Ellen Lubensky Advocates for Mental Health Reform and Informed Consent — Health Policy Podcast

Published May 26, 2026 · Featuring Ellen Lubensky of Ellen Lubensky

Ellen Lubensky, an attorney and mental health reform advocate, discusses the need for informed consent and transparency in psychiatric medication prescriptions.

Ellen Lubensky, an attorney and mental health reform advocate, discusses critical issues in mental health reform, informed consent, psychiatric medications, and healthcare access in the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast. Lubensky emphasizes the need for transparency and education regarding psychiatric medications to empower patients.

WASHINGTON — May 26, 2026 — Ellen Lubensky, a Stanford-educated attorney and mental health reform advocate, joined the Health Policy Podcast to discuss the urgent need for mental health reform. The episode covers the importance of informed consent, the risks associated with psychiatric medications, and barriers to healthcare access for individuals seeking mental health support.

Lubensky highlights the lack of transparency in psychiatric care, stating, "I firmly believe that doctors should have transparency when they're prescribing them." She argues that many patients are not adequately informed about the potential risks of psychiatric medications, which can lead to severe consequences. Lubensky shares her personal experiences with psychiatric medications, noting, "If I had known about the risks of psychiatric medications, I would never have ingested them in the first place."

The episode also addresses the systemic issues within mental healthcare, including the influence of pharmaceutical companies on treatment practices. Lubensky advocates for a shift in focus from medication to therapy, asserting, "Medications should never be the first resort." She encourages patients to take an active role in their healthcare by asking questions and seeking providers who will engage in meaningful dialogue.

Ellen Lubensky is a Stanford-educated attorney and mental health reform advocate. She aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of psychiatric medications and the importance of informed consent in mental health treatment.

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast focuses on energy, infrastructure, policy, and economic growth. The show features discussions with experts and advocates to provide insights into the complexities of health policy and its impact on society.

About Ellen Lubensky

Ellen Lubensky is featured on the Health Policy Podcast as part of our ongoing coverage of the operators, regulators, and innovators shaping American energy and infrastructure.

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About the Guest

Ellen Lubensky — Attorney

Ellen Lubensky is a Stanford-educated attorney, speaker, and healthcare advocate whose work focuses on patient rights, mental health, and medical advocacy. After spending nearly three decades living under what she describes as a wrongful psychiatric diagnosis, Lubensky became an outspoken advocate for informed consent, patient-centered healthcare, and greater scrutiny of psychiatric treatment practices. She previously practiced Social Security Disability and medical malpractice law and now shares her personal recovery journey through podcasts, interviews, and public speaking appearances.

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast hosts conversations on energy, infrastructure, policy and economic growth — interviewing the operators, regulators, and innovators powering America's grid, gas, nuclear, and industrial future. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.