Healing A Broken Mental Health System: Dr Karen Semien-McBride Of MK Circle On 5 Things That Can Be Done To Fix Our Broken Mental Health System
An Interview With Stephanie Greer
Enhanced Training and Education: investing in comprehensive training for mental health professionals to understand diverse needs, including cultural competence and sensitivity training.
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 Dr. Karen Semien-McBride.
Dr. Karen is a renowned social and organizational psychologist, executive coach, business strategist, and motivational speaker. She is one of the most sought-after executive coaches and business strategists for non-profit organizations and small businesses in Southern California. Dr. McBride holds two doctoral degrees, a Master’s and a Bachelor’s, in the areas of business administration, organizational psychology, and organizational leadership.
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?
Raised in Compton, my childhood was a blend of challenges and rich experiences, shaping my understanding of leadership and personal growth. Early on, I found myself leading and empathizing naturally, intrigued by human behavior and the dynamics of group interactions.
This background laid the foundation for my passion for business, organizational, and social psychology. I’ve always seen leadership as more than guidance; it’s about unlocking potential and fostering environments where people can thrive. My aim has been to redefine leadership beyond traditional norms, focusing on generating results, creating opportunities, and inspiring change.
My journey from the streets of Compton to the realms of business and psychology epitomizes my belief in transformative leadership. It’s about understanding and elevating people, driving sustainable change, and leaving a lasting impact on society.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
One of my favorite quotes, which I first shared while speaking at a leadership conference, is one of my creations: ‘Tomorrow is promised; you just have to open your eyes.’ This quote encapsulates a philosophy I’ve carried throughout my career and my practice. It embodies the belief that opportunities and growth are ever-present, needing only our recognition and willingness to seize them.
During the conference, this quote served as a cornerstone of my message on the transformative power of perspective in leadership. It underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability, traits essential for navigating the ever-changing landscapes of business and organizational dynamics.
In the broader scope of social and organizational psychology, this quote emphasizes the significance of perception. It’s about being attuned to the subtleties of human behavior and organizational culture and recognizing the potential that each new day holds. It’s a call to action for leaders and individuals alike to be mindful, proactive, and ready to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead, affirming that the future is not just a chance but a promise waiting to be fulfilled.
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?
In the context of America’s mental health system, ‘broken’ may oversimplify the challenges. I see it as a crisis in accessibility and sustainability. This stems partly from policy decisions in the 1980s that reduced state and federally funded mental health facilities, creating a gap in care, especially for severe cases.
The solution isn’t just about restoring what was lost but also about innovatively adapting to today’s needs. It requires integrating modern mental health understandings with effective business models to ensure sustainable services. This multifaceted approach should strategically address the complexity of mental health issues and diverse needs.
Thus, the issue isn’t merely a ‘broken’ system but a critical need for strategic leadership to reimagine and adequately fund mental health services, considering both current and future demands.
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?
In today’s mental health landscape, there are notable bright spots. The growing public awareness and reduced stigma around mental health issues are vital developments. This cultural shift encourages open conversations and easier access to help, laying the foundation for a more understanding society.
Another positive is the innovative use of technology in mental health care. Telehealth services have greatly improved accessibility, especially in remote areas, and digital platforms offer new ways for mental health management.
From a business and organizational psychology viewpoint, the increasing focus on mental health in the workplace is encouraging. More companies are implementing employee wellness programs and creating healthier work environments. This not only benefits individual employees but also boosts overall organizational productivity and morale.
While improvements are needed in the mental health system, these advancements are crucial and should be carefully preserved and expanded in our ongoing efforts to enhance mental health care.
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.
From my perspective, the five most impactful measures to improve the mental health system are:
- Enhanced Training and Education: investing in comprehensive training for mental health professionals to understand diverse needs, including cultural competence and sensitivity training.
- Workforce Expansion and Specialization: increasing the number of mental health professionals and encouraging specialization in areas like child psychology, geriatric care, and trauma to address varied societal needs.
- Reformed Policy for Accessibility and Funding: implementing policies that increase funding for mental health services and ensure equitable access, particularly for underserved communities.
- Cultural and Mindset Shift Towards Mental Health: Promoting a societal culture that normalizes seeking mental health support, thereby reducing stigma, and encouraging early intervention. Fully engaging diversity of thought.
- Integrating Mental Health in Workplaces: encouraging businesses to incorporate mental health support and wellness programs in the workplace, recognizing the role of mental well-being in overall employee performance and satisfaction.
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?
If the proposed measures were implemented, we would see significant, positive changes in the world. Firstly, there would be a noticeable increase in the accessibility and utilization of mental health services. People from all walks of life would be more willing to seek help without fear of stigma, leading to early intervention and better overall mental health outcomes.
In the workplace, a greater emphasis on mental well-being would result in improved employee morale, reduced burnout, and increased productivity. Businesses would thrive with a more engaged and mentally healthy workforce.
On a societal level, conversations about mental health would become more common and informed, reflecting a cultural shift towards understanding and acceptance. This would be evident in media portrayals, public discourse, and everyday interactions.
Healthcare systems would report a decline in long-term mental health issues due to early and effective intervention. There would be a visible increase in specialized mental health services catering to diverse needs, indicating a system responsive to its community.
These signs, both big and small, would indicate a healing and evolving mental health system, one that is inclusive, proactive, and fundamentally attuned to the well-being of all individuals.
What is a project you or others are working on today that gives you hope? How can our readers learn more about this work?
One project that particularly inspires hope is our company’s dedicated division focusing on mental wellbeing in the workplace and for individuals. This initiative is pivotal in addressing the mental health challenges that significantly impact both personal lives and workplace dynamics. Our services, including a Private Employee Assistance Program (P-EAP), are tailored to support mental health proactively. They encompass preventive programming like ‘Identifying Stress at Work,’ ‘Coping with Grief,’ and ‘Understanding Isolation.’ These programs are designed to help employees perform better by reducing stress and managing mental health issues more effectively.
In terms of learning more about this work, readers can explore our company’s website and subscribe to our email list for updates on the latest programs and resources.
Additionally, there are innovative federal programs worth noting, such as those funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, which support research and development in mental health interventions. These programs often pioneer new approaches to mental health care, emphasizing evidence-based practices and community outreach.
Together, these efforts from both private initiatives like ours and public programs signify a collaborative movement towards a healthier, more mentally aware society. They offer hope that mental well-being can become an integral part of our daily lives and work environments.
How do you see technology shaping the future of mental health care and its accessibility?
From my perspective, technology holds immense potential for transforming mental health care. Telehealth, for instance, has already begun to revolutionize accessibility, allowing individuals to receive care regardless of location and reducing barriers like transportation and stigma associated with visiting mental health facilities. Looking forward, AI and machine learning could offer personalized mental health interventions, tailoring treatments to individual needs and patterns.
Additionally, mobile apps and online platforms are democratizing mental health support, providing resources like self-help tools, therapy chatbots, and immediate crisis intervention. This broadens the reach to those who might not have sought traditional therapy.
In the workplace, technology can aid in monitoring stress levels and providing proactive support, integrating mental health care into daily routines seamlessly. Overall, technology promises a future where mental health care is more personalized, accessible, and integrated into our lives, making it a vital tool for enhancing mental wellbeing in society.
In your view, how do social factors like poverty, education, and culture affect mental health care and its effectiveness?
Social factors like disadvantages, education, and culture significantly impact mental health care and its effectiveness. From my background, I see these as foundational elements that shape both access to and the efficacy of mental health services.
Disadvantaged individuals have limited access to quality mental health care, making it difficult for them to afford or prioritize treatment. This economic barrier often leads to untreated mental health issues, exacerbating the cycle of poverty.
Education plays a crucial role in mental health awareness and stigma reduction. Higher levels of education often correlate with a better understanding and acceptance of mental health issues, leading to more people seeking help.
Cultural factors also heavily influence perceptions of mental health. Cultural stigmas can deter individuals from seeking help, while cultural norms and beliefs can impact the types of treatment that are considered acceptable or effective.
Addressing these social determinants is essential for creating a mental health care system that is accessible, effective, and equitable for all individuals.
In light of the growing mental health crisis among young people, what innovative approaches or interventions have proven most successful for children and adolescents?
In addressing the growing mental health crisis among young people, innovative approaches that blend technology, education, and community involvement have shown promise. I see the integration of technology as pivotal. Digital platforms and apps tailored for young people offer accessible tools for mental health education and self-management. These platforms can engage youth in a familiar, comfortable format, making mental health care more approachable.
School-based mental health programs are also crucial. These interventions provide early identification of mental health issues and offer support within the educational environment. Incorporating mental health education into school curricula can destigmatize these issues and promote help-seeking behaviors.
Community-based programs, especially those involving peer support, have been effective in reaching adolescents. These programs create safe spaces where young people can share experiences and support each other, guided by trained facilitators.
Overall, successful interventions for children and adolescents are those that are accessible, relatable, and integrated into their daily environments.
Are there any books, podcasts, or other resources that have helped you understand or manage your condition better?
I am not sure I understand these questions. But I will say that understanding and managing one’s mental and emotional wellbeing is crucial. The recommendation to be aware of our emotions and physical cues is sound advice, reflecting an important principle in both personal development and work-life balance. In line with this, a few books I would recommend that can offer valuable insights are:
“Mindset” by Dr. Carol Dweck delves into the power of our beliefs, both conscious and unconscious, and how altering even the simplest of mindsets can have profound impacts on nearly every aspect of our lives. This aligns well with leadership and business principles, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset for personal and professional development.
“Boundaries” by John Townsend and Henry Cloud explores how establishing clear boundaries is essential for a healthy, balanced lifestyle, a concept that’s particularly relevant in workplace dynamics and personal relationships.
“21 Days of Resilience” by Zelana Montminy provides practical tips to build resilience, a crucial trait for navigating both personal challenges and organizational stresses.
Listening to or reading these books and podcasts can enhance one’s understanding of personal wellbeing and offer strategies to manage mental health more effectively, which is essential in today’s fast-paced and often stressful environment.
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. 🙂
Having the opportunity to have a private breakfast or lunch with Michelle Obama would be an invaluable experience. Michelle Obama, as a prominent public figure, embodies the principles of leadership, advocacy, and social change that are central to my professional ethos.
Her journey and initiatives, especially in areas of education, health, and empowerment, resonate deeply with the core values of effective leadership and societal development. Her approach to these issues showcases a blend of empathy, strategic thinking, and a commitment to positive change, qualities that are essential in both the business and social sectors.
A conversation with her would provide unique insights into how she navigated challenges and leveraged her platform for impactful initiatives. This would be incredibly enlightening for anyone interested in understanding the interplay between leadership, social responsibility, and creating meaningful change, especially in the context of mental health and organizational wellbeing.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Website: www.mkcircle.com
IG: @mkcircleceo
FB: @mkcircleceo
TW: @mkcircleceo
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drkarenexecoach
YouTube: Dr. Karen Semien-McBride
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: Dr Karen Semien-McBride Of MK Circle On 5 Things That Can Be… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.