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.

• 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

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

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

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

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.

• 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

• 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

• Website: https://www.lac.org

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

• Instagram: @deborahgwen

• Website: The Mental Health Evolution

• Instagram: @thementalhealthevolution

• LinkedIn: The Mental Health Evolution

• Facebook: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Music by Zach Harrison

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.

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

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

• Therapist Salaries in 2025 – Twofold

• 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.

• 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

• 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)

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

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

Music by Zach Harrison

In this episode, Rachel sits down with Uriah Guilford, licensed therapist, group practice owner, author of The Productive Practice, and founder of Productive Therapist, to discuss how technology and AI are transforming private mental health practices. They explore practical strategies for integrating AI into both the clinical and business sides of therapy, while maintaining ethical care, client privacy, and the human connection that makes therapy effective.

Uriah shares his insights on the latest mental health tech trends, including AI avatars, virtual receptionists, and AI tools for practice operations. He also discusses predictions for the future of mental health care, how therapists can thoughtfully adopt technology, and ways to enhance efficiency without losing the personal touch that clients value.

Time-Stamped Highlights
0:24 – 1:34 – Key mental health tech trends and news shaping the conversation
4:18 – 4:57 – Guest introduction: Uriah Guilford
4:57 – 10:31 – AI mindset shifts, integration in practice operations, and predictions for clinical and business use
14:12 – 17:05 – Recommended systems and tools for private practice
19:18 – 22:48 – Using AI to augment operations: virtual assistants, AI receptionists, and human handoffs
22:48 – 24:35 – Key takeaways: ethical adoption, mindful use, and enhancing client support

Articles & Resources

• 27 Top Mental Health Startups to Watch in 2025 – Startup Savant

• Why Psychiatry May Be the Last Frontier for AI Disruption – Forbes

• Mental Health Tech in 2025: Consolidation, Personalization, and the Uneven Reality of Access – BeeKey

Connect with Uriah Guilford

• Website: Productive Therapist

• Website: Intune Family

• Facebook: Productive Therapist

• Instagram: @productivetherapist

Connect with Us

• Website: Trauma Specialists Training

• Instagram: @thementalhealthevolution

• LinkedIn: The Mental Health Evolution

• Facebook: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Music by Zach Harrison

In this episode of The Mental Health Evolution Podcast, Rachel sits down with Dr. Jordan Harris to explore the rapidly evolving role of AI in therapy and mental health care. They discuss the ethical, practical, and professional implications of AI tools, including large language models and autonomous systems, and what therapists and clients need to know to navigate this shifting landscape. Jordan shares his insights as a therapist, coach, and researcher, offering guidance on how the mental health field can adapt, responsibly use AI, and maintain high-quality care.

Key Topics Covered:

• The emerging use of AI in therapy, including note-taking and co-pilot tools

• Ethical considerations around client data, privacy, and informed consent

• How AI may enhance or challenge traditional therapeutic expertise

• Industry developments, including tech startups and insurance collaborations shaping care

• Practical steps for therapists to responsibly integrate AI into practice

Articles Mentioned:

• Telehealth.org: Amazon Health Services and Talkspace Partner for Virtual Therapy

• Fortune: In a showdown of psychotherapists vs ChatGPT, the latter wins — New study finds

• Dr. Jordan Harris: AI is Reshaping Psychotherapy: We Have Two Years to Get Ready

Connect with Us:
Website: https://www.traumaspecialiststraining.com
Instagram: @thementalhealthevolution
LinkedIn: The Mental Health Evolution
Facebook: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Connect with Dr. Jordan Harris:
Website: https://www.jordanthecounselor.com
LinkedIn: Jordan Harris

Music by Zach Harrison

In this episode of The Mental Health Evolution Podcast, Rachel sits down with Dr. Ajita Robinson to explore the rapidly evolving role of AI in mental health care. They discuss the ethical, legal, and practical challenges of AI chatbots, the risks of unregulated technology, and what it means for both therapists and clients. Ajita shares her insights as a therapist, coach, and advocate, offering guidance on how the mental health field can protect both its professionals and the people they serve.

Key Topics Covered:

• The emerging use of AI in therapy and its potential risks

• Legislative developments around AI in mental health

• Advocacy for protecting the professional identity of therapists

• How tech startups and insurance collaborations are reshaping access to care

• Practical steps for therapists to advocate for the field and their clients

Articles Mentioned:

• Manatt Health: Health AI Policy Tracker — Keeping track of federal and state AI policy developments

• Axios: Tech firms and states look to rein in AI chatbots’ mental health advice — The growing push to regulate chatbot therapy apps

• Behavioral Health Business: CareFirst + Headway collaboration — How insurers and startups are reshaping access to care

Connect with Us:
Website: https://www.traumaspecialiststraining.com
Instagram: @thementalhealthevolution
LinkedIn: The Mental Health Evolution
Facebook: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Connect with Dr. Ajita Robinson:
Instagram: @dr.ajitarobinson
Facebook: Dr. Ajita
LinkedIn: Ajita Robinson
Website: ajitarobinson.com

Music by Zach Harrison