On this episode, I have an important conversation with Robert Trestman, M.D., chair for psychiatry and behavioral medicine at Carilion Clinic and a professor at the Viriginia Tech/Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, Va. He serves as 2021 chair of the AHA Behavioral Health Services Council.

Dr. Trestman and I reflect on the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and well-being of health care professionals, patients and families. During our conversation, he emphasizes that to improve behavioral health care, “overcoming the stigma of asking for and receiving help is the single biggest challenge we all face.” He is passionate about helping health care professionals “to realize that we are human beings … with limits … and it’s OK to ask for help.” 

We also talk about the best measures to assess the effectiveness of interventions, the necessity to better integrate physical and behavioral health services, and Dr. Trestman’s ideas to overcome funding and compensation challenges for behavioral health care. Watch the episode here. And visit AHA’s webpage for resources on behavioral health. 

Look for more of my conversations on trending topics with health care leaders from around the country, released as part of the Chair File. 

Rod Hochman, M.D.
AHA Chair
 


Related News Articles

Chairperson's File
Public
There is a saying that is very timely for our field: A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. As we head into the final months of 2025, hospitals and health…
Headline
The AHA is seeking speakers for the 2026 AHA Leadership Summit who can share strategies, case examples and lessons learned that demonstrate how hospitals and…
Chairperson's File
Public
Although hospitals and health systems are facing many pressures and challenges, now is the time to truly transform how we care for our patients and communities…
Perspective
Public
More than 48 million Americans — 16.8% of the 12-and-older population — have a substance use disorder (SUD), according to the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use…
Headline
The AHA’s American Organization for Nursing Leadership will host its virtual Nurse Manager Institute on Oct. 30, Nov. 6 and Nov. 13. The event is designed for…
Headline
Susan Doherty, AHA’s vice president of field engagement, and Rebecca Chickey, AHA’s senior director of behavioral health services, write on the unique ways…