Members of the ComPsych team spent last week at Behavioral Health Tech, a lively event that brought together a vibrant community of clinicians, executives, innovators, and advocates dedicated to reshaping the future of mental health care. Hosted at the Marriott Marquis in San Diego, California, the conference spanned several energizing days filled with hands-on workshops, thought-provoking panels, and networking sessions buzzing with ideas about making behavioral health more accessible, effective, and people-centered. Here are some of our top observations.
AI Takes Center Stage
One of the most prominent threads running through BHT2025 (literally, there was an AI note taker at the panel sessions!) was the remarkable acceleration of artificial intelligence in behavioral health. Conversations explored AI’s impact and its potential to lower barriers to care, personalize interventions, and predict individual needs. AI-powered tools and therapy assistants were at the heart of many discussions, with both optimism for expanding access and caution about ethical deployment. As a clinician, I am energized by the doors AI can open, however my colleagues and I agree that AI will never replace human-to-human support. We also recognize the unique risks to AI deployment in the mental health space, particularly as it relates to high acuity cases, hallucinations, and self-harm. Ultimately, AI presents an opportunity to enhance the great things humans – specifically clinicians – are doing in the behavioral health space already.
Partnerships Fueling Progress
BHT2025 also showcased the power of collaboration. Across panels and networking events, including our own, leading organizations shared how multi-stakeholder partnerships are driving meaningful change in mental health. The session I spoke on, “Seamless Care, Real Healing: How the HCSC and ComPsych Partnership Transforms Mental Health Support,” offered an in-depth example of this trend. Our partners from Health Care Service Corporation and I discussed how integrating health insurance services with employee assistance programs can address barriers like stigma, rural access, and logistical hurdles. We described our partnership as a “Swiss army knife” for mental health, meaning that through the strengths and comprehensive services of both organizations, members can access the tools and resources they need at that time, whether it be counseling, coaching, legal, financial, caregiver and parenting support and digital services, as well as rapid response to crises. The session highlighted the innovation the partnership is built on and the seamless integration members experience, supported by strong data outcomes, such as a 78% reduction in symptoms.
Personalization and Holistic Care
This year’s event emphasized that the future of behavioral health lies in solutions that see, hear, and support the whole person. Many speakers and exhibitors focused on integrating social determinants of health into care strategies, expanding support to include work-life resources like childcare, eldercare, and financial planning, and promoting peer-supported wellness communities, especially for youth and underserved populations. There was special attention to tools that address not only clinical symptoms but the broader life context that shapes mental health.
Spotlight on Timely Access
Timely, flexible access to care emerged as a non-negotiable priority. From telehealth platforms offering near-immediate appointments to hybrid models blending in-person and digital support, organizations demonstrated how embracing multiple care modalities leads to better engagement and outcomes. Attendees discussed novel approaches to peer support (like our ComPsych Huddles), mental health support for youth, and connecting those in need with qualified providers through tools and apps. While many continue to discuss the opportunity to improve access through digital and telehealth solutions, attendees recognize the trends to a return to in-person service requests. At ComPsych, we are proud to offer in-person appointments in less than 3 days.
Looking Forward
The energy and optimism at BHT2025 were unmistakable. Key trends like AI-driven care, cross-industry partnerships, holistic, individualized treatment, and a relentless focus on breaking down barriers are setting the pace for the next wave of advancements. The conference sent a clear message: the future of behavioral health will be shaped not by any one organization or technology, but by a passionate, collaborative community that constantly innovates to provide the best and most holistic care, accessed when and where it is needed. At its core, that is why most of us entered this field – to help individuals get the help they need, as easily and seamlessly as possible, to improve their mental health and well-being.
As the event drew to a close, the sense of momentum was palpable. BHT2025 didn’t just spotlight today’s best ideas; it inspired attendees to return home with new tools, new connections, and a renewed determination to make mental health care more accessible and impactful for all.
