Summit | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Reception | 5:00 – 7:00 PM
8:30 – 9:00 AM | Registration, Networking, and Coffee
9:00 – 9:10 AM | Welcome and Opening Remarks
Framing the Day: Why Policy Matters Now More Than Ever
Speaker: Debbie Witchey (ABHW)
Behavioral Health as a National Priority
Speaker: Brad Lerner (Carelon Behavioral Health & Elevance Health)
9:10 – 9:40 AM | Keynote Conversation Part 1: The Progress We’ve Made in Behavioral Health and the Promise Ahead
The Progress We’ve Made in Behavioral Health and the Promise Ahead
Abstract: This keynote conversation will assess the meaningful policy gains made in behavioral health in recent years and the work still ahead to build a stronger, more equitable system. The discussion will explore how federal and state actions, innovative financing models, and emerging data are shaping the next generation of behavioral health policy. Attendees will gain a grounded, forward-looking view of where progress is real, where gaps remain, and what policy opportunities lie on the horizon.
Speakers: TBD
9:40AM – 10:00 AM | Keynote Conversation Part 2: Deep Dive: Behavioral Health Policy and Innovation
Deep Dive: Behavioral Health Policy and Innovation
Abstract: Over the past decade, behavioral health has undergone a profound transformation from growing national awareness to major policy shifts, expanded access, and a stronger commitment to parity. This keynote will examine how far the field has come, the forces that accelerated progress, and the innovations reshaping how care is delivered, including advances in crisis care. Just as importantly, it will look ahead to the policy, clinical, and technological opportunities that can drive the next generation of behavioral health improvement. Attendees will gain a clear perspective on what’s working, what remains unfinished, and where the greatest potential lies to build a more equitable, accessible, and person-centered behavioral health system.
Speaker: Cara McNulty (Vibrant Emotional Health)
Abstract: Over the past decade, behavioral health has undergone a profound transformation from growing national awareness to major policy shifts, expanded access, and a stronger commitment to parity. This keynote will examine how far the field has come, the forces that accelerated progress, and the innovations reshaping how care is delivered, including advances in crisis care. Just as importantly, it will look ahead to the policy, clinical, and technological opportunities that can drive the next generation of behavioral health improvement. Attendees will gain a clear perspective on what’s working, what remains unfinished, and where the greatest potential lies to build a more equitable, accessible, and person-centered behavioral health system.
Speaker: Cara McNulty (Vibrant Emotional Health)
10:00 – 10:45 AM | Panel 1: Policy Crossroads: What’s Next for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Regulation?
Policy Crossroads: What’s Next for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Regulation?
Abstract: This session will take a deep dive into the evolving federal and state regulatory landscape shaping mental health and substance use disorder care. Panelists will offer perspectives from across policy, advocacy, and implementation, examining the key issues driving the next phase of progress, including funding and sustainability, parity implementation, workforce development, integration efforts, and crisis response systems. The discussion will highlight where meaningful momentum is emerging, where gaps remain, and what new policy opportunities could strengthen access and quality across the continuum of care.
Speaker: TBD
Moderator: Adam Easterday (Optum)
Abstract: This session will take a deep dive into the evolving federal and state regulatory landscape shaping mental health and substance use disorder care. Panelists will offer perspectives from across policy, advocacy, and implementation, examining the key issues driving the next phase of progress, including funding and sustainability, parity implementation, workforce development, integration efforts, and crisis response systems. The discussion will highlight where meaningful momentum is emerging, where gaps remain, and what new policy opportunities could strengthen access and quality across the continuum of care.
Speaker: TBD
Moderator: Adam Easterday (Optum)
10:45 – 11:00 AM | Networking Break
11:00 – 11:45 AM | Lightning Talks: Innovations Driving Change
Lightning Talks: Innovations Driving Change
Abstract: Join us for a dynamic series of rapid-fire talks highlighting cutting-edge innovations in behavioral health. Each speaker will share new ideas, emerging solutions, and bold approaches shaping the future of care. Fast-paced, insightful, and energizing, this session offers a front-row seat to the breakthroughs redefining what is possible.
Speaker: TBD
Abstract: Join us for a dynamic series of rapid-fire talks highlighting cutting-edge innovations in behavioral health. Each speaker will share new ideas, emerging solutions, and bold approaches shaping the future of care. Fast-paced, insightful, and energizing, this session offers a front-row seat to the breakthroughs redefining what is possible.
Speaker: TBD
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM | Panel 2: Financing the Future of Behavioral Health
Financing the Future of Behavioral Health
Abstract: How are health plans, employers, and providers building sustainable models for behavioral health funding? This question becomes more important as the reimbursement system moves to value-based care. This session will facilitate a conversation among panelists representing diverse perspectives and consider how financing models can help to drive more integrated, quality-focused care.
Speaker: James Gelfand (ERIC)
Speaker: Hannah Maniates
Speaker: Jim Laughman
Abstract: How are health plans, employers, and providers building sustainable models for behavioral health funding? This question becomes more important as the reimbursement system moves to value-based care. This session will facilitate a conversation among panelists representing diverse perspectives and consider how financing models can help to drive more integrated, quality-focused care.
Speaker: James Gelfand (ERIC)
Speaker: Hannah Maniates
Speaker: Jim Laughman
12:30 – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch + Spotlight Interview
Red, Blue, and Breaking Through: The Latest Moves in Behavioral Health Policy
Abstract: In this upbeat and bipartisan briefing, we’ll break down the most consequential legislative and administrative developments impacting behavioral health. Expect a clear-eyed exploration of each party’s priorities, the negotiations shaping current proposals, and the regulatory shifts already underway. The session provides a dynamic, cross-party perspective on how federal policy is evolving and what stakeholders should be watching in the months ahead.
Speaker: Megan Hauck Marshall (Red + Blue Strategies)
Speaker: Melanie Nathanson (Red + Blue Strategies)
Abstract: In this upbeat and bipartisan briefing, we’ll break down the most consequential legislative and administrative developments impacting behavioral health. Expect a clear-eyed exploration of each party’s priorities, the negotiations shaping current proposals, and the regulatory shifts already underway. The session provides a dynamic, cross-party perspective on how federal policy is evolving and what stakeholders should be watching in the months ahead.
Speaker: Megan Hauck Marshall (Red + Blue Strategies)
Speaker: Melanie Nathanson (Red + Blue Strategies)
1:30 – 2:15 PM | Panel 3: Integration in Action with Models That Work
Integration in Action with Models That Work
Abstract: This panel will highlight proven approaches that integrate behavioral health with primary care, specialty care, and community support. Presenters will share strategies that have demonstrated success and explore key questions for the field: Which models can be scaled effectively, and what policy changes are needed to sustain their impact?
Speaker: Caroline Carney (Magellan Health)
Speaker: Arthur Evans (American Psychological Association)
Speaker: Chuck Ingoglia (National Council of Mental Wellbeing)
Speaker: TBD
Abstract: This panel will highlight proven approaches that integrate behavioral health with primary care, specialty care, and community support. Presenters will share strategies that have demonstrated success and explore key questions for the field: Which models can be scaled effectively, and what policy changes are needed to sustain their impact?
Speaker: Caroline Carney (Magellan Health)
Speaker: Arthur Evans (American Psychological Association)
Speaker: Chuck Ingoglia (National Council of Mental Wellbeing)
Speaker: TBD
2:15 – 2:45 PM | Lightning Policy Round: What Keeps You Up at Night?
What Keeps You Up at Night?
Abstract: Each speaker will have seven minutes to present their candid insights on today’s biggest behavioral health challenges and the solutions they want to see. This fast-paced session will provide a variety of perspectives from various elements within behavioral health.
Speaker: Mary Giliberti (Mental Health America)
Speaker: Ann Greiner (Primary Care Collaborative)
Speaker: Matt Schappell (Frist Cressey Ventures)
Moderator: Brad Lerner (Careolon Behavioral Health, Elevance Health)
Abstract: Each speaker will have seven minutes to present their candid insights on today’s biggest behavioral health challenges and the solutions they want to see. This fast-paced session will provide a variety of perspectives from various elements within behavioral health.
Speaker: Mary Giliberti (Mental Health America)
Speaker: Ann Greiner (Primary Care Collaborative)
Speaker: Matt Schappell (Frist Cressey Ventures)
Moderator: Brad Lerner (Careolon Behavioral Health, Elevance Health)
2:45 – 3:00 PM | Afternoon Break
3:00 – 3:45 PM | Panel 4: The Workforce Crisis: Policy Levers to Expand Access
The Workforce Crisis: Policy Levers to Expand Access
Abstract: How are staffing challenges impacting access to behavioral health care? This is a key concern as providers and health plans strive to build sustainable networks that provide adequate resources for care. This session will discuss this challenging situation and potential solutions, including licensing reform and the role of paraprofessionals in expanding access.
Speakers: TBD
Bios: TBD
3:45 – 4:30 PM | Panel 5: AI in Action – Transforming Data, Quality, and Accountability
AI in Action: Transforming Data, Quality, and Accountability
Abstract: AI is rapidly changing many industries, including behavioral health delivery. In this session, panelists will examine both the promising and problematic uses of AI in the field. The discussion will explore how to leverage data to improve outcomes and create more effective care delivery for everyone. Panelists will also offer perspectives on aligning quality measures, reporting requirements, and outcomes-based policies to maximize impact.
Speaker: Dr. Will Lopez (Virtual Care & AI at Evernorth)
Speaker: Carlos Lindo (Lucet)
Speaker: Megan Lane (Kaiser Permanente)
Moderator: Deborah Fernandez-Turner (Aetna and CVS Health)
Abstract: AI is rapidly changing many industries, including behavioral health delivery. In this session, panelists will examine both the promising and problematic uses of AI in the field. The discussion will explore how to leverage data to improve outcomes and create more effective care delivery for everyone. Panelists will also offer perspectives on aligning quality measures, reporting requirements, and outcomes-based policies to maximize impact.
Speaker: Dr. Will Lopez (Virtual Care & AI at Evernorth)
Speaker: Carlos Lindo (Lucet)
Speaker: Megan Lane (Kaiser Permanente)
Moderator: Deborah Fernandez-Turner (Aetna and CVS Health)