Healing A Broken Mental Health System: Ashley Schaffer Of Renewed Light Mental Health On 5 Things That Can Be Done To Fix Our Broken Mental Health System
An Interview With Stephanie Greer
Corporations to focus on making mental health care as a part of their structure, performance evaluations, policies, and possibly even incentivising mental health care.
The current state of the mental health system is a conversation that echoes in the halls of policy-making, the corners of social advocacy, and within the private struggles of individuals and families. As we continue to witness an unprecedented need for robust mental health support, the shortcomings of the existing system become more glaring. It is within this backdrop that we seek the insight of those who are at the forefront of behavioral health. In this interview series, we are talking to behavioral health leaders, policymakers, mental health practitioners, advocates, and reformers to share their perspectives on healing our broken mental health system. As a part of this interview series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ashley Schaffer.
Ashley Schaffer is an Approved Clinical Supervisor and a Licensed Professional Counselor at Renewed Light in West Deptford, New Jersey. Ashley received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rowan University, NJ and it’s been her goal since to connect with clients; instilling hope that is so frequently stolen by mental illness. With over 12 years of experience helping children, adults, and families — Ashley strongly believes in the healing power of therapy and the resilience of the human spirit.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your childhood backstory?
Absolutely! My name is Ashley and I was born and raised in South Jersey. I am one of 9 siblings including an identical twin sister. My parents divorced when I was 12, so I have three step siblings and one half sibling, but they’re all just siblings to me. I knew I wanted to be a therapist since I was 11. I always felt so lucky that I knew in my heart what I was meant to be. I went to undergraduate and graduate school at Rowan University and received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Following graduate school, I worked in a variety of settings but I feel the most impactful was working in the foster care system. It was a firsthand look at what trauma in childhood can do to the adult mind and spirit. It helped me become more compassionate towards every person I come across, because you truly never know what they have been through.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My life lesson quote is “Just do it”. If it scares you, if it’s out of your comfort zone, if it’s uncomfortable, if it’s hard- just do it. Even if you fail, get up and do it again. This is when you grow. Life is uncomfortable, messy, and most importantly- short. I’ve come across way too many people complacent with living unfulfilled lives. This life is yours to live. I genuinely believe that every person was put on this earth for a reason. Don’t allow real or imagined obstacles to get in the way of fulfilling your destiny.
Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. It is often said that “the mental health system in America is broken”. What does that statement mean to you? From your perspective what is “broken” today?
I believe what is broken in our system is the understanding of how important caring for your mental health is. This misunderstanding permeates insurance companies, policy makers, military, and corporate culture. Taking care of your mental health should be as important as taking care of a broken leg. Insurance companies pay for preventative care such as annual physicals, mammograms, OB-Gyn appointments, etc. Why not something for mental health? The cost for mental health care can be outrageous. Insurance companies can make it so difficult to get reimbursed that a lot of therapists won’t even accept it, making the cost to the client outrageous. Making mental health care affordable will improve mental health. Higher reimbursement rates and lower costs to clients are imperative.
In our military, FOUR times more people die from suicide than from combat or any other war related injury. Why is this not being addressed? How can we not protect the mental health of the men and women serving our country? Sadly, even some companies that deliver mental health services don’t take care of their employees’ mental health.
Most therapists are only paid for the time they are sitting in front of a client. Not for documentation, research, preparation, billing, scheduling, etc. On top of that, they are rarely given paid time off to manage their own mental health needs without the fear of losing their income. There are also outdated policies affecting who can have access to mental health services. For example, it is a current federal law that only LCSWs can provide outpatient services to people with Medicare. This cuts available providers down to a fraction of what it could be. There are so many other qualified mental health professionals capable of delivering these services that are prevented from doing so based on extremely outdated and ineffective policies.
What about any bright spots? Do you think there are any elements that we get right in today’s world that we wouldn’t want to reverse unintentionally?
There are always bright spots :). I think in general, the stigma surrounding “mental illness” has been declining. I think people are beginning to realize that feeling mentally ill is a part of the human condition. We all experience SOME type of sadness, anxiety, grief, loss, etc. Acknowledging this fact and addressing it, truly takes bravery. The old belief that being emotionless is strong, is actually the complete opposite. The courage it takes to face your thoughts, feelings, and difficult experiences cannot be understated. If every person would be willing to address these things, and actively work towards healing, I truly believe the world would be a better place. We have to remove the barriers to making this possible for people, and we can. Let’s keep pushing forward.
In your opinion, what are the 5 most impactful things that could help heal the broken mental health system? These could be on any level including training, workforce, policy, culture, equity etc.
1 . Higher reimbursement rates to providers and lower costs to clients.
2 . An overhaul of how mental health is treated in our military. I believe that people look up to our military members as the bravest and strongest people in our country. If taking care of your mental health is important to them, it will be important to others.
3 . “It begins with the children”. I’ll never forget a presentation I attended where this was the main focus. We need better policies in place for low income areas and child care. This includes daycares, schools, MENTAL HEALTH providers, child protective services, foster care, etc.
4 . Corporations to focus on making mental health care as a part of their structure, performance evaluations, policies, and possibly even incentivising mental health care.
5 . Updating outdated federal and state policies that limit who can treat clients.
If all of the items on your list were magically implemented tomorrow what change might we see in the world? What are the signs (big and small) that would show us that the system is being healed?
It will take time, but I would hope to see more healed people. So many of the bad things that happen in this world come from people that have unhealed wounds, untreated childhood trauma, or a lack of support and connection. If we can address these issues through appropriate, affordable mental health care then we would hope to see people putting more good out into the world. They say hurt people, hurt people. I believe that healed people also heal people. Every life that can be improved affects another life, and another, and another. Eventually, this can put exponential good out into the world.
What is a project you or others are working on today that gives you hope? How can our readers learn more about this work?
Currently, we are helping people with their mental health and substance use issues through two intensive outpatient programs. We offer group, individual, family, and couple’s counseling 3–5 days weekly. We also offer medication management. The goal of our programs is to help people suffering from significant mental health issues manage their symptoms, and re-enter work, school, or their community successfully. Seeing the progress in our clients, their connection to one another in group, and lives change truly gives me hope. For more information about our mental health program you can visit https://renewedlightmh.com/ and for our substance use program you can check out https://lifetimerecoverycenter.com.
How do you see technology shaping the future of mental health care and its accessibility?
The use of telehealth has absolutely transformed mental health care. For people who have transportation, child care, ambulatory, or scheduling issues telehealth has been a lifesaver. For people who felt self conscious about sitting in a mental health facility, or concerned about who they might run into, telehealth has completely eliminated these concerns. It has allowed providers and clients to have access to one another even if away at school or on a work trip. I think not only has accessibility been significantly improved, but also the stigma of talking to a mental health professional for some reason.
In your view, how do social factors like poverty, education, and culture affect mental health care and its effectiveness?
Simply put, people with less financial resources have less access to quality mental health care. That’s why it is so important that we start in low-income areas with the children. Developing better day care systems, school programs, after school programs etc. Implementing mental health professionals in the school to address the significant concerns that one guidance counselor managing 500 students can’t. We need to include mental health into all school curriculums. If we start here, I believe the culture will inevitably change as well.
In light of the growing mental health crisis among young people, what innovative approaches or interventions have proven most successful for children and adolescents?
Although I think social media has significantly contributed to the decline in mental health for children and adolescents, I also feel that it is the most promising place to reach them. I think parents learning appropriate controls, and helping children to access content that can contribute to positive self image and self worth is more effective than eliminating it completely. Having open conversations with children about social media, and finding pages that promote being mentally healthy together can be enormously impactful. Aside from that, parents/caregivers getting their own mental health support to deal with a child that may be struggling can be extremely helpful.
Are there any books, podcasts, or other resources that have helped you understand or manage your condition better?
Yes! My favorite psychology podcast is “Shrink Rap Radio”. You can find the entire catalog of his podcasts here: https://shrinkrapradio.com/
I also love the book “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel Vanderkolk. It’s a book on the impact of trauma to the brain and body. It helps put into perspective some behaviors people may display after being faced with a traumatic event.
Lastly, the book “The Alchemist”. Although it is not necessarily a psychology book, it helps you realize that “People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.”
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. 🙂
Yes- Michael Jordan! His documentary “The Last Dance” came out during the pandemic and was so inspiring to me. At the time, I was overseeing 7 mental health facilities across two states. The fear in staff and clients was difficult to manage, on top of the frequent policy changes and safety protocols. Michael if you’re reading this- thank you for giving me the strength to be a leader!!
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Feel free to visit our websites or follow us on social media!
https://www.instagram.com/renewedlight_mh/
https://www.facebook.com/renewedlightmh
https://www.tiktok.com/@renewedlight_mh
https://lifetimerecoverycenter.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lifetime_recovery/
https://www.tiktok.com/@lifetime.recovery
https://www.facebook.com/LifetimeRecoveryCenter
Thank you for your time and thoughtful answers. I know many people will gain so much from hearing this.
About The Interviewer: Stephanie Greer, PhD is the Co-founder and CEO of Akin Mental Health — a company dedicated to guiding families on their journey supporting a loved one with mental health challenges like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and severe depression. Stephanie is passionate about this topic from her own personal experience growing up with a mother who struggled with bipolar 1 disorder and found a path forward to overcome the obstacles and live well. Stephanie’s professional experience includes a doctorate in neuroscience as well as design research roles at Hopelab and Apple. Stephanie brings this personal passion together with her world-class science and technology background to support families across the US in their personal journeys supporting loved ones with mental illness. To learn more about Akin Mental Health and join our community, visit us at akinmh.com.
Healing A Broken Mental Health System: Ashley Schaffer Of Renewed Light Mental Health On 5 Things… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.