A Global Approach to Addressing Mental Health & Substance Use

In this episode, Mohini Venkatesh sits down with Steve Appleton of the Global Leadership Exchange (GLE) and Chuck Ingoglia of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to explore how global collaboration can strengthen mental health care, substance use treatment and behavioral health systems. They discuss workforce shortages, task sharing, peer support, crisis response, leadership development and cross-sector innovation, offering practical insights for improving access to care, community-based services and systemwide outcomes. 

This conversation highlights how global knowledge exchange can advance mental health policy, behavioral health innovation and substance use care. From task sharing and peer-led crisis services to leadership development and workforce strategy, the episode explores scalable solutions for meeting rising demand. 

• How global knowledge exchange can strengthen mental health systems, substance use services and behavioral health leadership 
• Why task sharing, peer support specialists and nontraditional workforce models are critical to the future of mental health care
• What leaders can do to improve crisis response, expand access to care and embed lived experience into service design 

Steve Appleton serves as President and Chief Executive of Global Leadership Exchange (GLE). Prior to this, Steve was Managing Director of a consultancy and research practice specializing in work relating to mental health, housing, disability and older age. He has worked nationally and internationally on population-based mental health improvement programs in cities and urban regions. Alongside his role with GLE Steve also serves as Chair of the Board of the Association of Mental Health Providers in England and Wales, and Chair of the Board of Beacon CHC. 

Follow for weekly conversations shaping mental health and substance use care.