Ben Spielberg never envisioned himself as an entrepreneur. A neuroscientist with a passion for mental health, Spielberg initially sought to be part of an integrative, interdisciplinary mental health facility. However, the healthcare industry at the time lacked such resources, leaving him with no choice but to wait for someone else to create the solution or build one himself. He chose the latter, founding Bespoke Treatment, to address gaps in mental health care.
“Starting my own business certainly wasn’t my first choice,” Spielberg shared. “I would have much preferred being part of an interdisciplinary, integrative mental health facility, but there just weren’t any that existed at the time.” With this vision, he developed a financial model to assess feasibility and dove into the challenge of creating a facility dedicated to individualized care.
A Commitment to Making Mental Health Care Accessible
Bespoke Treatment was designed to provide personalized care to individuals battling mental health disorders. Today, this mental health center is known for treating “treatment-resistant” conditions, which are cases where traditional therapy and medications have failed. For conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Spielberg and his team employ a range of evidence-based yet non-traditional treatments.
A standout treatment offered at Bespoke Treatment is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). It is a non-invasive and FDA-approved therapy for depression. Spielberg has also emphasized ketamine therapy, a groundbreaking option for treating individuals who have not responded to conventional approaches. However, implementing these treatments came with its share of hurdles.
Overcoming Skepticism and Systemic Barriers
Bespoke Treatment faced resistance on multiple fronts. “It was most certainly NOT easy. We had barriers every step of the way. It wasn’t easy getting insurance companies to cover many of our treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and ketamine therapy,” Spielberg explained. Besides this, convincing medical professionals in Los Angeles of the efficacy of these methods proved to be a significant challenge.
Despite the barriers, early support from a small group of forward-thinking doctors made all the difference. “But the few who believed in them referred to us, started seeing how powerfully it impacted their patients, and then referred more, and the rest is history,” Spielberg said.
Today, Bespoke Treatment is a haven for individuals struggling to battle complex mental health challenges. Spielberg’s dedication to making mental health treatments accessible has not only helped countless patients but also contributed the to broader acceptance of advanced mental health therapies.
A Foundation Built on Support and Experience
Some of the influences on Spielberg’s success include his brother nudging him to take the leap into entrepreneurship, as well as the early mentors who helped him understand much about neuroscience and mental health. He also has five years of experience in the nonprofit world, which instilled in him a passion for mission-driven work.
“My five years of nonprofit experience in my early professional career is where I learned how to prioritize our mission above all else,” Spielberg noted. This philosophy remains central to Bespoke Treatment, where patient outcomes drive every decision.
A Personal Touch
When Spielberg isn’t focused on Bespoke Treatment, he loves to explore the hidden gems of Los Angeles, seeking inspiration. He wants to go on a curated week-long adventure with his best friend, exploring serene hikes in Solstice Canyon, artistic immersion at the Museum of Jurassic Technology, and culinary delights ranging from Topanga Canyon’s Inn of the Seventh Ray to Silver Lake’s Night + Market Song.
Whether it’s designing a treatment plan or mapping out a day in LA, Spielberg prioritizes thoughtful, individualized experiences.
A Vision for the Future
As Bespoke Treatment continues to grow, Spielberg will stay true to his mission of making mental health care more accessible. His journey as an entrepreneur shows the power of innovation and a passion for helping others.
By overcoming systemic barriers and emphasizing evidence-based yet unconventional therapies, Ben Spielberg has changed the concept of mental health for patients and medical experts alike.
