We recently connected with Caleb Folkerts and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Caleb, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism comes from a deep belief in the resilience of people and the power of transformation. As a psychotherapist, I’ve seen firsthand how individuals can overcome incredible challenges and rebuild their lives, even in the face of trauma or adversity. That’s what fuels my hope—witnessing growth, healing, and change in the people I work with.
Starting Cornerstone Behavioral Health in 2020, during such a challenging time globally, could have been overwhelming, but I saw it as an opportunity to provide critical support when people needed it the most. My optimism is rooted in the idea that, no matter how difficult things may seem, there’s always potential for positive change if we stay committed to our goals.
Additionally, I find optimism in progress. Whether it’s the advancements we’re seeing in telehealth, the growing awareness around mental health, or the personal breakthroughs that clients experience in therapy, all of these inspire me to keep moving forward. I’m optimistic because I’ve seen the difference that compassion, support, and innovation can make in people’s lives, and I believe in our ability to continue making an impact.
At Cornerstone Behavioral Health, we believe in creating a better system of healing, and that vision of continuous improvement and making a real difference keeps me optimistic every day.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At Cornerstone Behavioral Health, I’m focused on providing accessible, high-quality mental health care to adults throughout Ohio through our fully virtual teletherapy and telemedicine services. As the owner and CEO, my primary mission is to make mental health services more convenient and available to people who may have struggled to access traditional in-person care due to geographic, time, or resource barriers.
What I find most exciting about what we do is the way we’re breaking down these barriers. We’re giving clients the power to engage with their mental health on their own terms—whether they’re in a rural area, juggling a busy schedule, or simply prefer the comfort of home. The flexibility and accessibility of telehealth allow us to meet clients where they are, both physically and emotionally.
One of the things that makes Cornerstone Behavioral Health special is our commitment to continuous improvement. We use data-driven strategies to refine our methods and provide the most effective care possible. We’re not just reacting to trends in the mental health space; we’re actively shaping them by focusing on trauma recovery, client empowerment, and the overall well-being of both clients and clinicians.
As for what’s new, we’re excited about the growth we’ve been experiencing. We are continually expanding our reach within Ohio, and we’re working on establishing new partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations to connect with even more clients. We are also developing additional resources and educational content for clients to support their mental health journey outside of therapy sessions.
Ultimately, I want people to know that at Cornerstone Behavioral Health, we are passionate about making a real impact. We are driven by our mission to create a better system of healing, one that’s flexible, accessible, and client-centered. Whether you’re looking for support with anxiety, depression, trauma, or any other mental health challenge, we’re here to provide expert care in a way that fits your life.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, there are three key qualities that have been pivotal in my journey: adaptability, empathy, and strategic foresight. These qualities didn’t just happen overnight—they evolved through experience, trial and error, and a deep commitment to growth.
Adaptability has been critical, especially in building a virtual mental health practice during such a volatile time. In mental health, and in business, change is inevitable—whether it’s shifts in technology, regulations, or client needs. Being able to pivot and adjust without losing sight of your mission is essential. For those early in their journey, I’d say embrace change. The world doesn’t stay still, and neither should you. Challenge yourself to see every obstacle as a chance to refine your approach and grow stronger.
Empathy is at the heart of what I do, both as a therapist and a leader. The ability to truly understand and connect with people—whether it’s clients, team members, or partners—has shaped how I run Cornerstone Behavioral Health. For anyone starting out, I’d encourage you to really listen. Whether you’re interacting with a client, a colleague, or a customer, empathy is what builds trust and fosters meaningful relationships. It’s the bedrock of any service-oriented profession, and it will set you apart.
Strategic foresight was also a game-changer. Being able to anticipate trends and think a few steps ahead helped me not only start Cornerstone, but also grow it into what it is today. This skill is about more than just having a vision; it’s about making data-driven decisions and continuously improving. My advice? Stay curious. Learn from every experience, keep an eye on what’s happening in your industry, and never stop refining your skills. Your ability to see the bigger picture and plan for the future will serve you well.
In short, be adaptable, stay empathetic, and think strategically. These are not just skills—they’re mindsets. If you develop them early and consistently, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever your journey throws your way.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! At Cornerstone Behavioral Health, we believe that collaboration is key to making a lasting impact in the mental health field. We’re always open to working with like-minded professionals and organizations who share our vision of making mental health care more accessible and innovative.
We’re particularly interested in partnering with healthcare providers, community organizations, and businesses that want to integrate mental health services into their existing systems. We’re also eager to collaborate with telehealth technology companies that are looking to enhance the client experience or innovate within the space.
Additionally, we welcome connections with licensed mental health professionals who are passionate about providing high-quality, virtual care. If you’re a mental health provider excited about the possibilities of teletherapy and want to join a supportive, forward-thinking team, we’d love to connect.
To collaborate, you can reach out to us directly through our website or connect with me on LinkedIn. We’re always excited to explore new partnerships and opportunities to grow together. Always here to work together to make mental health care more accessible and effective for everyone!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cornerstonebehavioralhealth.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cornerstonebehavioralhealth/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cornerstonebehavioralhealth/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cornerstonebehavioralhealth/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cornerstone_bh/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8WuV2JPnIHodm0QrcAvfvw
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