Director of Payor Relations and Advocacy
As the Director of Payor Relations and Advocacy, Linda brings her deep knowledge
and expertise to advance the organization’s mission. Linda is dedicated to
transforming how behavioral health services are reimbursed by engaging with
customers and insurance companies. She aims to develop inclusive, comprehensive
programming that shifts away from traditional, day-to-day utilization review (UR)
processes. Instead, she seeks to establish contracts focused on outcomes and
quality standards, helping to reduce readmissions, lower administrative costs, and
create meaningful, long-term care solutions for those in need. By advocating for
innovative reimbursement models, Linda is committed to making sustainable,
high-quality behavioral health services more accessible and impactful.
Linda Shulman, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 40 years of
experience, has held key roles, including the Director of Ventura County’s Behavioral
Health Department. She later moved into Utilization Management, providing UM
services remotely and founding a consulting business to support facilities with
accreditation and managed care. Her payor industry experience includes positions
at Aetna, Carelon, and Anthem, where she led the development of the Substance
Use Disorder Clinical UM Team.
Based in San Diego, Linda Shulman is a devoted single mother to her two adopted
children, a role she considers her full-time job. She’s an avid NFL fan and sports
enthusiast interested in travel, concerts, and movies.