S4E08: Thomas Insel - Mental Health Access

The Doctor is Out

We are joined by Dr. Thomas Insel, a psychiatrist, author and neuroscientist who is a leading expert on mental health. Dr. Insel is the former director of the National Institute of Mental Health and founder of Vanna Health-- a startup that aims to expand access to comprehensive care for serious mental illness.

We start the conversation by discussing the state of mental health access in the United States and the challenges that individuals and communities face when seeking treatment. Dr. Insel shares his insights on the shortage of mental health providers, the stigma associated with mental illness, and the barriers that prevent people from accessing care. We then dive into the solutions to improve access to care and how future physicians interested in mental health can help contribute more broadly to the field. Throughout the conversation, we explore the complex intersection of mental health, technology, and policy, and Dr. Insel shares his vision for a future where mental health is a priority and accessible to all.