About this episode

On this episode of the Marquis Masters Podcast, host Ryan Estes sits down with Dr. Davena Longshore, clinical, forensic, and medical psychologist and CEO of the Cummings Foundation for Behavioral Health. Drawing on her experience in clinical psychology, technology, and correctional settings, Dr. Longshore discusses how mental health and wellness programs can improve outcomes for first responders, strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and help people navigate some of life’s most difficult circumstances.

Dr. Longshore explains why first responders face persistent stress, sleep deprivation, and fight-or-flight responses, and why meaningful change requires adequate funding, specialized training, and mental health support. She shares examples of programs associated with reductions in use-of-force incidents, disability claims, time off, and lawsuits, along with a powerful example of a South Carolina community where children began inviting police officers to play with them on snow days.

The conversation also explores Dr. Longshore’s individualized approach to psychological treatment, the potential of supervised psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD, the benefits and privacy concerns associated with surveillance cameras, and the appropriate role of artificial intelligence in decisions affecting human lives. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the importance of meeting people’s practical needs, building supportive relationships, and turning personal frustration into meaningful action.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• First responder mental health: How chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and constant alertness can affect judgment, behavior, and well-being.

• Funding wellness programs: Why investing in first responder training and mental health support can benefit agencies and the communities they serve.

• Building community trust: How working directly with law enforcement can help improve relationships between officers and the people they protect.

• Understanding bias and behavior: Why human behavior is complex and how stress, fear, experience, and learned beliefs can influence interactions.

• Personalized psychological care: Why effective treatment should account for an individual’s diagnosis, culture, circumstances, and specific needs.

• Beyond traditional therapy: How addressing safety, financial independence, self-esteem, and social connections can help people move forward from abusive situations.

• Psychedelic-assisted therapy: Dr. Longshore’s perspective on its potential for treating PTSD and the importance of professional supervision and regulation.

• Surveillance and accountability: How cameras can provide evidence and protect people while raising questions about privacy.

• AI and human decision-making: Where artificial intelligence may assist professionals—and why it should not have final authority over decisions involving human behavior or human needs.

• Finding motivation: How Dr. Longshore channels anger about injustice into personal growth and efforts to improve systems.

• Life beyond work: Her interests in boxing, reading, hiking, studying, and spending time with her children.

About Dr. Davena Longshore

Dr. Longshore is the CEO of the Cummings Foundation for Behavioral Health and a trained clinical, forensic, and medical psychologist. Her multidisciplinary background includes mathematics, finance, computer information systems, and clinical psychology. Her work focuses on developing and supporting mental health and wellness programs, particularly for first responders.

Learn more and connect

• Cummings Foundation for Behavioral Health: https://comingcf.org

• Connect with Dr. Longshore on LinkedIn by searching her name.

Listen to the full conversation for Dr. Longshore’s perspective on behavioral health, public safety, community relationships, and the importance of putting people’s needs at the center of meaningful change.