The Guiding Star

Welcome to The Guiding Star Blog!

35 years ago, I made a decision which transformed my life trajectory, and solidified my path forward. My recovery journey began at a formative time in my life, and despite any initial trepidation, my resolve to sustain a life firmly rooted in the moment has been my North Star. As we navigate our way through the final half of 2025 National Recovery Month, I find it fitting to launch NorthStar Behavioral Health Advisory as a testament to my unwavering commitment to push against the status quo by designing integrated health and social systems so that all communities, families, and individuals can thrive. I look forward to working with other entities and organizations who are committed to amplifying the voices of those that have been lost or snuffed out for whatever reason, particularly when the systems designed to lift us up tear away at the social fabric that keeps us healthy.

Looking Ahead

I look forward to weighing in on a variety of issues that impact our ability to provide access to quality prevention, treatment and recovery services in the behavioral health industry. I will be taking a closer look and offering insights into such topics as:

• The recently passed H.R.1 Budget Reconciliation Bill (a.k.a. "One Big Beautiful Bill"), imminent concerns, and concerns for the future shape of healthcare in our country which includes the integration of behavioral health into a broad ecosystem of healthcare service delivery.

• Enforcement of the Mental Health Parity and Addictions Equity Act and what this means for payers, providers and consumers.

• Opioid Abatement funding for efforts to address the downstream consequences of the opioid overdose epidemic.

• Revenue diversification strategies.

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