Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Stuart Archer, FACHE, CEO at Oceans Healthcare
Jun 29, 2025
Stuart Archer, CEO at Oceans Healthcare, is dedicated to expanding access to behavioral health services. He shares how the organization has grown from rural Louisiana to a national leader while championing underserved communities. The conversation highlights the challenges in behavioral health funding and the need for healthcare parity. Archer discusses their innovative strategies for sustainable care, including community-focused initiatives. He also emphasizes the importance of authentic leadership and maintaining a strong mission in the face of growth challenges.
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Fragility of Behavioral Health Funding
- Behavioral health care is a fragile and underfunded part of the health care continuum.
- It receives about two-thirds the funding compared to acute care despite high patient needs.
Challenges with Behavioral Health Payer System
- Behavioral health services face payer misalignment and challenges with pre-authorizations and continuing stay criteria.
- Despite public support, behavioral health advocates often lack influence in critical payer and policy decisions.
Stick to Core Mission
- Focus on doing what your organization does best and build on that success.
- Avoid trying to be everything to everyone, as it typically leads to failure to serve any group well.