31 episodes

We have a crisis in the US…a mental health crisis. We have higher numbers of people seeking help and support than ever, and unfortunately there are not enough therapists to fill the need. All of the resources and treatment options are full and overflowing.

But what is the solution? 

What if our communities had more creative options to support mental wellness? 

These are questions that Rachel Harrison has been exploring. As someone who's been in the mental health field for 25 years, Rachel has been having these conversations with people in government, with people in the nonprofit world, with people in the business world, and people in the mental health world. 

Perhaps, the solution to this crisis is to think outside of the box. Rachel believes the creativity, inspiration and motivation of entrepreneurs in the mental health sector is where at least a part of the solution lies. 

In each episode, Rachel sits down with entrepreneurs who are doing creative things and thinking outside of the box in order to address mental health. The goal of The Mental Health Entrepreneur is to inspire others to think differently and to explore new ideas, all for the benefit of helping our communities have options and creative solutions to mental health care.

Tune in each week for a new episode and gain inspiration from innovators in all different areas, doing creative things to support mental wellness.

The Mental Health Entrepreneur Rachel Harrison

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 11 Ratings

We have a crisis in the US…a mental health crisis. We have higher numbers of people seeking help and support than ever, and unfortunately there are not enough therapists to fill the need. All of the resources and treatment options are full and overflowing.

But what is the solution? 

What if our communities had more creative options to support mental wellness? 

These are questions that Rachel Harrison has been exploring. As someone who's been in the mental health field for 25 years, Rachel has been having these conversations with people in government, with people in the nonprofit world, with people in the business world, and people in the mental health world. 

Perhaps, the solution to this crisis is to think outside of the box. Rachel believes the creativity, inspiration and motivation of entrepreneurs in the mental health sector is where at least a part of the solution lies. 

In each episode, Rachel sits down with entrepreneurs who are doing creative things and thinking outside of the box in order to address mental health. The goal of The Mental Health Entrepreneur is to inspire others to think differently and to explore new ideas, all for the benefit of helping our communities have options and creative solutions to mental health care.

Tune in each week for a new episode and gain inspiration from innovators in all different areas, doing creative things to support mental wellness.

    30: Using Brain SPECT Imaging for Mental Health Treatment | Dr. Rishi Sood of the Amen Clinics

    30: Using Brain SPECT Imaging for Mental Health Treatment | Dr. Rishi Sood of the Amen Clinics

    Dr. Rishi Sood discusses the significance of holistic mental health treatment using SPECT imaging to capture brain activity, a method pioneered by Dr. Daniel Amen. Dr. Sood explains how this imaging helps tailor treatments more precisely by providing a clearer picture of brain function, unlike traditional methods based solely on symptoms. Hear about Dr. Sood's journey into this field, the benefits of combining imaging with other treatment modalities like sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and the potential of AI in mental health care. 
     
    About Dr. Rishi Sood: 
    Dr. Sood has worked at the Amen Clinics since 2014 and serves as an Associate Medical Director where his current focus involves improving patient outcomes and implementing AI into daily practice. Prior to joining Amen Clinics, Dr. Sood trained at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan from 2009-2014, where he served as Chief Resident of the Triple Board Residency and Fellowship Program. He is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In addition to his background in Psychiatry, he is a Board Certified Pediatrician.
     
    Dr. Sood values working with adults and children across all age ranges. He is experienced in mood and anxiety disorders, addiction, ADD/ADHD, impulsive/disruptive behavior disorders, Autism Spectrum, psychotic disorders, OCD, and PTSD. He uses dynamic as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and family psychotherapy and works to integrate pharmacotherapy and alternative therapies to optimize brain health and function. 
     
     
    Episode Timestamps:
    (01:15) About the Amen Clinics and the power of SPECT Imaging (04:05) Dr. Sood's background and journey into brain imaging (07:10) When and why to get a brain scan (11:15) Effective access to mental health care; using AI to help more people (15:00) Barriers to widespread use of brain scans (17:15) Reducing cognitive load; early interventions (19:30) Making decisions with your brain in mind  
     
    Watch this episode on YouTube:
    youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod
     
     
    Connect with Rachel:
    Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur
    Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com
    Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

    • 20 min
    29: Cartoons, EMDR Therapy, and Virtual Reality | Sandra Paulsen of Paulsen Integrative Psychology

    29: Cartoons, EMDR Therapy, and Virtual Reality | Sandra Paulsen of Paulsen Integrative Psychology

    **Please note that this episode contains a brief discussion of child abuse that some people may find disturbing.
     
    Sandra Paulsen, Ph.D., shares insights into her journey in the mental health field, discussing the integration of writing, cartooning, and therapy to help clients understand emotional concepts.  She discusses the importance of addressing early trauma, the potential of virtual reality in trauma therapy, and the effectiveness of EMDR. Dr. Paulson also touches on the future of mental health treatment accessibility, the challenges faced by therapists in the field, the benefits of intensive therapy formats, and the potential application of EMDR in prison settings. Join Dr. Paulson in envisioning a trauma-focused mental health landscape where healing is impactful and accessible to all.
     
    About Sandra Paulsen: 
    Sandra Paulsen, Ph.D., is an international instructor, author and illustrator of principles and procedures for using EMDR with complex trauma including structural and somatic dissociation and trauma held in implicit memory. Her books include coediting The Neurobiology and Treatment of Traumatic Dissociation: Toward an Embodied Self. She wrote and illustrated Looking Through the Eyes of Trauma: An Illustrated Guide for EMDR Therapists and Clients; and When There Are No Words: EMDR for Very Early Trauma in Implicit Memory, and co-authored We’re Listening Body: Integrating EMDR, Somatic and Ego State Therapies. 2024 publications will include: The Beauty and Burden of Autism: An Illustrated Guide and Workbook, and Indigenous Trauma and Dissociation: Healers, Psychotherapies and the Drum, with Shelley Spear Chief. She also co-authored and illustrated a childrens book that is also useful for dissociative adults called All the Colors of Me: My First Book on Dissociation. Sandra is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.
     
    paulsenpsychology.com
     
     
    Episode Timestamps:
    (01:45) Sandra's journey into the mental health field (04:30) Integrating art and psychology for effective communication (08:30) Hardwired emotional circuits and the impact of EMDR therapy (12:00) Virtual reality’s potential in early trauma therapy (17:20) Innovative approaches to treating PTSD and trauma (23:05) Understanding dissociation and its impact (27:15) Sandra’s dreams for the future of mental health care  
     
    Watch this episode on YouTube:
    youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod
     
     
    Connect with Rachel:
    Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur
    Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com
    Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

    • 30 min
    28: Grief Counseling in a Natural Setting | Kaili Van Waveren of ThorpeWood

    28: Grief Counseling in a Natural Setting | Kaili Van Waveren of ThorpeWood

    Kaili Van Waveren, the Executive Director at ThorpeWood - a 156-acre nature-based mental health and social emotional learning center, discusses ThorpeWood's mission of nurturing therapeutic relationships with nature to address mental health challenges and climate grief. By offering nature-based programs and grief support, ThorpeWood aims to provide individuals with distress tolerance skills and emotional regulation techniques to navigate overwhelming emotions. Explore the transformative power of nature in promoting holistic well-being and fostering a connection between humans and the natural world.
     
    About Kaili Van Waveren: 
    As Executive Director at ThorpeWood, a 156-acre nature-based mental health and social emotional learning center, Kaili brings a unique blend of academic and practical experience to her role. Originally from California, Kaili first moved to Maryland to attend Johns Hopkins University and later Hood College, where she also dedicated years to teaching in the Department of Psychology and Counseling. Kaili has nearly a decade of experience working in bereavement and end-of-life care. Previously, she was the Bereavement Care Supervisor for Frederick Health Hospice, and she is a member of the Board of Directors and head trip leader for The Umbrella Project: Hiking Journeys for Grieving Young Adults. Kaili's passion for supporting grieving individuals has been a driving force in her career, and she is particularly excited about pioneering nature-based grief support initiatives at ThorpeWood.
    thorpewood.org
     
     
    Episode Timestamps:
    (02:15) Thorpewood's mission and evolution (05:20) Nature-based mental health initiatives; climate grief support (09:45) Nature’s positive impact on mental health (14:40) Future plans and innovations at Thorpewood (18:10) Kaili's journey from the fashion industry to grief counseling (19:40) The intersection between skills and passion  
     
    Watch this episode on YouTube:
    youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod
     
     
    Connect with Rachel:
    Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur
    Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com
    Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

    • 22 min
    27: Making Self-Help Resources Accessible to All | Diana Partington of the Book, DBT for Life

    27: Making Self-Help Resources Accessible to All | Diana Partington of the Book, DBT for Life

    Diana Partington, author of DBT for Life, discusses her lifelong struggles with suicidality, the transformative impact of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and how it provided her with practical tools to manage overwhelming emotions and crises. She elaborates on her innovative approach to making DBT skills accessible through her self-help book, which includes colorful illustrations and short stories to cater to various learning styles. She also touches on the origins of DBT, its broader applications beyond clinical settings, and the importance of inclusivity in learning. 
     
    About Diana Partington: 
    Diana is a licensed professional counselor and author of DBT for Life: Skills to transform the way you live. She offers online DBT skills classes, webinars and trainings for clients and clinicians across North America. She wrote her master’s thesis at Vanderbilt on effective teaching of DBT skills for different learning styles. Her passion is making DBT skills accessible for everyone. 
     
    DBTforLife.com
    instagram.com/sufferingoptional
    Facebook.com/DBTSkills4Life
    linkedin.com/in/diana-partington-93552484/
    Psychology Today Column: psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/dbt-for-daily-life
     
     
    Episode Timestamps:
    (01:40) Dialectical behavioral therapy: what it is and how it helps (06:00) Rethinking self-help books with visuals and easy navigation (09:45) Making DBT accessible through books, webinars, and podcasts (12:05) Kaizen method; tiptoeing around the amygdala (17:00) DBT and the Dharma (19:30) Mastery of radical acceptance (23:50) The importance of inclusivity in mental health  
     
    Watch this episode on YouTube:
    youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod
     
     
    Connect with Rachel:
    Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur
    Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com
    Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

    • 26 min
    26: Healing the Body, Healing the Mind | Samantha Rodriguez and Stephanie Dunker of ATI Physical Therapy

    26: Healing the Body, Healing the Mind | Samantha Rodriguez and Stephanie Dunker of ATI Physical Therapy

    Samantha Rodriguez and Stephanie Dunker discuss the critical intersection of physical therapy and mental health. Learn about the origins and mission of ATI Physical Therapy, the importance of patient education, and how physical therapy can positively impact mental wellness by alleviating pain, improving function, and enhancing overall quality of life. Stephanie and Samantha also discuss the collaborative approaches between physical therapists and mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients. ATI Physical Therapy aims to make every life an active life, impacting communities one person at a time.
     
    About Samantha Rodriguez and Stephanie Dunker: 
    Stephanie has been a physical therapist for over 20 years. She has specialized in chronic pain, orthopedics & vestibular therapy. Now retired from clinical care, Stephanie works for ATI Physical Therapy as a Business Development Manager, where she gets to share the benefits of PT with medical professionals and the community. 
     
    Samantha has been a physical therapist for the past five years specializing in the outpatient orthopedic setting, with a focus on neuro, vestibular, pelvic health and sports rehab. She works for ATI physical therapy as a Multi-site Clinic Director where she oversees three locations throughout the Maryland area. 
    ATIpt.com
     
     
    Episode Timestamps:
    (01:55) The origins and mission of ATI Physical Therapy (03:25) Understanding chronic pain (05:00) Physical therapy techniques and patient care (09:30) The intersection of mental health and physical therapy (15:35) Impacting the community: ATI's vision (17:00) Collaborating with mental health professionals (20:10) Encouragement for those in pain  
     
    Watch this episode on YouTube:
    youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod
     
     
    Connect with Rachel:
    Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur
    Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com
    Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

    • 21 min
    25: Proactive Relationship Healthcare | Dr James Cordova and Matt Rubin of Arammu

    25: Proactive Relationship Healthcare | Dr James Cordova and Matt Rubin of Arammu

    Dr. James Cordova and Matt Rubin share their innovative approach to mental health care which focuses on annual relationship checkups and maintenance - think of it as your relationship's yearly physical. They discuss the importance of proactive relationship health care, the impact of The Relationship Checkup model on couples and therapists, and the potential for scalability in addressing mental health needs from a primary care perspective. Learn how this model is transforming the mental health industry, offering brief yet impactful interventions. 
     
    About Dr James Cordova: 
    James Cordova is a professor in the Psychology Department and the Director of the Center for Couples and Family Research and the Marriage/Relationship Checkup Program at Clark University. Professor Cordova is a Licensed Psychologist and leading figure in the field of Couples Research and Therapy. He has been conducting research and publishing in the area of couples therapy, intimacy, and the promotion of marital health and actively training couples therapists for over 25 years. Professor Cordova is the developer of the Relationship Checkup, a proactive approach to the promotion of marital health. In 2016, Dr. Cordova co-founded Arammu, a relationship healthcare company with the sole mission of making checkups available to everyone, everywhere.
     
    The Marriage Checkup: A Scientific Program for Sustaining and Strengthening Marital Health
     
    About Matt Rubin:
    Matt Rubin is a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for startups and social business ventures. His journey in the world of entrepreneurship began in high school and continued through college, where he cultivated his love for innovation and business development. Throughout his professional career, Matt has co-founded and led the development of multiple startups, totaling 5 to 6 ventures. Matt is a firm believer in the power of social business—companies that are for-profit entities with a socially conscious mission or product. He is dedicated to leveraging business as a force for good, combining profitability with a positive impact on society and the environment. 
     
    arammu.com 
     
     
    Episode Timestamps:
    (01:40) How Arammu came to be (09:50) The Relationship Checkup model (14:30) Creating a proactive approach to mental health (18:15) Relationship healthcare and insurance coverage (22:50) Transitioning from sports and tech startups to the mental health industry (27:00) Entrepreneurship advice and inspiration  
     
    Watch this episode on YouTube:
    youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod
     
     
    Connect with Rachel:
    Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur
    Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com
    Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

    • 31 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
11 Ratings

11 Ratings

Amocat24 ,

Excellent podcast for new ideas!

This is a great place to hear about new ideas in mental health. I love that the host has such a wide variety of guests come on. I always learn something new!

HDK8019 ,

Hard to pick a favorite

Everytime I think this one is my favorite then I hear another one. I love to hear the voice of the innovator, energizing.

Mo httr ,

Neurodiversity and Unleashing the Brilliance Within

I loved loved loved this episode. One of the things I loved about this episode is Erika labeled her therapy program a coaching program to make it more receptive to her clients who were resistant to therapy.

Top Podcasts In Health & Fitness

The School of Greatness
Lewis Howes
Huberman Lab
Scicomm Media
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
iHeartPodcasts
ZOE Science & Nutrition
ZOE
Passion Struck with John R. Miles
John R. Miles
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
Ten Percent Happier

You Might Also Like