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Leading with Heart: Building Trauma-Informed Systems That Actually Work
In this episode of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health, I sit down with Dr. Ken Huey -founder of the Hope Group and nationally recognized voice in trauma-informed care.
With over 25 years in behavioral health, Ken breaks down what’s really changed in trauma treatment, how to scale with values intact, and why most providers miss the mark on truly trauma-informed systems.
We also get real about leadership, personal stories behind the mission, and the hardest part of building something meaningful in this space.
If you’re a clinician, operator, or founder in behavioral health – this one’s a must-listen.
Specialty Matters: What Real Trauma-Informed Care Looks Like
After 25 years in the field, Ken Huey points to one constant: specialty matters. Trauma-informed care isn’t a marketing label. It’s a clinical commitment that shapes how a program is built, staffed, and run. Programs that lead with deep, focused expertise in trauma tend to build the kind of long-term trust that generic approaches can’t replicate.
Where Trauma-Informed Care Actually Starts: Understanding ACEs
Plenty of providers say they’re trauma-focused, but Ken Huey suggests the real test is foundational: do they understand the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study? For organizations serious about building trauma-informed systems, ACEs isn’t optional background reading — it’s the starting point that should inform assessment, treatment planning, and staff training.
Earning New Clients Through Specialization, Not Volume
When asked what’s working right now for attracting new clients and patients, Ken Huey didn’t point to a marketing tactic — he pointed to depth. A clearly defined specialty, paired with a long track record of results, builds the kind of credibility that drives referrals and inquiries organically.
About Our Guest: Ken Huey
Dr. Huey has been working in behavioral and mental health with a focus on trauma since 1994. Being adopted himself, Dr. Huey was always drawn to the large population of other adoptees in treatment. He ultimately became convinced that this population needed specialty care and in November of 2006, Dr. Huey launched Calo, a residential treatment center in Missouri. Calo ultimately became the platform for Embark Behavioral Health. After selling his interest in Calo in 2015, Dr. Huey retired for some years and then joined Havenwood Academy as CEO. Together with the Havenwood team he has guided the expansion of the platform to include all the Hope Group subsidiaries.
Visit the Hope Group Health website to learn more about Ken’s mission.
Episode FAQ
What does it mean for a behavioral health provider to be "trauma-informed"?
Being trauma-informed goes beyond a label on a website — it means building programs around an understanding of trauma’s impact, starting with foundational research like the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study. As Ken Huey explains in this episode, providers who haven’t engaged with ACEs aren’t yet equipped to build truly trauma-informed systems.
How can behavioral health organizations attract new clients while staying focused on their clinical mission?
According to Ken Huey, the most effective approach isn’t chasing volume — it’s building deep specialization and a long track record of results. That same principle applies to how a treatment organization presents itself online: clear, credible messaging about your specialty helps the right clients and referral sources find you.
What are the biggest challenges when launching a new behavioral health program or facility?
Per Ken Huey, the two biggest variables are finding the right leadership team and the right location — people and place, more than any other factor, determine whether a new program succeeds.
Why do vulnerable, personal stories matter in behavioral health marketing and media?
Ken Huey shares that the stories which stick with him most are about the “why” behind the people doing this work. Authentic storytelling — shared thoughtfully and with appropriate privacy safeguards — can build trust with prospective clients and their families in a way that clinical language alone can’t.
Episode Transcript
View the full transcript
00:00 – Introduction
Timothy A. Zercher:
Thank you so much for joining us, Ken…
00:12 – You’ve been in this space for over 25 years. What’s stayed true about effective trauma care—and what’s changed?
Ken Huey:
The thing that’s stayed true is that specialty matters…
01:29 – As CEO of the Hope Group, how do you translate your clinical values into organizational decisions at scale?
Ken Huey:
It’s all about relationship. Pay matters—but only to a point…
03:14 – A lot of providers claim to be trauma-focused—but don’t build real trauma-informed systems. Where should they start?
Ken Huey:
Start with ACEs. If you don’t know the Adverse Childhood Experiences study, you’re not ready…
04:08 – Your podcast features vulnerable stories. Is there one that’s really stuck with you?
Ken Huey:
More than one. It’s the “why” behind people in this space that really hits…
05:31 – What’s working for you right now when it comes to gaining new clients and patients?
Ken Huey:
Deep, focused specialty. And long-term proof that we know our stuff.
06:46 – What are the biggest challenges in launching a new business in this space?
Ken Huey:
Finding the right leaders—and the right location. People are the biggest variable…
08:27 – Closing
Ken Huey:
Thanks for having me. Appreciate your time.
Timothy A. Zercher:
Likewise. Thanks again, Ken!
