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)
President and CEO
Behavioral Health as a National Priority
Speaker: Brad Lerner (Carelon Behavioral Health, an Elevance Health Company)
Director of Public Policy & Behavioral Health
Speaker: Debbie Witchey (ABHW)
President and CEO
Behavioral Health as a National Priority
Speaker: Brad Lerner (Carelon Behavioral Health, an Elevance Health Company)
Director of Public Policy & Behavioral Health
9:10 – 9:40 AM | Keynote Conversation Part 1: A Fireside Chat with Patrick Kennedy
A Fireside Chat with Patrick Kennedy
Abstract: Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy will discuss with Debbie Witchey how unlikely partnerships, shared lived experience, and emerging tools like AI could accelerate progress in mental health and addiction care. In this fireside chat, he will explore working across political divides, leveraging data to prove value, and seizing rare moments to reshape national mental health policy.
Speaker: Patrick Kennedy II
Former US Congressman
Moderator: Debbie Witchey (ABHW)
President and CEO
Abstract: Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy will discuss with Debbie Witchey how unlikely partnerships, shared lived experience, and emerging tools like AI could accelerate progress in mental health and addiction care. In this fireside chat, he will explore working across political divides, leveraging data to prove value, and seizing rare moments to reshape national mental health policy.
Speaker: Patrick Kennedy II
Former US Congressman
Moderator: Debbie Witchey (ABHW)
President and CEO
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, DPA (Vibrant Emotional Health)
CEO
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, DPA (Vibrant Emotional Health)
CEO
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.
Moderator: Adam Easterday, JD (Optum)
VP of Regulatory Affairs
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.
Moderator: Adam Easterday, JD (Optum)
VP of Regulatory Affairs
10:45 – 11:00 AM | Networking Break
11:00 – 11:45 AM | Lightning Talks: Innovations Driving Change
Lightning Talks: Innovations Driving Change
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.
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.
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: Mark Gwynne, DO, FAAFP (UNC Health Alliance)
President
Speaker: James Gelfand (ERISA Industry Committee)
President & CEO
Speaker: Hannah Maniates (National Association of Medicaid Directors)
Director
Speaker: James Laughman, MSW, LSW (PerformCare, a subsidiary of AmeriHealth Caritas)
President
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: Mark Gwynne, DO, FAAFP (UNC Health Alliance)
President
Speaker: James Gelfand (ERISA Industry Committee)
President & CEO
Speaker: Hannah Maniates (National Association of Medicaid Directors)
Director
Speaker: James Laughman, MSW, LSW (PerformCare, a subsidiary of AmeriHealth Caritas)
President
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)
Partner
Speaker: Melanie Nathanson (Red + Blue Strategies)
Partner
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)
Partner
Speaker: Melanie Nathanson (Red + Blue Strategies)
Partner
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, MD, MSc, FAPA, FAPM, CPHQ (Magellan Health)
CEO
Speaker: Arthur Evans, PhD (American Psychological Association)
CEO
Speaker: Chuck Ingoglia, MSW (National Council of Mental Wellbeing)
CEO
Speaker: Mike Rhoades (Alera Health)
CEO
Moderator: Laura Lovett (Behavioral Health Business)
Senior Editor
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, MD, MSc, FAPA, FAPM, CPHQ (Magellan Health)
CEO
Speaker: Arthur Evans, PhD (American Psychological Association)
CEO
Speaker: Chuck Ingoglia, MSW (National Council of Mental Wellbeing)
CEO
Speaker: Mike Rhoades (Alera Health)
CEO
Moderator: Laura Lovett (Behavioral Health Business)
Senior Editor
2:15 – 2:45 PM | Lightning Policy Round: What Keeps You Up at Night?
What Keeps You Up at Night?
Abstract: Fast-paced, candid insights from policymakers, advocates, and health plan leaders on today’s biggest behavioral health challenges — and the solutions they want to see.
Speaker: Mary Giliberti, JD (Mental Health America)
Chief Public Policy Officer
Speaker: Ann Greiner (Primary Care Collaborative)
President & CEO
Moderator: Brad Lerner (Careolon Behavioral Health, Elevance Health)
Director
Abstract: Fast-paced, candid insights from policymakers, advocates, and health plan leaders on today’s biggest behavioral health challenges — and the solutions they want to see.
Speaker: Mary Giliberti, JD (Mental Health America)
Chief Public Policy Officer
Speaker: Ann Greiner (Primary Care Collaborative)
President & CEO
Moderator: Brad Lerner (Careolon Behavioral Health, Elevance Health)
Director
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.
Speaker: David Schwartz (CareFirst)
Vice-President of Public Policy & Federal Affairs
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.
Speaker: David Schwartz (CareFirst)
Vice-President of Public Policy & Federal Affairs
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: Will Lopez, MD, CPE (Evernorth)
National Medical Director
Speaker: Carlos Lindo (Lucet)
General Counsel
Speaker: Megan Lane (Kaiser Permanente)
Counsel, Government Relations
Moderator: Deborah Fernandez-Turner, DO, DFAACAP, CHIE (Aetna, a CVS Health Company)
Associate Vice President
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: Will Lopez, MD, CPE (Evernorth)
National Medical Director
Speaker: Carlos Lindo (Lucet)
General Counsel
Speaker: Megan Lane (Kaiser Permanente)
Counsel, Government Relations
Moderator: Deborah Fernandez-Turner, DO, DFAACAP, CHIE (Aetna, a CVS Health Company)
Associate Vice President