Podcast Summary: Unlocking Access to Mental Health

Podcast: The Digital Executive by Coruzant Technologies
Episode: Unlocking Access to Mental Health – A Conversation with CMO Stephen Ebbett | Ep 1027
Date: March 19, 2025
Host: Brian Thomas
Guest: Stephen Ebbett, Chief Marketing Officer, AM FM Healthcare

Episode Overview

In this concise and insightful episode, host Brian Thomas sits down with Stephen Ebbett, the Chief Marketing Officer of AM FM Healthcare, to explore how technology and ethical marketing are transforming access to mental health care. The discussion centers around the crucial role of digital innovation, privacy, and trust in breaking down barriers and reaching people in need. Stephen shares his professional journey, actionable insights into telehealth's impact, and his philosophy on ethical healthcare marketing for both consumers and B2B partners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Stephen Ebbett’s Journey into Mental Health & Digital Transformation

• Digital roots: Stephen recounts his fascination with digital technology stemming from the mid-90s and describes how early email experiences sparked his passion for digital communications.

  “I remember becoming fascinated by Digital in the mid-90s when I sent my first email on Yahoo… I thought this is quite something.” — Stephen Ebbett [01:35]

• Mission-driven pivot: After a successful trajectory in digital marketing and the insurance sector, Stephen intentionally pivoted to mission-driven work, leveraging his skills to make a difference, especially amidst the national mental health crisis.

2. Technology’s Role in Expanding Mental Health Access

• Barriers to care: Stephen outlines the traditional obstacles—geography, mobility, schedules, and mental health symptoms themselves—keeping people from treatment.
• Telehealth as a game changer:

  “The expansion of virtual digital telehealth has really opened up access to care for people…who don’t find accessing care easy… it can provide a lot of comfort for clients as well.” — Stephen Ebbett [03:01]

• Reduced stigma and increased comfort: Telehealth offers less intrusive, more frequent, and comfortable interactions, lessening the intimidation or anxiety often tied to in-person visits.

3. Ethical and Trustworthy Marketing in Mental Health

• Privacy at the core:

  “The first and most important thing is highlighting client privacy. At AM FM Healthcare we have a high level of respect and care for HIPAA laws and the privacy under which all patients consider explore care.” — Stephen Ebbett [05:19]

• Building trust: Success in mental health marketing is predicated on trust and credibility. AM FM Healthcare emphasizes transparency and provides evidence-based data to help clients and families make informed decisions.
• Sensitivity to decision-making units: Recognizing families, patients, and loved ones as central to the process, AM FM tailors messaging and education accordingly.

4. Effective Healthcare Marketing Strategies: B2B and B2C

• Meeting people where they are:

  “It has always been about accessing patients where they are and providing communication and access to information in the channels which they are absorbing and looking for information in.” — Stephen Ebbett [07:46]

• Dual strategy:
  • B2B: Engaging trusted referral sources such as physicians, therapists, EAPs, and unions with accurate, supportive information.
  • B2C: Leveraging omnichannel approaches — from Google to TikTok — providing educational, transparent, and factual information.
• Informed decisions:

  “This is a very important decision… We want to provide transparency, we want to provide clarity, we want to provide facts that help them to make that decision and choose the provider that's right for them.” — Stephen Ebbett [09:18]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On technology’s enabling power:

  “Telehealth also provides in some ways a closer proximity between the caregiver and the client due to the ease of that connection, the regularity... and in some ways it’s less intrusive and less intimidating.” — Stephen Ebbett [03:56]

• On trust and privacy:

  “The good work is done when trust is built and trust is grown… If we can grow trust as digital marketers on the front end, those first steps in care are that little bit easier.” — Stephen Ebbett [07:10]

• On educational marketing:

  “A lot of times… it’s not about trying to make that sale or you’re putting out valuable information, that educational information that will attract people in, again, build that trust so that they will come in and visit.” — Brian Thomas [09:36]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:35] — Stephen’s digital journey and motivation for entering mental health care
• [03:01] — Technology, telehealth, and overcoming barriers to access
• [05:19] — Ethics, privacy, and building trust in mental health marketing
• [07:46] — Effective strategies for B2B and B2C healthcare marketing
• [09:36] — The role of education and partnership in healthcare marketing

Tone & Closing

The episode maintains a thoughtful, mission-driven, and optimistic tone, with both host and guest focusing on actionable solutions and ethical imperatives. The conversation is direct yet empathetic, underscoring the importance of digital tools, privacy, and tailored communication in unlocking access to mental health care.