Rob D’Alonzo – The Power of Connections in Mental Health

SUMMARY:

In this episode of TLC Connections, GT Freeman welcomes Rob D’Alonzo, SVP of School-Based Services at The Lincoln Center, for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about mental health, relationships, and meaning-making.

Rob shares formative experiences from his personal and professional life—from growing up as a fraternal twin to working on the front lines of psychiatric crisis care in hospitals and emergency response centers. He reflects on powerful moments of connection with individuals in extreme distress, the role of empathy and instinct in effective care, and why systems—not individuals in isolation—are critical to long-term healing.

The conversation also explores burnout, vicarious trauma, and how mental health professionals can care for themselves while caring for others. Rob discusses the importance of physical activity, family, optimism, and authentic relationships in sustaining a long career in a demanding field. Together, GT and Rob examine the current state of mental health in our communities, particularly for youth, and why access, prevention, and personalized support matter now more than ever.

GUEST BIO:

Rob D’Alonzo, MA, LPC, is the Senior Vice President of School-Based Services at The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth. Rob joined TLC in 2011 and has held several leadership roles, including Director of the Family Resource Center, where he oversaw services with the Office of Children and Youth and led Family Focused Solution Based Services in partnership with Central Behavioral Health.

In his current role, Rob leads TLC’s School-Based Services division and provides clinical supervision to counselors and graduate interns across the agency. With decades of experience in crisis response, residential treatment, and community-based mental health, Rob brings a systems-focused, relationship-driven approach to supporting youth, families, and professionals.

Rob earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Syracuse University and his master’s degree from Antioch University in Santa Barbara, California. He has been a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania since 2002.

SPONSORS:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia Area and operating in multiple states. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing K-12 education, behavioral health care, outpatient therapy, wellness coaching, professional development, and grant management services.