Meet Dr. Olivia Ducasse, the esteemed Director of Business Development for Mental Health Services at Bishop Health. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare sector, Olivia’s expertise is both vast and diversified. She holds a PhD in Natural Medicine and has contributed significantly to the field through her literary works. Olivia is the author of “Align” and “A Week to Change Your Life,” as well as the co-author of the children’s book “Genie Gems Meets Arthur Fantastic,” alongside Sarah, Duchess of York.
Olivia’s professional journey began in the realm of professional sports organizations, where she specialized in nutrition, integrative functional medicine, and alternative therapies. Her career trajectory led her from this specialized focus to establishing a private practice, before she transitioned into a consulting role. Olivia’s multifaceted career and her commitment to improving mental health services underscore her dedication and valuable contributions to Bishop Health.
Joining Bishop Health
In 2021, Olivia emerged from her professional hiatus after receiving an invitation from Bishop Health. She was particularly drawn to the organization due to its commendable approach to alternative therapies.
“The first thing that caught my attention about Bishop was their distinctive approach to ketamine therapy. What they were doing was not just different; it was pioneering, set within a highly ethical and clinically advanced setting,” Olivia recounts.
For Olivia, it wasn’t just the innovative treatments that stood out, but the mission and the people behind Bishop Health that truly made a difference. “Working alongside the executive director in Maine, Aronson Kobacher, was instrumental in growing Bishop into what it is today. Together, we’ve focused on bringing this care to underserved populations, such as veterans, achieving milestones previously unheard of in mental health care,” she shares.
One of the achievements Olivia is most proud of is our partnership with the VA, offering ketamine therapy to veterans. “Breaking through the barriers and providing care to vets under a cash pay contract for ketamine therapy has been a monumental step. We’re not just offering treatments; we’re offering hope to those who felt they had exhausted all options,” Olivia explains.
This commitment to expanding access to revolutionary mental health treatments is part of what makes Bishop Health stand out, she notes. Olivia’s dedication to the mission and the relentless pursuit of helping those in need underscores the essence of the program. “There’s an amazing potential here for people who feel stuck. We offer something that may break them out of that plateau, showing them that another level of existence is available. Witnessing this transformation is incredibly rewarding and serves as a driving force for all of us here at Bishop Health,” Olivia concludes.
Olivia’s Day-to-Day
Olivia is currently responsible for managing community outreach efforts and cultivating strategic partnerships at Bishop Health. She splits her time between the Maine and Florida locations, dedicating herself to enhancing the organization’s presence and impact. Olivia actively engages in public speaking, focusing on Bishop Health’s initiatives, the significance of ketamine therapy, and the broader role of alternative therapies in mental health, whether for recovery purposes or as independent treatment options.
Her outreach efforts extend to large audience events and collaborations with providers who refer clients to one of the program’s two locations. “My role ensures that referred clients receive the necessary care and support, underscoring our commitment to their well-being,” Olivia says.
What’s On the Horizon
Olivia is spearheading an initiative to broaden Bishop Health’s commitment to community members by introducing free support groups for grief and loss, starting near the Delray Beach, Florida location.
“These sessions will be led by one of our exceptional staff members, offering a valuable resource to the community,” Olivia states. Additionally, the Portland, Maine location is launching a program named “Healing the Healers” targeted at local clinicians and crisis workers. This initiative will feature services such as chair massages and guided meditation sessions designed to provide these professionals with a means to unwind and rejuvenate for a few hours.
Olivia emphasized that these programs are not intended for networking or business development purposes. “These initiatives are expressions of our gratitude. Bishop has achieved considerable success, and we are eager to share our prosperity with the community. Our aim is to contribute to the development of a robust mental and behavioral health workforce.”
The grief and loss support groups are scheduled to commence in May, while the “Healing the Healers” program is expected to start in May or June.
What Keeps Her Going
When questioned about her daily motivation for work, Olivia responded, “I am driven by inspiration, and this role is full of inspiration. Observing a combat veteran who has not found relief through traditional medications, experiencing a significant change—physiologically, energetically, and cognitively—after just three ketamine treatments, is incredibly inspiring to me. Few things match the feeling that comes from witnessing the hope return to someone’s eyes.”
Days Off Are For Adventure
In her downtime, Olivia cherishes traveling with her children and engaging in a variety of outdoor activities, including surfing, hiking, and riding ATVs. “Anything that gets me outdoors,” she says. “Last summer, I took my kids white-water rafting. We’re a high-energy family that thrives on adventure.”
Yet, Olivia’s interests span beyond high-adrenaline activities. She also finds joy in more serene pastimes. “I love gardening and cooking—activities that allow me to spend time outside in nature,” she says.
Thank you for all that you do, Olivia!
