Phillip Schermer: bringing mental health care to the masses

About this episode

There are not enough therapists in America. And even when you can find one, it is hard to schedule an appointment. This is the case despite the fact that America also has a rising mental health crisis. More people are aware of their mental health needs, and more people are coming to need mental health support.

At the Ruderman Family Foundation, this is one of our tentpole issues, and we strive to facilitate changes in our communities that will provide better and healthier futures for those struggling with mental health.

That is why I’m so excited to be joined today by Phillip Schermer. Phillip is the founder of Project Healthy Minds,  a non-profit startup building the world’s first digital mental health marketplace to democratize access to life-changing services, partnering with public figures to de-stigmatize mental health, and creating the first national standards for businesses to better support employee mental health.

Phillip and Jay discuss AI in the therapy space, the social and economic barriers standing between people and quality mental health care, and the stunning power of celebrity honesty around mental health struggles.

Today's episode was produced by Tani Levitt and Mijon Zulu. To check out more episodes or to learn more about the show, you can visit our website Allaboutchangepodcast.com. If you like our show, spread the word, tell a friend or family member, or leave us a review on your favorite podcasting app. We really appreciate it. All About Change is produced by the Ruderman Family Foundation.

Episode Chapters

0:00  Intro

1:27 World Mental Health Day highlights and Project Healthy Minds origin story

6:35 Project Healthy Minds vs Talkspace and Better Health

9:44 What happens when people don’t get mental health resources?

13:54 AI and mental health

18:52 Ambient threats to mental health 

22:52 Top-down attacks on mental health from government

28:37 Outro and Goodbye

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