Holding Space: Addressing Mental Health for Everyone, Everywhere at Any Time: Jenna Glover, Chief Clinical Officer, Headspace

As a country, we are experiencing mental health crises across all ages.  I sit down with Dr.Jenna Glover, Chief Clinical Officer at Headspace, to delve into the pressing mental health crisis in the United States. 

We are facing alarming statistics, including that 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness annually, 17% of youth aged 6-17 grapple with mental health disorders, and suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-34. Against this backdrop, Glover discusses how Headspace, a digital mental health platform, addresses these challenges through accessible meditation and mindfulness tools tailored for various age groups and life circumstances,  as well as mental health coaching, therapy, and psychiatry.

As we share equal concern regarding the massive shift we witness, Dr. Glover highlights Headspace's innovative approaches, such as the "Monster Meditations" program designed specifically for children, and a diverse range of exercises catering to adults from all walks of life. 

She emphasizes the company's commitment to equity, detailing how their research-driven methodology has improved the platform's inclusivity and effectively removed barriers to access for diverse populations. 

This focus on equity in both research and delivery has resulted in increased usage across different demographic groups, positioning Headspace as a vital resource in the ongoing effort to support mental health for all Americans.

About
Jenna Glover is Chief Clinical Officer at Headspace, where she oversees the company’s Care Services, including coaching, therapy, psychiatry, QA and training, and care enablement teams, to ensure members receive high-quality, culturally responsive care. She previously served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Director of Psychology Training at Children’s Hospital Colorado, and as the lead psychologist at Avalon Hills, a residential eating disorders program based in Logan, Utah. Jenna’s clinical work focuses on utilizing motivational interviewing and acceptance-based therapies across a range of internalizing disorders.

Her passion is working with others to develop skillful behaviors that help create a life worth living. Jenna also provides professional and community outreach, frequently delivering talks and lectures on promoting wellness and self-care. She has also given a TED Talk on these topics. She has been honored with awards for teaching excellence, service to students, and wellness. Jenna is a licensed psychologist, and received her doctorate in Combined Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychology from Utah State University.