In this episode, Rachel Harrison highlights a local grassroots effort to address the evolving mental health landscape. The Real Change Initiative brings together local leaders in mental health to educate the community, advocate for ethical standards, and preserve the human connection in therapy. The conversation covers how technology is shaping care, the importance of licensed practitioners, and the need for transparency in mental health platforms. Key Topics: The Real Change Initiative and its goals Preserving human connection in mental health care Ethical and privacy considerations in tech-driven therapy Educating consumers about their choices in mental health services The role of research, advocacy, and community unity Key Timestamps: (0:05) Podcast introduction and network info (0:45) Overview of a local community effort: Real Change Initiative (4:00) Creation of the Real Therapy, Real Change video (6:20) Importance of relationship and human connection in therapy (23:00) Key takeaways: real therapy, education, and client choice Links and Resources: Real Therapy, Real Change video: https://traumaspecialistsofmd.com/real-therapy-real-change-initiative/ Articles Discussed: Mental Health Care Innovation: Startups Shaping the Future of Mental Health Care – Insights and Trends Full URL: https://fastercapital.com/content/Mental-health-care-innovation--Startups-Shaping-the-Future-of-Mental-Health-Care--Insights-and-Trends.html UnitedHealth Group, University of Minnesota Partner to Launch Course on Value-Based Care Full URL: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/unitedhealth-group-university-minnesota-partner-launch-course-value-based-care Federal Judge Says Class Privacy Claims May Proceed Against an Online Mental Health Platform Full URL: https://www.courthousenews.com/federal-judge-says-class-privacy-claims-may-proceed-against-online-mental-health-platform/ CVS Health, UnitedHealth Group, and the U.S. Health Care System Mergers Full URL: https://fortune.com/longform/cvs-health-unitedhealth-group-us-health-care-system-mergers/?tpcc=mag-issue-blast Guest Details: Dr. Alison Bomba – Psychologist, author, speaker, consultant, and active community member. Provides grief therapy and exposure-based CBT for children, teens, and young adults. Recognized in 2024 as one of Maryland's Top 100 Women and awarded the Leadership Frederick County Alumni Emergent Leader Award. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alisonbomba/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/drbomba Instagram: www.instagram.com/dralisonbomba/ Aaron Vander Meer, LCSW-C – Clinical social worker with over 17 years of experience in mental health and addictions. Specializes in serious mental illness, psychotic disorders, and solutions-focused therapy. Serves as the Program Director at ClearView Communities in Frederick, MD. Holds advanced clinical licensure, national certifications in employment services, and has led person-centered programs both nationally and internationally. Passionate about empowering individuals through mental health advocacy, program development, and community partnership. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-vander-meer-876b4766/ Website: clearviewcommunities.org Melissa Ward, LCPC, NCC – Maryland-licensed clinical professional counselor and National Certified Counselor. Works with adolescents, adults, and families, creating a therapeutic environment that addresses challenges and explores possibilities. Offers both in-person and telehealth therapy, focusing on communication, anxiety reduction, transitions, relationship improvement, and coping skills. Holds a B.S. in Communications from Florida International University and an M.S. in Counselor Education from McDaniel College. Formerly worked as a social worker and community relations manager for the National MS Society, Maryland Chapter. Website: www.melissawardcounselingservices.com Connect with Us: Website: https://www.traumaspecialiststraining.com/mental-health-entrepreneur-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthevolution/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-mental-health-evolution Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMentalHealthEntrepreneur/ Takeaway Quote: “We need to move beyond just providing services and focus on promoting independence, purpose, and belonging.” – Aaron Vander Meer Music by Zach Harrison

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