Jennifer Velez

Building Mental Health Resilience at Each Stage of Life

Melissa Stevens, Cynthia Germanotta, Joshua Gordon, Howard Spivak, Nora Super, Jennifer Velez

A comprehensive panel of researchers, clinicians, and patients addressed the U.S. mental health crisis as a "wicked problem," highlighting that social determinants account for 70% of health outcomes while genetic and early-life stress factors significantly influence biological aging and resilience. The discussion underscored the urgent need to bridge the massive care gap for youth through digital therapeutics, collaborative care models, and policy reforms that integrate non-clinical support with traditional treatment to mitigate a $400 billion annual economic drag. Experts called for a systemic shift toward preventative strategies and stigma reduction, arguing that treating mental illness with the same biological equivalence as chronic physical conditions is essential for improving functional wellness across all life stages.