In a significant move to strengthen its behavioral health and addiction services, Cleveland’s St. Vincent Charity Medical Center has created a new leadership role — Chief Clinical Officer of Behavioral Health and Addiction Medicine. The medical center, which serves as the sole downtown hospital for the city, has appointed Dr. Michael Biscaro to fill this crucial position, further enhancing the hospital’s capacity to address growing needs in behavioral health, particularly in the area of opioid use disorder (OUD).
Dr. Biscaro, who officially assumed his role in late February, brings a wealth of experience to St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. He previously worked at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, where he held various leadership roles focused on behavioral health and addiction services. His extensive background and deep understanding of clinical psychology and mental health will help St. Vincent continue to meet the increasing demand for mental health and addiction care in Cleveland and the broader Ohio region.
The Growing Need for Behavioral Health Services in Ohio
Ohio has been at the epicenter of the nation’s opioid crisis, and Cleveland is no exception. The state has seen a sharp increase in opioid-related deaths, which has put significant pressure on local hospitals, mental health facilities, and addiction services. According to the Ohio Department of Health, opioid overdose deaths in the state reached a peak of 4,000 in 2017. While those numbers have slightly declined in recent years, they still reflect the urgent need for robust addiction treatment services, particularly those that integrate behavioral health care and addiction medicine.
St. Vincent Charity Medical Center has been a key player in providing critical care for individuals suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD) and other behavioral health issues. The hospital’s dedication to improving patient outcomes in this area is evident in its comprehensive service offerings, which include detox and outpatient programs, inpatient adult and geropsychiatry, and a specialized psychiatric emergency department — one of only two in Ohio. The addition of Dr. Biscaro to the hospital’s leadership team is a clear reflection of the institution’s commitment to expanding and modernizing its approach to behavioral health care.
Michael Biscaro’s Background and Expertise
Dr. Michael Biscaro’s appointment as Chief Clinical Officer of Behavioral Health and Addiction Medicine represents a strategic effort to integrate more innovative and evidence-based practices into the hospital’s behavioral health offerings. Dr. Biscaro’s extensive experience with the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System makes him particularly well-suited for this role. Throughout his career, he has held several key positions, including clinical psychologist, program director, and team leader for the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center.
In his most recent position at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, Dr. Biscaro served as service line manager for peer support services. In this role, he was instrumental in overseeing programs designed to help veterans who struggle with mental health issues, addiction, and homelessness. His hands-on experience with vulnerable populations makes him a valuable asset to St. Vincent Charity as the hospital continues to expand its behavioral health services to meet the needs of Cleveland’s diverse communities.
Dr. Biscaro also brings valuable expertise in homelessness services, as he currently serves as the director of Joseph’s Home, a unique Ohio-based provider of medical services exclusively for homeless individuals. The hospital’s focus on supporting underserved populations aligns well with Dr. Biscaro’s background in helping those who are marginalized and at high risk for mental health and addiction issues. His ability to integrate these experiences into his leadership at St. Vincent Charity will be vital as the hospital works to increase access to its behavioral health programs for all Cleveland residents, including those experiencing homelessness and other social determinants of health.
Expanding Behavioral Health Services at St. Vincent Charity
Dr. Biscaro’s new role will include overseeing and expanding several of St. Vincent’s key services aimed at improving access to care for individuals with behavioral health and addiction issues. The hospital has long been recognized for its specialized care for patients suffering from mental health challenges, and under Dr. Biscaro’s leadership, the focus will be on expanding and enhancing these services.
A central aspect of Dr. Biscaro’s responsibilities will be leading the hospital’s efforts to improve access to detoxification services and outpatient addiction treatment programs. Detoxification is often the first step in treating patients with opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders. The hospital’s ability to offer both inpatient and outpatient detox programs will be crucial in providing patients with the appropriate level of care they need to safely overcome their dependence on drugs and alcohol.
In addition to detox services, Dr. Biscaro will be responsible for overseeing inpatient adult and geropsychiatry programs. The hospital’s inpatient units offer intensive psychiatric care for patients who require 24-hour supervision, and Dr. Biscaro’s leadership will help ensure that these units continue to provide evidence-based treatments that focus on the whole patient — including their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
One of the most unique features of St. Vincent Charity Medical Center’s behavioral health program is its psychiatric emergency department (ED). This specialized ED is one of only two in Ohio and provides immediate psychiatric care for patients in crisis. As the demand for emergency behavioral health care grows, especially in the wake of the opioid crisis, this service has become a vital resource for individuals who need immediate attention. Dr. Biscaro’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that the psychiatric ED continues to operate at the highest standards and provides timely, compassionate care for those in need.
Fostering Innovation and Modernization in Behavioral Health
In a statement about Dr. Biscaro’s appointment, Janice Murphy, president and CEO of St. Vincent Charity, expressed confidence in his ability to lead the hospital’s behavioral health services into the future. “By welcoming Dr. Biscaro to St. Vincent, we’re gaining a national expert in the field of modernizing, innovating, and integrating behavioral health practices,” Murphy said. “His experiences make him uniquely qualified to lead our program into the future and continue building on our successes in quality, evidence-based services.”
The challenges of managing behavioral health and addiction treatment in a state that has been severely impacted by the opioid crisis are significant, but they also offer opportunities for innovation. Dr. Biscaro’s background in integrating evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches, into traditional treatment methods will be crucial in modernizing St. Vincent’s approach to care. His expertise in utilizing peer support services will also help bridge the gap for patients who may feel disconnected from traditional care models.
In addition to modernizing treatment practices, Dr. Biscaro will also be tasked with strengthening the hospital’s collaboration with community partners to create a comprehensive network of support for individuals in recovery. St. Vincent Charity’s approach to care recognizes that mental health and addiction issues often require a multi-disciplinary approach, and Dr. Biscaro’s leadership will help ensure that patients have access to a full spectrum of services, from medical care to community-based recovery programs.
Looking Ahead
As St. Vincent Charity Medical Center continues to lead the way in behavioral health and addiction medicine, the appointment of Dr. Michael Biscaro as Chief Clinical Officer represents a pivotal step in the hospital’s commitment to meeting the growing need for behavioral health services in Cleveland. With his leadership, St. Vincent Charity is poised to expand its services and innovate its approach to care, ensuring that individuals struggling with behavioral health and addiction issues receive the best possible care and support.
Dr. Biscaro’s wealth of experience, combined with the resources and commitment of St. Vincent Charity, will make a significant difference in the lives of many patients who are in desperate need of help. As the opioid crisis continues to evolve, so too will the hospital’s efforts to support the mental health and addiction needs of Cleveland’s residents. With this new leadership role, St. Vincent Charity is well-equipped to face the challenges of the future and continue its legacy of providing high-quality, compassionate care.
