On this episode of The Lead Climb, Chris Foust, Senior Director of Marketing at Growth Sherpa, sat down with Brittany Hong, Head of Marketing at encyrcle, to discuss the evolving role of alumni programs in behavioral health. They explored how technology is shaping alumni engagement, the current gaps in many programs, and why having a well-integrated tech stack is crucial for fueling long-term growth in treatment organizations.
Alumni programs have always been a vital component of effective treatment models, but many organizations still struggle to manage them efficiently. With the right technology in place, providers can bridge these gaps, strengthen connections with former patients, and create a sustainable network of engagement. This episode dives deep into what it takes to build and maintain an alumni program that not only benefits patients but also drives measurable growth for behavioral health providers.
The Current State of Alumni Programs in Behavioral Health
Brittany Hong shared her insights on where alumni programs currently stand in the industry. Many treatment providers recognize the importance of maintaining relationships with former clients, but the execution often falls short. Common challenges include a lack of structured outreach, difficulties tracking engagement, and the absence of a centralized system for managing alumni interactions.
One of the biggest pitfalls is that many programs rely on outdated methods, such as manual spreadsheets and disconnected communication channels. This creates inefficiencies and makes it difficult to measure the impact of alumni efforts. Without a streamlined process, engagement becomes inconsistent, and the potential benefits of a strong alumni network go unrealized.
The Role of Technology in Alumni Engagement
Encircle was designed to address these gaps by offering a purpose-built platform for alumni program management. Brittany highlighted how a tech-forward approach can transform the way providers interact with their former clients. With automated outreach, data-driven insights, and seamless communication tools, alumni teams can nurture relationships more effectively and provide ongoing support.
A strong tech stack ensures that no one falls through the cracks. Automated check-ins, event reminders, and personalized messaging help maintain engagement long after a client has completed treatment. By leveraging technology, organizations can track participation, measure the effectiveness of different outreach strategies, and continuously refine their approach based on real data.
Why Alumni Programs Are Essential for Growth
Alumni programs don’t just benefit former patients—they also play a crucial role in an organization’s long-term growth. Brittany emphasized that engaged alumni become advocates for the treatment center, providing referrals and strengthening the facility’s reputation.
When former clients feel connected to their treatment center, they are more likely to recommend it to others in need. Word-of-mouth referrals remain one of the most powerful sources of new admissions, and a strong alumni network fuels this organic growth. Additionally, engaged alumni contribute valuable feedback that can help providers refine their programs and improve patient outcomes.
Building a Tech-Driven Alumni Strategy
For treatment providers looking to enhance their alumni efforts, Brittany outlined several key steps to implementing a tech-driven strategy:
- Centralize Alumni Data – A dedicated platform eliminates the need for scattered spreadsheets and disconnected tools, ensuring all alumni information is stored in one place.
- Automate Outreach – Scheduling check-ins and event reminders through automation increases engagement without adding extra workload for staff.
- Track Engagement Metrics – Monitoring open rates, response rates, and participation levels allows providers to assess what’s working and refine their strategy.
- Create a Seamless Experience – Integrating alumni efforts with marketing, admissions, and clinical follow-ups ensures a smooth transition from active treatment to post-care support.
By investing in the right technology, providers can maximize the effectiveness of their alumni programs while reducing administrative burdens.
How a Strong Tech Stack Impacts Organizational Growth
Beyond alumni programs, Brittany and Chris discussed how a comprehensive tech stack benefits an entire behavioral health organization. When systems are interconnected—from CRM platforms to call tracking to alumni management—teams can work more efficiently and make data-driven decisions.
For marketing teams, having real-time insights into alumni engagement can inform content strategies, improve outreach campaigns, and drive higher conversion rates. Business development teams can leverage alumni success stories to strengthen relationships with referral partners. Admissions teams can track referrals coming from former clients and adjust strategies accordingly.
Technology streamlines processes across departments, leading to increased efficiency, higher patient retention, and improved revenue generation.
As the behavioral health industry continues to evolve, alumni programs will play an increasingly critical role in both patient success and organizational growth. However, without the right tools, many providers struggle to maintain engagement and measure impact. Platforms like encyrcle are helping treatment centers bridge these gaps by providing a seamless, tech-driven approach to alumni management. By integrating these solutions into a larger tech stack, organizations can enhance their outreach, improve retention, and ultimately fuel sustainable growth.
To hear more about how technology is transforming alumni programs and driving behavioral health success, check out the full episode of The Lead Climb featuring Brittany Hong.
