations losing health coverage

• 6:20 – Provider challenges: reimbursement cuts and sustainability concerns

• 10:16 – A rare positive: permanent telehealth coverage provisions

• 12:59 – Unresolved concerns: in-person visit requirements for telehealth

• 13:54 – Key advice for solo and group practice owners

• 14:33 – Medicaid retroactive coverage shortened and what it means

• 15:19 – How often providers should check eligibility

• 17:03 – Why monitoring payer notices is critical during rapid change

• 18:35 – Closing reflections and key takeaways

Articles & Resources

• New Policies Affecting Access to Mental Health Care

• NAMI Statement on Final Passage of Bill Cutting Medicaid for Millions of Americans | National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Connect with Cathy Gilbert

Website: https://ceghealth.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-gilbert-29648421/

Connect with Us

Website: The Mental Health Evolution Instagram: @thementalhealthevolution LinkedIn: The Mental Health Evolution Facebook: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Music by Zach Harrison