Listen, Mental Health Matters: Dr. Kelly Blankenship, Dayton Children's

In the 10th episode of “Listen, Mental Health Matters,” Brian Giebink, HDR’s behavioral and mental health practice lead and guest host Chris Haedt, HDR health principal, sit down with Dr. Kelly Blankenship, associate chief medical officer and division chief of psychiatry at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Dr. Blankenship shares her journey into child psychiatry and her mission to expand access to youth mental health care. She discusses innovative approaches like facility dogs for de-escalation, rapid follow-up after emergency visits and the hospital’s role as the region’s only inpatient children’s mental health facility. From college-age programs to parent education, the episode explores community collaboration, school-based resiliency programs and pilot initiatives for outpatient care. The group also reflects on the pandemic and social media’s impact on youth, and how advocacy and education can shape the future of mental healthcare.

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Brian Giebink is the behavioral and mental health practice lead. He has served as the mental health expert on numerous projects around the world and is passionate about creating transformational mental health facilities that foster recovery, independence and a sense of community. He believes that listening is the first step toward shaping a better future for mental health care.

Dr. Kelly Blankenship is the associate chief medical officer of mental health and division chief of psychiatry at Dayton Children's Hospital. She is the clinical lead for the hospital’s current mental health expansion. Dr. Blankenship enjoys working with children because they see everything as possible. “They don't see barriers like most adults do in everyday life,” she said. “They help us all to think outside the box.”

Credits: Produced by Danny Sullivan and John Tourek. Special thanks to Ashley Tucker and Troy Parks.