Center for Social Dynamics: Opening a World of Possibilities through Science Compassion, and Humility

Center for Social Dynamics: Opening a World of Possibilities through Science, Compassion, and Humility

Mental health is one of the prime issues the world is facing today. The unannounced outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic depression—that cropped up during the past year—have further posed new challenges for those already suffering from mental health issues. Since the onset of the pandemic, people have been consistently suffering from the symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders. Patients are showing increased symptoms and characteristics of mental health issues in behavioral health as well.

Expressing his views on the current situation, Pete Pallares, Founder and CEO at Center for Social Dynamics states, “Currently, I am observing that it is a big effort trying to come back and adapt to the new normal and whatever that means. There is general excitement of getting back as close as we can to the lives we used to have.”

Global Business Leaders recently had the opportunity to interview Pete where he acquainted us with CSD’s journey from its inception to being recognized as one of the largest autism service providers in the region. Here are some of the highlights from the intriguing conversation.

How was CSD established? Please brief us on the early phases of the company’s development.

After 20 years of helping people with developmental disabilities in different organizations, I decided to go on my own. I emphasized an issue that was primarily overlooked in healthcare, especially for those diagnosed with autism. Consequently, I founded the Center for Social Dynamics (CSD) in July 2012 after the passage of the Autism Insurance Law in California.

We did not get much activity until January 2013 since I was largely focused on the funding sources. However, we were quick to recognize several things that differentiated us from the competitors. We were probably the first company to be born right after the autism law passed. Having worked for health plans in the past allowed me to understand what the new legislation meant better than others. CSD’s inception right after the legislation was not a coincidence, it was all planned.

What according to you are the noteworthy highlights in CSD’s journey thus far?

Today, we provide daily care to about 2000 families—that speak more than 15 different languages, across 6 different states—with 2000 employees and clinicians from different disciplines and backgrounds. Since our inception, we have been bestowed with numerous accolades, recognitions, and awards. I believe that our growth across different states as well as expansion of service lines has been the biggest milestones in our journey so far. Presently, we are recognized as one of the largest autism service providers on the west coast.

How are your services different from the competitors?

In a short period, we have established ourselves as a leading provider that individualizes every treatment for a given patient to an extreme, as well as understands and addresses the potential barriers that different cultures and languages can create into our treatment approach for those with autism. The strong trust from families and funding sources, blended with the understanding that autism needs to be treated within a multidisciplinary approach, has distinguished our services from the competitors. Our approach allows for different disciplines within the organization such as SLP, OT, ABA, as well as a solid diagnostic team to collaborate for the best outcomes.

What are the measures taken by the company to improve patient satisfaction?

Understanding that different patients have different needs, we assess and determine the best environment to implement treatment for our patients to have ultimate outcomes. Depending on the patient’s need, we can offer services in our centers, in their homes, schools, and community. The patient’s response in these different environments is a key component to our success.

Furthermore, generalization of skills across those environments is something that we track daily in our outcomes and is part of an effective treatment. It recommends one or the other environment, or a combination based on data and the patient’s needs. We strive to make healthcare accessible and affordable to everyone. We also aim to improve access and patient engagement, particularly, for the minorities.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact CSD’s operations?

The COVID-19 outbreak severely impacted us, our employees, and our financials. The employees adapted and transitioned in many ways to go about their working days. Several activities we do at CSD were in groups or face to face. These activities were halted due to the pandemic. We quickly put measures in place to ensure safety for our staff and clients by providing masks, and stronger social distancing and sanitation protocols.

What is your take on the increasing proliferance of telehealth in the industry?

Heeding the unprecedented situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we nimbly transitioned to adopt telehealth. I have been strongly advocating for telehealth for several years. I believe that care through telehealth has been a very important adaptation to CSD’s services and an eye-opener for the healthcare industry in many ways.

The experience provided by telehealth has been different from in-person services. It depends on the patient’s functioning level and other important factors. Our aim through the pandemic, however, continues to be the same viz. to provide the best possible care to every individual under its attention.

Are CSD’s clients happy with its services? Can you share some client feedback?

Besides creating an organization focused on patient outcomes, we regularly track client satisfaction levels while under our care. For the most part, the client’s response is very positive which reflects that they are happy with our services. Let me share an incident. A few weeks ago, I stopped by a client’s home as the family requested my presence and the whole family thanked me, in tears, because of our services the clinical team has been providing for the past 3 years.

These moments make up for all the intensity and the ups and downs we go through in the industry. The family continuously calls and texts me every week and they are strong advocates for what we do. Moreover, my current Executive Assistant is my former patient, so I am reminded daily about my vision and mission.

What does your normal day at CSD look like? What are your hobbies/interests besides your daily schedule?

As healthcare is a frantic and dramatic industry, every working day is a different frantic and dramatic day for me. Just when you think you are going to have a day as you planned, the opposite happens. Perhaps, the only thing that tends to be structured is my scheduled meetings. My day starts with emails and meetings and finishes with emails, phone calls, and meetings.

However, alongside managing the company’s operations, maintaining a decent work-life balance is important. I ensure to maintain this whenever possible. I like to play music. Moreover, I enjoy lying down on a good beach with a good book to disconnect.

Quote: “CSD aims to deliver the best and most personalized innovative solutions for each individual and caregiver affected by autism or other disabilities and foster a strong culture of community participation and inclusion.”