In the second episode of season 5, special host Dr. Allison Earl, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program alumna at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), reminds us that women’s mental and physical health cannot be separated, especially during high-stress periods. Featuring insights from Olivia Mikel, DBH program student, and Dr. Brandy Biglow, DBH program alumna, the discussion explores how integrated care models can better support women facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, perinatal mood disorders, and postpartum stress. With more than one in five women in the United States experiencing a mental health condition each year, this episode examines practical strategies, real-world barriers, and innovative approaches for delivering coordinated, whole-person care.

About the Podcast Guests:

Dr. Leslie Allison Earl, DBH, LBHP, LPC-S, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma City, OK serving OKC and surrounding areas. Dr. Earl is also a licensing supervisor for LPC Candidates. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma, focusing on Human Relations in Counseling and completed her Doctor of Behavioral Health degree with Cummings Graduate Institute of Behavioral Health Studies. Dr. Earl hails from the great state of Texas. She chose teaching as a career and soon after, realized her love for healthcare. She felt that working in a clinical setting would be an immeasurable improvement over serving in the classroom. She believes integrated care is the key to identifying the root cause of illness, therefore gaining insight on how to best treat the whole person. Dr. Earl is known for her work in the women’s health field in the greater Oklahoma City area. Dr. Earl has presented in Norman, OK at the NACT meetings and other venues talking about women’s health and integrated care. She also served as one of CGI’s brand ambassadors for the Spring 1 semester, 2022. Dr. Earl presented at the 2023 CGI Integrated Care Conference on her culminating project, Women’s Health Solutions, LLC, and on Trauma and Autism. Dr. Earl was chosen as a Designated Woman of Distinction in 2020 and has multiple published works.

Olivia Mikel, is an LPC Candidate at Hands to Guide You. She graduated from Mid-America Christian University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and later earned a Master of Science with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mid-America Christian University. She is currently a Doctor of Behavioral Health candidate at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. Olivia believes that life comes with many challenges, and she is committed to being on the front lines to help patients get where they want to be. She began her career in healthcare as a certified nurse assistant in 2012 and brings over 10 years of experience in the healthcare field. In 2021, she transitioned into mental health and has since worked toward advancing integrated care in the state of Oklahoma. Olivia strongly believes that physical care and mental health care must be viewed as one, healthcare, so patients can receive the gold standard of care.

Dr. Brandy Biglow, DBH, LMHC, CCTP, QS, is the CEO and co-founder of Renovation Integrative Health, LLC. She has served as a mental health professional for 12 years, where she has supported others in her role as a counselor, clinical supervisor, and licensed clinical program manager. She is a licensed mental health counselor and supervisor for mental health and marriage and family therapists in Florida. She is a certified clinical trauma professional, certified individual coach, certified group coach, and burnout expert. Prior to her career in mental health, she educated and supported students as a certified K-12 Exceptional Education teacher for 10 years.