If you work in an I/DD organization, you know that Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the unsung heroes of hands-on, compassionate care. For DSPs, supporting individuals with complex needs goes far beyond a job description—it’s a deeply personal mission. But despite DSPs’ critical role in behavioral health, they often face overwhelming demands, juggling documentation, goal tracking, and care coordination. These administrative burdens can take DSPs away from what truly matters: direct, compassionate care. Radicle Health, led by CEO and Co-President Alyza Tarmohammed, is changing that by introducing I/DD EHR (Electronic Health Record), which doesn’t just simplify tasks but actually empowers DSPs.

In a recent episode of DSP Talks, Alyza shared her vision for a more compassionate, tech-enabled future in behavioral health. Here’s how Radicle Health transforms the day-to-day experience for DSPs on the frontlines.

Alyza’s Journey: A Personal Connection to Behavioral Health

Alyza’s path to behavioral health wasn’t a straight line. From finance to software and insurance technology, her career has spanned sectors seemingly far removed from behavioral health. But for Alyza, supporting DSPs and empowering care providers is personal. Growing up in a small Canadian town, Alyza’s family was deeply involved in a local community organization focused on creating sustainable lifestyles for individuals facing mental health challenges. Inspired by this experience, she was driven to bring the tech skills she developed to a field that resonated on a personal level.

“When I joined Radicle Health, it was a way to bring my professional skills to a place that held personal meaning for me,” Alyza shared on DSP Talks. This background has shaped Radicle Health’s approach, grounded in the belief that tech should improve the care experience, not complicate it.

Tech that Works for DSPs, Not Against Them

Too often, tech in behavioral health adds to DSPs’ workload, becoming just another item on a checklist. At Radicle Health, technology is designed with DSPs’ real-world needs in mind. Alyza explained, “The technology isn’t there for technology’s sake. It’s there to actually make things better.” With this philosophy, Radicle Health has created an I/DD EHR that streamlines processes, simplifies reporting, and makes it easy for DSPs to document and track care in real time—all without unnecessary complexity.

DSPs have one of the hardest jobs in healthcare. Radicle Health’s I/DD EHRs are designed to ease that burden by ensuring every tool, every interface, and every update has one purpose: enabling DSPs to provide high-quality, person-centered care.

Building a Holistic Picture of Each Person’s Care

Radicle Health doesn’t just capture data; it builds a holistic view of each individual’s needs, goals, and progress. Alyza and her team believe that DSPs deserve tech that provides the same continuity and quality of care they deliver every day. By consolidating each person’s information into a comprehensive, easily accessible profile, Radicle Health enables all care team members—DSPs, case managers, and nursing staff—to see a unified picture of each person’s needs.

This holistic approach doesn’t just improve communication between team members; it also allows for real-time decision-making. DSPs can access up-to-date information on a person’s medications, behavioral health progress, and personal goals, allowing them to make informed, timely decisions. “Technology should let us look at the whole person, not just pieces of their care,” Alyza emphasized.

I/DD EHR: Making Data Meaningful for DSPs

Data entry can feel like just another task, especially for DSPs who already carry a heavy load. I/DD EHR changes this by giving DSPs a sense of ownership over the data they collect. According to Alyza, “DSPs are on the front line of care. When they have ownership over data and goal planning, it becomes meaningful—not just another requirement.”

I/DD EHRs help DSPs see how input information translates to real-life improvements, from goal setting to tracking individual progress. This approach not only validates the DSPs’ role but also connects them more deeply to the outcomes of their work. For DSPs, knowing their documentation impacts long-term care plans and informs individualized support strategies, adding a sense of purpose to their daily tasks.

Training DSPs for Success with Technology

Radicle Health recognizes that adapting to new technology like an EHR can be intimidating, especially for DSPs who may not consider themselves tech-savvy. That’s why Radicle Health places a strong emphasis on accessible, effective training. From on-site sessions to video tutorials, the goal is to make learning seamless and adaptable to DSPs’ schedules.

“Technology is only as good as the people who use it,” Alyza noted. To that end, Radicle Health’s training ensures DSPs feel confident and supported, allowing them to focus on what they do best: providing high-quality care. By creating a robust training program, Radicle Health ensures that DSPs can leverage an I/DD EHR as a tool for empowerment, not just another task.

The Future of Behavioral Health is Collaborative

Alyza’s vision for Radicle Health goes beyond software—it’s about building partnerships with DSPs and behavioral health organizations to create a support system where DSPs feel valued and equipped. With the right tech and the right team, DSPs are empowered to provide consistent, compassionate care that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.

As Alyza shared on DSP Talks, “Our mission is to support the DSPs who do the heavy lifting in behavioral health. We’re here to make their lives easier, their work more impactful, and ultimately, to help create a more connected, compassionate care model.”

Catch the Full Story on DSP Talks

Interested in hearing more about how Radicle Health supports DSPs with I/DD EHRs? Listen to Alyza Tarmohammed’s full interview on the DSP Talks podcast, where she dives into Radicle Health’s approach to DSP empowerment, continuity of care, and the role of technology in behavioral health. 🎧 Listen here.