From Capitol Hill to Community Care: Federal Policy Update - The State of Mental Wellbeing Podcast

In this episode, host Mohini Venkatesh speaks with Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO, and Reyna Taylor, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, about the federal landscape of mental health and substance use policy. They explore current challenges and emerging opportunities shaping behavioral health care nationwide.This conversation focuses on federal mental health and substance use policy, a key issue shaping the future of behavioral health care nationwide. Mohini, Chuck and Reyna discuss major developments on Capitol Hill, including federal funding for mental health, workforce pressures, Medicaid implementation and legislative priorities such as the Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act. They offer accessible insight for behavioral health professionals, policy leaders and mental wellbeing advocates navigating a fast‑moving policy environment. Together, they explore how federal policy decisions affect communities, providers and people seeking care.Listeners will learn:What the current federal mental health policy environment means for mental health and substance use care.How the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s top policy priorities are shaped by community and provider needs.What professionals, organizations and individuals can do right now to prepare for policy changes ahead.Chuck Ingoglia is President and CEO, and Reyna Taylor is Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Their work advances mental health and substance use care policy to strengthen communities nationwide. Follow for weekly conversations shaping mental health and substance use care and learn more about the podcast: https://bit.ly/4u7ERWm