Ashish Buttan, Vice President, Ambulatory, Chief Ambulatory Performance Officer, Vice President, Physician Partnerships, Executive Director, Behavioral Health Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, has been named a 2024 Frontline Honors honoree by Behavioral Health Business.
To become a Frontline Honors honoree, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be:
- A dedicated, high-performing frontline worker who delivers exceptional experiences and outcomes
- A passionate worker who knows how to put their vision into for the good of their respective industry, the patients and residents they serve, and their families
- An advocate for their industry and their fellow colleagues
Behavioral Health Business recently caught up with Buttan to discuss their time in the behavioral health industry.
BHB: What drew you to this industry?
Buttan: Growing up in a family of doctors, I was deeply influenced by my grandfather’s compassionate care and the profound impact he had on his community. Witnessing his interactions and the genuine respect he garnered inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, blending clinical care with systemic transformation.
BHB: What’s your biggest lesson learned since starting to work in the industry?
Buttan: The most significant lesson I’ve learned is that sustainable healthcare transformation requires a holistic approach—integrating clinical excellence with strategic business insights. This synergy not only improves patient outcomes but also drives operational efficiency, long-term growth, and sustainability across diverse care settings.
BHB: What’s your favorite part about your job?
Buttan: My favorite part of the job is seeing the tangible impact of our efforts on the lives of our patients and families—from expanding access to care and creating innovative clinical programs to witnessing improved patient experiences. The opportunity to help improve someone health outcomes and more broadly shape the future of healthcare and adds a deeply fulfilling dimension to my work.
BHB: What do you want the general public to better understand about your job and the industry you serve?
Buttan: Behavioral health for children is often misunderstood. Some common misconceptions about behavioral health issues in kids include the belief that children simply go through phases and will naturally outgrow their struggles, or that behavioral problems are just signs of poor discipline rather than genuine emotional distress. Many people assume that behavioral health issues are exclusive to adults, dismissing the reality that kids can experience anxiety, depression, and other challenges. Lastly, some believe that therapy is only for adults, failing to recognize that early intervention can be crucial in helping children develop healthy coping strategies and improving their overall well-being. Our work with children involves short term care, crisis management, long-term care—developing individualized treatment plans that integrate medical, psychological, and social components to support each child’s unique needs. We work within interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with educators, social workers, and family members to create a comprehensive care network. This collaboration ensures that each child not only receives immediate support but also builds resilience and skills for long-term well-being.
This work is incredibly fulfilling as it allows us to witness tangible improvements in the lives of children and their families. The joy of seeing a young patient overcome barriers, or a family find renewed hope through integrated care, is immeasurable. It reinforces our commitment to innovation and quality in care delivery, continually driving us to refine our approaches.
However, the challenges are significant. Limited resources, extremely poor reimbursement for services, and staff burnout are everyday realities. Balancing acute needs with long-term therapeutic goals often requires creative problem-solving and relentless advocacy for better funding and policy support. Additionally, coordinating among diverse teams and maintaining continuity of care across different settings requires constant vigilance and adaptability. Despite these hurdles, our dedication to improving pediatric behavioral health remains a cornerstone of our work.
BHB: What’s something that you wish other people in your organization—particularly leaders who don’t work on the front lines—understood better about your job?
Buttan: I wish leaders who don’t work in behavioral healthcare realize:
- Behavioral health is as important as physical health and to help create parity. Untreated mental health issues can affect academic performance, relationships, and even physical health.
- Pediatric behavioral health services are crucial because early intervention can prevent long-term emotional and behavioral challenges. Providing support at a young age helps children develop coping skills, build resilience, and improve their overall well-being. Investing in children’s mental health not only benefits the individual child but also contributes to healthier communities and a stronger future generation.
- Advocacy for pediatric behavioral health is needed – to reduce stigma, to encourage more people to join the mental health workforce, to help influence policy changes, to improve access to care, to promote holistic care.
To view the entire Frontline Honors Class of 2024, visit https://frontlinehonors.com/.
