The third annual Hollywood & Mind Mental Health Summit, held on May 9 at UTA’s Beverly Hills campus, brought together influential changemakers from the entertainment and mental health sectors for a day of advocacy, powerful storytelling, and insightful conversations. This year’s event featured notable voices including Colton Underwood, Hayley Hasselhoff, Holly Robinson Peete, Lisa Ling, Alyson Stoner, and many others, all committed to advancing mental wellness in the entertainment industry.
Cathy Applefeld Olson, founder of Hollywood & Mind, spoke passionately about the increasing importance of their work. “At a time when critical resources are disappearing, the efforts we’re making are more important than ever,” she shared, emphasizing the need for continued focus on mental health.
Key highlights from the event:
Caregiving: The Mental Long Game – Holly Robinson Peete shared her personal caregiving journey, discussing the emotional and mental toll of caring for loved ones with serious illnesses like Parkinson’s and autism. The conversation highlighted the need for better mental health support for caregivers across the board.
Reality Check: Prioritizing Wellbeing for Unscripted Talent – Colton Underwood and producer Peter Geist opened up about the mental health challenges faced by reality TV participants. Underwood, who runs As Best Friends Productions, explained how his company provides ongoing therapy for cast members after their shows air, emphasizing the importance of support before, during, and after filming.
Uplifting Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ Community – A powerful discussion led by Brandon Kyle Goodman, Alyson Stoner, and others explored how media representation can impact mental health within the LGBTQ+ community. Stoner emphasized the need for mindful storytelling that creates space for authentic, humanizing portrayals.
Mental Health Storytelling: The Carters: Hurts To Love You – Angel Carter Conrad and director Soleil Moon Frye shared insights from the new documentary, discussing the personal and painful journey of the Carter family. Carter Conrad opened up about the struggles her family has faced, and how they are reclaiming their story to highlight the importance of empathy and understanding.
Suicide Prevention and Grief – Hayley Hasselhoff, in a deeply personal conversation, spoke about the grief and urgency she’s felt since her mother’s passing by suicide. She called for more conversations around the aftermath of suicide, ensuring that those grieving know they are not alone.
The summit’s closing moments served as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling in breaking silence and stigma. As Hayley Hasselhoff said, “It’s a journey, not a destination,” stressing the importance of creating spaces where difficult conversations can happen.
The event was made possible through the support of partners like UTA Foundation, lululemon, Maybelline New York, and SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios, underscoring the commitment of industry leaders to prioritize mental health.
For music industry professionals and consumers, this summit served as an important reminder of the impact mental health has on everyone—from the artists on stage to the consumers who connect with their work. It’s a call to action for all in the entertainment world to prioritize mental wellness and create supportive environments that foster both creativity and well-being.
