Amidst the tumultuous rise of COVID-19, a decade-long dissatisfaction with the stagnant state of community mental health jobs converged with growing frustration over the inertia towards change. This pivotal period ignited a vision driven by a fervent desire to enhance, broaden, and transcend the landscape of mental health services for all participants involved.

In early 2020, amidst the pandemic’s onslaught, Albert found himself immersed in tireless work, logging over 60 hours weekly across various clinical settings such as ICUs, rehabilitation centers, and outreach programs catering to homeless patients. The relentless pace inevitably led to burnout and compassion fatigue, prompting Albert to question the sustainability of efforts within the professional community and the broader impact he aspired to achieve. The pandemic underscored the imperative need to prioritize mental health while emphasizing the urgency of making it more accessible, aligning with Albert’s growing conviction for transformative change.

The paradigm of in-person therapy and mental health services was rapidly evolving before society’s eyes.

Grief and Loss are a powerful agent of change and growth.

On October 2, 2020, tragedy struck close to home when a mentee of Albert’s took their own life, triggering a profound personal and professional crisis. This loss not only spotlighted the escalating prevalence of anxiety and depression within the general populace but also underscored the immense pressures faced by those dedicated to providing service. In his grief, Albert discerned an opportunity for profound transformation, resolving to chart a new course—one rooted in a strength-based, transformative model of care that mirrored his standards for excellence and innovation.

By May 2021, this vision coalesced into Optimind Counseling (OM), a mental and behavioral health practice committed to redefining the approach to mental health support. Drawing from years of firsthand experience across multiple community mental health agencies, esteemed institutions like Stanford, and groundbreaking online mental health platforms like Lyra Health, Albert seized the opportunity to adapt to the evolving landscape and deliver services that meet the changing needs of individuals and society at large.