Reimagining Mental Health Systems | Behavioral Health CRM

June 29, 2025

Summary:

In this episode of Center Stage, we speak with Dr. Michael Groat, CEO of the Lindner Center of HOPE, about his evolution from therapist to systems-level leader and how empathy, systems thinking, and innovation can shape the future of mental health care.

Dr. Groat shares his deeply personal journey, from early experiences with anxiety to building one of the country’s most respected psychiatric hospitals, offering powerful insights for treatment centers navigating burnout, access gaps, and cultural change.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Let lived experience inform leadership - Dr. Groat's own struggles with anxiety as a college student sparked his interest in mental health and continue to shape how he leads with empathy and authenticity.


  2. Treat burnout by knowing your limits - Drawing on years of clinical practice, Dr. Groat shares how grounding in the “serenity prayer” helps prevent emotional exhaustion by balancing ambition with acceptance.


  3. Bridge clinical insight with operational leadership - As a CEO with a clinical background, Dr. Groat applies therapy-informed listening, systems thinking, and servant leadership to improve care and team cohesion.


  4. Listen deeply and build from patient needs - Suicide Resilience program was born from patient conversations. Dr. Groat urges providers to listen not just to what's said, but what’s left unsaid.


  5. Design systems that reflect real-world diversity - To better serve immigrant and BIPOC communities, Dr. Groat is focused on training diverse future clinicians and creating more culturally responsive care environments.


  6. We need a national model for stepped mental health care - Dr. Groat calls for policy reform that treats mental health like physical health - with rehab-like care options between crisis stabilization and outpatient therapy.


  7. Lead with warmth and excellence - At Lindner, highly trained specialists and a culture of compassion work hand in hand. Dr. Groat believes the best systems combine heart with clinical rigor.

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New Resilience

Accelerate critical tasks with New Resilience AI products. Let’s explore how New Resilience can support your facility's needs.

Copyright © 2025 New Resilience. All rights reserved.

New Resilience

Accelerate critical tasks with New Resilience AI products. Let’s explore how New Resilience can support your facility's needs.

Copyright © 2025 New Resilience. All rights reserved.