Summit | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Reception | 6:00 – 7:30 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: 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: 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 | 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: Jennifer Mika (Crowell & Moring LLP)
Counsel
Speaker: Robert Baillieu (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
Physician & Senior Advisor
Speaker: Samuel Kaardal (Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, ONC)
Deputy National Coordinator for Health IT, Interoperability
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.
Speaker: Jennifer Mika (Crowell & Moring LLP)
Counsel
Speaker: Robert Baillieu (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
Physician & Senior Advisor
Speaker: Samuel Kaardal (Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, ONC)
Deputy National Coordinator for Health IT, Interoperability
Moderator: Adam Easterday, JD (Optum)
VP of Regulatory Affairs
10:45 – 11:00 AM Wave | Lightning Talks: Innovations Driving Change
Lightning Talks: Innovations Driving Change
Abstract: Behavioral health has no shortage of solutions—yet performance, cost, and outcomes remain misaligned. This session reframes the problem for payers: without real clinical measurement, innovation stalls, AI lacks signal, and alternative payment structures cannot be underwritten. Dr. Sarah Adler outlines how measurement-first systems unlock scalable access, lower-cost models, and auditable outcomes that plans can confidently fund.
Speaker: Sarah Adler (Wave Life)
Founder and CEO
Abstract: Behavioral health has no shortage of solutions—yet performance, cost, and outcomes remain misaligned. This session reframes the problem for payers: without real clinical measurement, innovation stalls, AI lacks signal, and alternative payment structures cannot be underwritten. Dr. Sarah Adler outlines how measurement-first systems unlock scalable access, lower-cost models, and auditable outcomes that plans can confidently fund.
Speaker: Sarah Adler (Wave Life)
Founder and CEO
11:00 – 11:15 AM | Networking Break
11:15 – 11:25 AM PhRMA | Lightning Talks: Innovations Driving Change
Lightning Talks: Innovations Driving Change
Abstract:
Speaker: Mike Ybarra (PhRMA)
Chief Medical Officer
Abstract:
Speaker: Mike Ybarra (PhRMA)
Chief Medical Officer
11:25 – 11:35 AM Big Health | Lightning Talks: Innovations Driving Change
Lightning Talks: Innovations Driving Change 
Abstract:
Speaker: Dani Bradley, MS, MPH (Big Health)
Vice-President of Clinical Affairs
11:35 – 11:45 AM TPN.health | Lightning Talks: Innovations Driving Change
Lightning Talks: Innovations Driving Change
Abstract: Over 80% of behavioral health directories contain errors. Your members are abandoning care while untreated conditions drive medical costs 3x higher, and your plan absorbs the cost of that chaos. TPN.health fixes the infrastructure: 115,000+ actively engaged providers, living data, and intelligent matching that places members in the right care within 2 days. The result: 95.2% match proficiency and 15%+ reduction in total BH claims costs. You don’t need another point solution, you need a new operating system for behavioral health.
Speaker: Trevor Colhoun (TPN.health)
Founder & Healthcare Operator
Abstract: Over 80% of behavioral health directories contain errors. Your members are abandoning care while untreated conditions drive medical costs 3x higher, and your plan absorbs the cost of that chaos. TPN.health fixes the infrastructure: 115,000+ actively engaged providers, living data, and intelligent matching that places members in the right care within 2 days. The result: 95.2% match proficiency and 15%+ reduction in total BH claims costs. You don’t need another point solution, you need a new operating system for behavioral health.
Speaker: Trevor Colhoun (TPN.health)
Founder & Healthcare Operator
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM | 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: Malekeh Amini (Trayt Health)
Founder and CEO
Moderator: 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: Malekeh Amini (Trayt Health)
Founder and CEO
Moderator: 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 | 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 | Reshaping Behavioral Health: Innovation Across Capital, Coverage, and Care
Reshaping Behavioral Health: Innovation Across Capital, Coverage, and Care
Abstract: Health plans, venture capital, primary care leaders, and advocacy organizations are reshaping how behavioral health is delivered and financed. This cross-sector conversation explores how capital, coverage, clinical leadership, and consumer voice are accelerating integration and advancing whole-person, value-based care.
Speaker: Mary Giliberti, JD (Mental Health America)
Chief Public Policy Officer
Speaker: Ann Greiner (Primary Care Collaborative)
President & CEO
Speaker: Marketa Wills (American Psychiatric Association)
CEO & Medical Director
Speaker: Laura Gomez Cadena (Healthworx Ventures)
Venture Investor
Moderator: Brad Lerner (Carelon Behavioral Health, Elevance Health)
Director
Abstract: Health plans, venture capital, primary care leaders, and advocacy organizations are reshaping how behavioral health is delivered and financed. This cross-sector conversation explores how capital, coverage, clinical leadership, and consumer voice are accelerating integration and advancing whole-person, value-based care.
Speaker: Mary Giliberti, JD (Mental Health America)
Chief Public Policy Officer
Speaker: Ann Greiner (Primary Care Collaborative)
President & CEO
Speaker: Marketa Wills (American Psychiatric Association)
CEO & Medical Director
Speaker: Laura Gomez Cadena (Healthworx Ventures)
Venture Investor
Moderator: Brad Lerner (Carelon Behavioral Health, Elevance Health)
Director
2:45 – 3:00 PM | Afternoon Break
3:00 – 3:30 PM | Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute/West Health | Discussion
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute/West Health | Discussion
Abstract: This interactive session will explore practical strategies for catalyzing measurement-informed care in both primary and specialty behavioral health settings, featuring perspectives from West Health and the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. Participants will engage in a facilitated discussion to share challenges, real-world experiences, and scalable approaches to integrating routine outcomes measurement into clinical workflows. The session aims to spark actionable insights and collaborative ideas to accelerate adoption and improve patient-centered mental health care.
Speaker: Liane Wardlow (West Health Institute)
Senior Director of Clinical Research
Speaker: Clare McNutt (Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute)
Senior Vice-President for Health System Integration
Speaker: Rebecca Klein (Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute)
Senior Vice-President for National Policy, Partnerships, and Strategy
Abstract: This interactive session will explore practical strategies for catalyzing measurement-informed care in both primary and specialty behavioral health settings, featuring perspectives from West Health and the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. Participants will engage in a facilitated discussion to share challenges, real-world experiences, and scalable approaches to integrating routine outcomes measurement into clinical workflows. The session aims to spark actionable insights and collaborative ideas to accelerate adoption and improve patient-centered mental health care.
Speaker: Liane Wardlow (West Health Institute)
Senior Director of Clinical Research
Speaker: Clare McNutt (Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute)
Senior Vice-President for Health System Integration
Speaker: Rebecca Klein (Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute)
Senior Vice-President for National Policy, Partnerships, and Strategy
3:30 – 4:15 PM | 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: Frank Angotti (Aetna, a CVS Health Company)
Executive Medical Director
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: Frank Angotti (Aetna, a CVS Health Company)
Executive Medical Director
4:15 – 5:00 PM | Inside Congress: The Future of Behavioral Health Policy
Inside Congress: The Future of Behavioral Health Policy
Abstract: Hear directly from congressional staff about the latest developments in federal health care policy and what they mean for behavioral health. This panel will highlight current legislative activity, funding priorities, and oversight efforts affecting mental health and substance use disorder care, while examining how Congress is approaching integration, quality measurement, and value-based payment reform. Learn how federal policy can help advance coordinated, high-quality care that treats the whole person.
Speaker: Rachel Dolin (Ways & Mean Committee) Democratic Professional Staff
Speaker: Catherine B. Hayes, MPP (GOP Doctors Caucus)
Executive Director
Moderator: David Schwartz (CareFirst)
Vice President of Public Policy & Federal Affairs
Abstract: Hear directly from congressional staff about the latest developments in federal health care policy and what they mean for behavioral health. This panel will highlight current legislative activity, funding priorities, and oversight efforts affecting mental health and substance use disorder care, while examining how Congress is approaching integration, quality measurement, and value-based payment reform. Learn how federal policy can help advance coordinated, high-quality care that treats the whole person.
Speaker: Rachel Dolin (Ways & Mean Committee) Democratic Professional Staff
Speaker: Catherine B. Hayes, MPP (GOP Doctors Caucus)
Executive Director
Moderator: David Schwartz (CareFirst)
Vice President of Public Policy & Federal Affairs
6:00 – 7:30 PM | Reception – United States Botanic Garden
Reception at the United States Botanic Garden
Join fellow Summit attendees, ABHW members, and other special guests for a relaxed and memorable gathering designed to extend the day’s conversations in an inspiring outdoor setting. Enjoy light refreshments, thoughtful dialogue, and the opportunity to connect with congressional health staff, colleagues, and leaders from across the behavioral health community. This reception offers a moment to unwind, reflect on the insights shared during the Summit, and continue building the relationships that move our work forward, all surrounded by the calm and elegance of the gardens.
Host: Honorable Paul Tonko
US Congressional Representative
Join fellow Summit attendees, ABHW members, and other special guests for a relaxed and memorable gathering designed to extend the day’s conversations in an inspiring outdoor setting. Enjoy light refreshments, thoughtful dialogue, and the opportunity to connect with congressional health staff, colleagues, and leaders from across the behavioral health community. This reception offers a moment to unwind, reflect on the insights shared during the Summit, and continue building the relationships that move our work forward, all surrounded by the calm and elegance of the gardens.
Host: Honorable Paul Tonko
US Congressional Representative