Episode Description:
In this episode, Rachel sits down with Dr. Scott Feers, Chief Medical Officer at Amae Health and a leading psychiatrist and neuroscientist, to explore the evolving landscape of severe mental illness (SMI) care. They discuss the innovative integration of technology, AI, and wearable devices into clinical practice to improve outcomes and prevent hospitalizations for individuals living with SMI.

Dr. Feers shares insights from his decades of research and clinical experience, highlighting how Amae Health combines conventional in-person care with digital tools for monitoring, early intervention, and precision treatment. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how mental health care is being transformed to focus on both mental and physical health, emphasizing the importance of human connection alongside technology.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Challenges of traditional SMI care and repeated hospitalizations

• The role of AI in supporting clinicians without replacing human interaction

• Wearable devices and data-driven insights for sleep, activity, and heart health

• Early detection of relapse to prevent full decompensation

• Integration of primary care, nutrition, and movement into mental health treatment

• Translating neuroscience and genetics research into real-world clinical applications

• Cost efficiencies through early intervention and improved treatment tracking

Main Takeaways:

• Technology and AI can augment care, but human connection remains central to mental health treatment.

• Wearables and digital phenotyping provide objective insights that enhance clinical decision-making.

• Early intervention can prevent hospitalizations, reducing human suffering and healthcare costs.

• Addressing physical health is essential for improving overall outcomes for people with SMI.

• Integrating research-based tools into routine care makes treatment more precise and effective.

Notable Quotes:

• "I have a very strong belief that humans and connections to humans is the core of mental health treatment."

• "If we can catch relapse early, see if we can do low risk, simpler intervention to prevent the more complicated treatment interventions."

• "We know that folks with serious mental illness often have reduced lifespans… a lot of the causes of mortality are basic things like cardiovascular health."

Resources Mentioned:

• For-profit companies open psychiatric hospitals in areas clamoring for care — CBS News

• Private Equity Among US Psychiatric Hospitals — JAMA Psychiatry

• Amae Health Announces $25 Million Series B — Business Wire

Connect with Dr. Scott Feers:

• Website: https://www.amaehealth.com/team/scott-fears

Connect with The Mental Health Evolution:

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

• Instagram: @mentalhealthevolution

• LinkedIn: Mental Health Evolution

• Facebook: Mental Health Evolution

Music Credit: Music by Zach Harrison

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