Healing A Broken Mental Health System: Felicia Ford On 5 Things That Can Be Done To Fix Our Broken Mental Health System
An Interview With Stephanie Greer
Equity and Access: Prioritizing equity in mental health care is crucial. Policies and initiatives should aim to diversify providers, improve data collection practices, and reduce disparities in access to care among different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Expanding access to affordable mental health services, particularly in underserved areas, can help bridge these gaps.
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 Felicia A. Ford.
Felicia A. Ford, Growth Strategist for Change-Makers, specializes in strategic planning, organizational development, operations strategy, change management, and philanthropic advising. Blending her expertise and dedication to helping individuals and organizations thrive, Felicia has become a trusted advisor for innovation and transformation of businesses and nonprofits as the owner of Felicia Ford & Co.® and Executive director for a private foundation. An alumna of the Strategic Data Project at Harvard University, Felicia combines strategic insights, creativity, and data-driven advocacy, cementing her reputation as a go-to resource for those seeking growth and impact to impact the lives of youth and families positively.
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?
I am excited to be here; thank you! My parents raised me in rural Central Virginia and surrounded by family. The adventurer in me, I am sure, is an inherited trait. My mother instilled in me a love for books; through reading, I could experience the world and later travel through it. I loved school, was designated gifted, and lived a colorful life of multipotentiality. I am grateful to my family and my educators for modeling excellence, work ethic, tenacity, and valuing diversity.
I sang background vocals when I transitioned from my first job out of undergrad. I wanted a flexible position to navigate singing and touring, and I stumbled into the world of program evaluation. I thought I was going to mentor foster youth, but I discovered so much more and found myself mesmerized by the dynamics of the work. I quickly learned how to create a story from the feedback and experiences of the youth and families of my staff or those with whom I was working. It was my first experience marrying my creativity with analytical work and advocacy.
I couldn’t comprehend the enormity of foster care and all that came with it, but I created programming and pathways for youth and families who otherwise believed there was no more hope. I created job shadowing and department-specific staff training, influenced human resources to reconfigure onboarding for cross-functional teams, and developed a comprehensive internship program partnering with the region’s universities and colleges. I duplicated my process several times over.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Four things stand out for me. My mother read scripture with me each night before bed — Psalms 23 and 27. My aunt read scripture every morning before school — Genesis 1. I memorized that and “Dreams” by Langston Hughes as a kid. As an adult, I remember a quote by Kobe Bryant and John Maxwell. I draw from those influences themes of self-identity, belief, aspiration, greatness, and inspiring others — giving them hope on their journeys. I have a strong sense of agency and can see those themes in how I relate to myself and others.
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?
It signifies a multitude of systemic and pervasive issues that undermine the effectiveness of a seriously underfunded system. When I consider what is “broken” in the mental health system today, I view it through a lens encompassing a range of critical factors.
There persists a concerning level of stigma surrounding mental health. This stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help, compounding the challenges they face in managing their mental well-being. Additionally, there are disturbing racial and ethnic disparities evident in access to mental health services, diagnoses, and treatment outcomes. These disparities reveal a pressing need for a more equitable and inclusive approach within the system.
Furthermore, there is a widespread lack of awareness and understanding about mental health issues among both the public and those in need of treatment. This lack of awareness can hinder early intervention and practical support for individuals grappling with mental health challenges. It is essential to understand this as an “everyone problem.” It includes high-performing executives, college students, high school students, as much as our special populations of foster and adopted youth, Veterans, and the unhoused. Additionally, the mental health system often falls short regarding cultural competence. Providers may not always possess the necessary awareness and sensitivity to navigate the complex interplay of environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic factors that influence their clients or patients.
From my perspective, the term “broken” also suggests that many individuals who require mental health support do not receive the appropriate care, and they often encounter various barriers to access. Despite the dedication and passion of many individuals within the mental health system, there can be challenges on the business side of managing mental health practices. Even well-intentioned private providers may struggle with their work’s clinical, financial, and operational aspects.
In essence, the notion that the mental health system is “broken” reflects a comprehensive assessment of the various obstacles and deficiencies that impact its ability to serve those in need effectively. It calls for systemic change and a more inclusive, culturally competent, and equitable approach to mental health care in the United States.
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 certainly some positive aspects that we should recognize and strive to preserve. First and foremost, there has been a noticeable reduction in the stigma traditionally associated with mental health. People are becoming increasingly open about discussing their mental well-being, leading to a more compassionate and understanding society. There is a growing awareness of the critical importance of mental health and emotional well-being.
The advancement of telehealth and digital mental health resources have significantly improved access to mental health care, particularly benefiting individuals residing in remote or underserved areas.
Additionally, mental health care is evolving to embrace holistic and culturally competent approaches. Recognizing the unique needs of diverse populations ensures that mental health services are more inclusive and effective in addressing the varied challenges individuals face. I recommend exploring We All Count, a project to increase equity in data science, as they emphasize not excluding groups of people from the data.
Adopting Trauma-Informed Care is also on the rise, with more organizations prioritizing this approach. This perspective acknowledges the impact of trauma on mental health and guides treatment methods that are sensitive to the needs of trauma survivors, promoting healing and recovery. Initiatives like Mental Health First Aid Training are also becoming increasingly widespread. These programs equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to support those in crisis, making a tangible difference in critical situations.
Universities are also making educational strides by creating pathways through their course curricula to address the root causes of social problems. This approach recognizes that social problems often underlie mental health challenges and aims to equip future professionals with the tools to address these issues at their core. Private agency owners acknowledge the importance of aligning the business side of mental health service provision by hiring consultants like me to ensure efficient and effective care delivery, fostering sustainability and growth.
These positive developments collectively demonstrate the potential for continued progress in mental health care and support. While challenges persist, these bright spots are a solid foundation for building a more inclusive, accessible, and effective mental health system.
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. Mental Health Education: Comprehensive mental health education in schools and workplaces can help reduce stigma, increase awareness, and promote early intervention. We can create a more informed and empathetic society by teaching individuals about mental health from a young age. We can also equip service providers with usable, equitable data to inform planning and action and provide these resources in multiple languages.
2. Equity and Access: Prioritizing equity in mental health care is crucial. Policies and initiatives should aim to diversify providers, improve data collection practices, and reduce disparities in access to care among different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Expanding access to affordable mental health services, particularly in underserved areas, can help bridge these gaps.
3. Workforce Development: Training and recruiting mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and social workers, is essential. Increasing the mental health workforce can reduce wait times and improve the quality of care. Workforce development also includes school districts and mental health agencies, whether public or private, investing in professional and organizational development that incorporates some aspects of business operations, such as organizational development, onboarding practices, talent management, pay structure, branding, and marketing.
4. Integrated Care: Siloed work is ineffective. Integrating mental health care into educational, workplace, and primary health care settings can help identify and address mental health issues early on. This approach can streamline care, reduce stigma, and ensure individuals receive comprehensive health support.
5. Policy Reform: Legislative changes at the federal and state levels are needed to improve funding for mental health care, access to care, and quality. Policies should focus on insurance parity and removing barriers to care. Policy reform includes education reform, where school district policies equip schools to support student belonging, connectedness, mental health screenings, and support.
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?
We would likely witness a profound transformation. Ideally, it would look like earlier intervention and support, more compassion for those suffering, and reduced disparities in access to care. We could prevent crises from escalating into more severe situations. Some signs would be a domino effect from fewer children in foster care to fewer people imprisoned, fewer people unhoused, and a workforce paid adequately for their work, equipped to serve with resources at the ready. Overall, this would be greater mental health awareness where someone experiencing anxiety experiences the same approach to treatment as someone with a sprained ankle. It would look like equitable accessibility, a decline in mental health-related discrimination, and ultimately, an improvement in the mental well-being of individuals and communities.
What is a project you or others are working on today that gives you hope? How can our readers learn more about this work?
Through my work through Felicia Ford & Co.® and the nonprofit, I focus daily on supporting service-based business owners and nonprofit leaders leading teams that serve youth, adults, families, and change-making initiatives. Through courses, consulting, campaigns, and partnerships with organizations specializing in these areas, we work to make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most. Most recently, I co-authored with Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown, “Silent Dangers of Black Girls in Education.” This research article discusses the obstacles Black girls disproportionately face within the US education system and the compounding effects of racial and gendered experiences present in their lives. I invite readers to learn more about Silent Dangers at www.silentdangers.com or follow the business on social media (@feliciafordanco) to link to it. You can discover comprehensive information about my projects, resources, success stories, and ways to get involved or work with me on my platforms. We integrate consulting, research, and advocacy seamlessly to drive systemic change.
How do you see technology shaping the future of mental health care and its accessibility?
We want to ensure these innovations are ethical and secure and underserved populations have equitable access to these advancements. I see technology playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of mental health care and greatly enhancing its accessibility in critical ways:
- Telehealth and Teletherapy: Telehealth platforms enable individuals to access mental health care remotely, breaking geographical barriers.
- Online Support Communities: Online forums and social media platforms have created spaces for individuals to connect and share their mental health experiences. These communities offer peer support and can reduce feelings of isolation. There are many examples of this via spaces. A few examples are guided by @womanevolve, @dr.marielbuque, @dr.thema, @the.holistic.psychologist.
- Data-Driven Insights: Data analytics can help identify trends and patterns in mental health care, leading to more effective interventions and improved outcomes and considering machine learning for analyzing data for personalized treatment plans and incorporating technology for intake paperwork, notes, and reports.
In your view, how do social factors like poverty, education, and culture affect mental health care and its effectiveness?
Poverty, education, and culture are similar to the concept of SDOH. Poverty often creates significant barriers to access to care, can lead to social isolation and lack of support networks, and contributes to underlying stress factors that can lead to anxiety and depression. Education levels impact individuals’ awareness and understanding of mental health issues. Higher education levels are often associated with better mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and increasing the likelihood of seeking timely care. Those with higher education levels may also be better equipped to advocate for their mental health needs, navigate the healthcare system, and make informed decisions.
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 my work, I have implemented evidence and strength-based individual and group programs tailored to foster, adopted, and high-need youth, emphasizing emotional regulation, stress reduction, a sense of belonging, self-awareness, and self-efficacy. It can be as simple as allowing youth to play or journal. Furthermore, our initiatives extend beyond direct mental health services, encompassing indirect support systems for parents. We equip caregivers with soft and hard skills, empowering them to access livable wages, ultimately improving the home environment and reducing food insecurity and poverty. It’s important to remember that mental health crosses socioeconomic boundaries. It also affects two-parent households, middle and upper class.
In addition, my colleagues and peers have facilitated parent support groups, providing education on effective discipline practices, communication, and healthy relationship development. School-based mental health services have successfully created supportive student environments, such as therapeutic day treatment (TDT) and before and after-school programs focusing on socio-emotional development and a sense of belonging. Peer support programs have also made a positive impact. On a broader scale, initiatives by organizations like Casey Family Programs and Child Trends provide valuable insights and models for addressing mental health challenges among youth.
I recommend exploring enrichment programs offered by nonprofits or faith-based organizations for those seeking local solutions. These programs contribute significantly to the holistic development of children and adolescents, promoting their overall well-being. In the face of the mental health crisis affecting our youth, these innovative approaches provide hope and concrete avenues for support, ensuring that young individuals receive the care and resources they need to thrive.
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. 🙂
I would love to have lunch with Dany Garcia. For many years, I have admired her work. I manage multiple brands, projects, and clients. She oversees a portfolio of brands and created a company with her management client and business partner. Discussing the strategy, development, and management, growing a support team, and shattering glass ceilings would be amazing.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
They can connect with me @friendscallmefe and the business at www.feliciafordandco.com.
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: Felicia Ford On 5 Things That Can Be Done To Fix Our Broken… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.