In this episode of Innovating for Impact, host Mandy Peckham sits down with Nicole Drapeau Gillen, author, advocate, caregiver, and technology leader, to explore the intersection of digital innovation and behavioral health. Drawing from her personal journey caring for her daughter with schizophrenia and more than three decades in high tech, Nicole discusses how AI, digital therapeutics, wearable devices, telehealth, virtual reality, and passive monitoring tools could reshape care for people with serious mental illness.
The conversation examines common misconceptions about AI in mental healthcare, why caregivers and clinicians often lack awareness of valuable digital resources, and how technology can bridge the critical gaps between clinical appointments. Nicole also shares why today’s healthcare success metrics often miss what truly matters to patients and caregivers, and why outcomes should focus on quality of life, independence, and long-term recovery rather than simply access to care.
From reducing stigma and improving early intervention to empowering clinicians with better data and helping patients rebuild their lives, this thought-provoking discussion highlights the enormous opportunity to design technology that is not only innovative, but deeply human.
Nicole is the author of “Connected Care: A Practical Guide to Technology for Serious Mental Illness” and “Schizophrenia and Other Related Disorders. A Handbook for Caregivers“.
To connect with Nicole, follow her on LinkedIn here. Or click here to visit her website.
Connect with host Mandy by following her on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about BSR Consulting by visiting their webpage here.
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