Steve Gold, JD, MPH
Co-Founder & Former CEO, Refresh Mental Health
Contributing Editor at EHR Source
LinkedIn ProfileAbout
Steve Gold co-founded Refresh Mental Health and served as its CEO, scaling the organization to more than 300 outpatient behavioral health locations across 37 states with over 3,000 clinicians. In 2022, Refresh Mental Health was acquired by Optum for approximately $1.2 billion.
Gold holds a BA in History from Yale College, a JD and MPH in Epidemiology from the University of Florida, and a Master of Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania. Before building Refresh Mental Health, he co-founded RiverMend Health and served as Deputy Solicitor General of Florida.
He is now building Sero Mental Health, his next venture in the behavioral health space. He serves on the boards of K9s For Warriors and The Bolles School.
At EHR Source, Steve draws on his direct experience running large-scale behavioral health operations to write about enterprise EHR governance, healthcare M&A implications for technology decisions, and strategic planning for multi-site provider groups.
Credentials
- JD, University of Florida
- MPH in Epidemiology, University of Florida
- Master of Bioethics, University of Pennsylvania
- BA in History, Yale College
Expertise
Articles by Steve Gold
Why Ease Is Built for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Centers (2026)
A deep 2026 guide for SUD operators evaluating Ease across ASAM-level transitions, Part 2 controls, and occupancy-to-cash performance.
Why Ease Is a Serious Contender for Psychiatric Hospitals (2026)
An enterprise buyer guide for psychiatric hospitals covering FY 2026 IPF policy shifts and inpatient workflow requirements.
Cloud EHR vs. On-Premise EHR: The Definitive Comparison for 2026
Cloud vs. on-premise EHR compared: cost, security, scalability, and compliance differences that determine the right fit for your organization.
EHR Interoperability in 2026: FHIR, TEFCA, and the End of Data Silos
EHR interoperability decoded: FHIR, TEFCA, and information blocking rules explained with actionable strategies for healthcare organizations.
AI in EHR Systems: How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Clinical Documentation
How ambient AI, clinical decision support, and predictive analytics are reshaping EHR workflows — with vendor comparisons and practical adoption guidance.
The 10 Largest EHR Vendors in 2026: Market Share, Pricing, and What Sets Them Apart
10 largest EHR vendors ranked by market share, real pricing, KLAS ratings, and deployment models. Honest pros and cons for each.
Private Equity Is Reshaping Behavioral Health EHR: What Providers Need to Know (2026)
Private equity is buying up behavioral health EHRs. See which vendors were acquired, how quality changed, and what to ask before signing.
Enterprise EHR Governance Operating Model for Large Provider Groups
EHR governance blueprint for multi-site provider groups: decision rights, committee structures, and optimization across specialties.
Enterprise EHR RFP Template and Weighted Scoring Model
Enterprise EHR RFP template with weighted scoring model: evaluate vendors on governance, interoperability, security, and total cost.
Post-Merger EHR Consolidation Playbook for Multi-Site Provider Groups
Post-merger EHR consolidation playbook: target-state decisions, phased migration, risk controls, and governance for multi-site groups.
How to Run a Clinic: The Complete Operating Playbook (2026)
Step-by-step clinic operations guide: legal setup, staffing, scheduling, billing, compliance, and growth strategies for new practices.
Information Blocking Complaints and Enforcement Playbook (2026)
Information blocking enforcement is real in 2026. Learn how complaints work, what penalties look like, and how to reduce risk.
AI Governance Playbook for Large Provider Groups (2026)
AI governance framework for healthcare: NIST AI RMF alignment, ONC HTI-1 transparency, and HIPAA controls for clinical AI deployments.
AI Clinical Decision Support Governance Framework (2026)
AI clinical decision support governance: safety controls, performance metrics, and accountability structures for enterprise deployments.
EHR Security and HIPAA Compliance: Protecting Patient Data in 2026
EHR security and HIPAA compliance: 2025 Security Rule changes, zero trust architecture, ransomware defense, and vendor evaluation.
EHR Market Consolidation in 2026: What the Platform Wars Mean for Your Practice
EHR market consolidation analysis: market share shifts, M&A activity, and what Epic, Oracle Health, and MEDITECH moves mean for you.
Configuring Your EHR for Value-Based Care: From Fee-for-Service to Outcomes (2026)
Configure your EHR for value-based care: risk stratification, care gap tracking, SDOH capture, and vendor VBC feature comparison.
In-House vs. Outsourced RCM: Decision Framework for Healthcare Organizations (2026)
Outsource or build in-house? Cost models, performance benchmarks, contract structures, and hybrid approaches for revenue cycle management.
eClinicalWorks Problems in 2026: $155M Fraud Settlement, OIG Safety Concerns, and Ongoing Compliance Issues
An evidence-based analysis of eClinicalWorks regulatory and compliance issues — the $155M DOJ settlement, class-action lawsuits, OIG patient safety concerns, and data portability failures.
Oracle Health (Cerner) Outage History: A Timeline of EHR Downtime Incidents and What They Mean for Your Organization
A documented timeline of Oracle Health (Cerner) outages — the 5-day hospital outage in April 2025, CrowdStrike impact, VA system failures, and lessons for EHR vendor evaluation.
42 CFR Part 2 Compliance Guide for EHR Systems (2026)
Complete guide to 42 CFR Part 2 compliance for substance use disorder records — the 2024 final rule changes, consent management, EHR configuration, audit trails, and how Part 2 differs from HIPAA.
How to Start a Substance Abuse Treatment Center (2026 Guide)
Step-by-step guide to opening an addiction treatment center — state licensing, ASAM levels of care, staffing, accreditation, insurance credentialing, startup costs, and EHR selection.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Pennsylvania EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Pennsylvania behavioral health providers covering HealthChoices BH-MCOs, DDAP SUD licensing, Act 98 telehealth parity, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Ohio EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Ohio behavioral health providers covering Ohio Department of Behavioral Health certification, Medicaid MCOs, OARRS/PDMP integration, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Massachusetts EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Massachusetts behavioral health providers covering MassHealth ACO/MCO model, BSAS SUD licensing, telehealth parity under Chapter 260, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Michigan EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Michigan behavioral health providers covering the dual MHP/PIHP system, LARA licensing, Mental Health Framework changes, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: New Jersey EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for New Jersey behavioral health providers covering NJ FamilyCare behavioral health integration, DMHAS oversight, telehealth parity, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Georgia EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Georgia behavioral health providers covering DBHDD facility licensing, Georgia Families CMO transition, CCBHC expansion, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: North Carolina EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for North Carolina behavioral health providers covering Tailored Plans, LME/MCO structure, NC HealthConnex HIE, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Virginia EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Virginia behavioral health providers covering DBHDS licensing, Cardinal Care MCOs, Behavioral Health Services Redesign, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Arizona EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Arizona behavioral health providers covering ADHS licensing, AHCCCS ACC-RBHA managed care, telehealth audio-only parity, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Colorado EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Colorado behavioral health providers covering BHA licensing, Health First Colorado ACC Phase III, RAEs, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Washington EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Washington behavioral health providers covering DOH-HSQA licensing, Apple Health Integrated Managed Care, parity enforcement, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Maryland EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Maryland behavioral health providers covering BHA licensing, HealthChoice MCOs, Carelon ASO transition, CRISP HIE, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Minnesota EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Minnesota behavioral health providers covering Chapter 245I/245G licensing, 8 Medicaid MCOs, CCBHC expansion, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Connecticut EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Connecticut behavioral health providers covering DMHAS/DPH dual-agency licensing, HUSKY Health CTBHP, new telehealth CPT codes, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Oregon EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Oregon behavioral health providers covering OHA licensing, 16 CCOs, Measure 110 implementation, directed payments, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Tennessee EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Tennessee behavioral health providers covering TDMHSAS licensing, TennCare MCOs, 120-day timely filing, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Indiana EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Indiana behavioral health providers covering FSSA/DMHA certification, 3 MCEs, INSPECT PDMP integration, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Missouri EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Missouri behavioral health providers covering DMH/DBH certification, FFS behavioral health carve-out, 20 CCBHCs, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: Wisconsin EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for Wisconsin behavioral health providers covering DHS/DQA certification, BadgerCare Plus HMOs, ForwardHealth billing, and EHR requirements for 2026.
Behavioral Health Practice Guide: South Carolina EHR, Billing, and Compliance (2026)
State-specific guide for South Carolina behavioral health providers covering new BHDD agency, 5 Medicaid MCOs, permanent BH telehealth flexibilities, and EHR requirements for 2026.
42 CFR Part 2 Final Rule: What Changed for SUD Programs on February 16, 2026
The 42 CFR Part 2 final rule aligning SUD records with HIPAA took effect February 16, 2026. Here is what changed, what your compliance team needs to do, and how it affects billing workflows.
MHPAEA Enforcement Paused: What the 2026 Delay Means for Behavioral Health Providers
CMS paused enforcement of the 2024 MHPAEA final rule NQTL comparative analyses. Here is what the delay means for behavioral health reimbursement, network adequacy, and parity complaints.
One Big Beautiful Bill: How OBBBA Medicaid Changes Affect Behavioral Health (2026-2027)
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act restructures Medicaid with work requirements, FMAP cuts, and eligibility changes starting 2027. Here is the behavioral health revenue impact and how to prepare.
DEA Telehealth Prescribing Rules 2026: Planning for the December Cliff
The fourth DEA telehealth prescribing extension expires December 31, 2026 with no permanent rule. Here is what behavioral health prescribers need to know about Schedule II-V medications, buprenorphine, and contingency planning.
No Surprises Act and Behavioral Health: Billing Compliance Guide for 2026
How the No Surprises Act affects behavioral health practices — out-of-network billing rules, good faith estimates, Independent Dispute Resolution, and compliance requirements for therapy and psychiatry practices.
Medicare Advantage Prior Auth Denial Rates: What Behavioral Health Practices Need to Know (2026)
Medicare Advantage plans deny behavioral health prior authorizations at alarming rates. Here is how to use CMS transparency data, appeal effectively, and hold MA plans accountable under new rules.
Mental Health Parity Compliance Documentation Guide: Building Your NQTL Evidence File (2026)
Even with MHPAEA enforcement paused, documenting parity violations now protects your revenue when enforcement resumes. Here is how to build a compliance evidence file, track NQTL disparities, and use parity data in contract negotiations.
Behavioral Health Credentialing and Payer Enrollment Guide: Timelines, Pitfalls, and Revenue Impact (2026)
Provider credentialing and payer enrollment delays cost behavioral health practices $5,000-$15,000 per provider per month in lost revenue. Here is how to accelerate the process, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize reimbursable visits from day one.