The behavioral health care landscape continues to evolve as facilities across the country expand services and appoint new leadership to meet growing demand. From Maryland to Texas to Minnesota, recent leadership appointments reflect the industry’s commitment to innovation, integrated care, and expanded access to services. Below, we explore several notable changes.
University of Maryland Shore Regional Health Appoints New Behavioral Health Director
The University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM Shore), which provides medical services to residents throughout Maryland’s Eastern Shore, has named Patricia Thompson as its new behavioral health director.
With an impressive 35-year career within the University of Maryland health system, Thompson is uniquely qualified for this role. Most recently, she served as the behavioral health regional director for education and training, as well as behavioral health director of nursing at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health.
In her new position, Thompson will oversee several critical services across the UM Shore system, including:
- The inpatient behavioral health unit
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Bridge clinic services
- Behavioral health response teams
- Substance use disorder (SUD) programs
These programs are vital resources for Eastern Shore residents who rely on UM Shore for comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment. Thompson’s deep expertise in behavioral health education, training, and nursing leadership will position UM Shore to continue improving access to care, quality of services, and community partnerships.
Her appointment signals the organization’s ongoing commitment to strengthening behavioral health services in a region where many patients face limited options for specialized treatment.
Origins Behavioral HealthCare Names New Regional Director in Texas
Dallas-based Origins Behavioral HealthCare, a leading provider of gender-specific residential substance use disorder treatment services, has announced the appointment of Kim Garrett as director of programs for its South Padre Island location.
Garrett brings years of experience in behavioral health leadership to her new role, where she will oversee programming at:
- Origins Recovery Center (men’s residential treatment facility)
- Hannah’s House (women’s residential treatment facility)
As director of programs, Garrett will be responsible for the development, management, and ongoing enhancement of these residential treatment facilities.
A licensed clinical social worker and seasoned psychotherapist, Garrett has served in multiple leadership capacities throughout her career. Notably, she has held the role of behavioral health director at the Recovery Resource Council, a nonprofit organization based in Fort Worth, Texas, that connects individuals with addiction treatment services and recovery resources. She will maintain her involvement with the Recovery Resource Council while serving in her new leadership position at Origins Behavioral HealthCare.
Garrett’s appointment reflects Origins’ continued commitment to gender-specific treatment models that address the unique challenges faced by men and women in recovery. Her leadership is expected to help Origins expand its clinical offerings, strengthen treatment outcomes, and enhance the client experience at both facilities.
NuWay House Adds Four Vice Presidents to Support Growth
Minneapolis-based NuWay House (NUWAY), a leading nonprofit provider of residential and outpatient addiction treatment services throughout Minnesota, has announced the creation of four new vice president roles in response to its recent growth.
The organization has appointed the following professionals to key leadership positions:
- Lindsey Battuello – Vice President of Outpatient Services
Battuello will oversee the organization’s outpatient programming, ensuring that services are accessible, evidence-based, and responsive to community needs. - Amy Dellwo – Vice President of Public Policy
Dellwo will lead NuWay’s efforts to advocate for policy changes that support the behavioral health field and improve access to treatment for underserved populations. - Denise McAlpern – Vice President of Residential Services
McAlpern will oversee the operations and clinical quality of NuWay’s residential treatment facilities, focusing on continuity of care and patient-centered approaches. - John Miller – Vice President of Strategic Development
Miller will lead the organization’s growth initiatives, identifying new opportunities for expansion and enhancing NUWAY’s partnerships across the behavioral health continuum.
These appointments come at a pivotal time for NuWay House, which has experienced increasing demand for its services. By expanding its leadership team, the organization aims to strengthen its infrastructure, improve operational efficiencies, and ensure that its programs remain responsive to the changing behavioral health landscape.
Laurel Place Welcomes New Program Director in West Virginia
Laurel Place, a specialized 20-bed inpatient behavioral health facility for adults aged 55 and older in Elkins, West Virginia, has appointed Melissa Kilgore as its new program director.
Kilgore is a registered nurse with over 15 years of experience in behavioral health, specifically focusing on senior care. In her new role, she will oversee program operations, clinical services, and quality improvement initiatives at Laurel Place.
Laurel Place serves a unique patient population, providing short-term inpatient treatment for older adults dealing with behavioral health challenges. Kilgore’s extensive background in geriatric mental health care makes her an ideal leader for the facility, which aims to create a safe, therapeutic environment tailored to the specific needs of seniors.
Kilgore’s appointment underscores Laurel Place’s dedication to ensuring that older adults receive compassionate, specialized behavioral health treatment.
A Common Theme: Expanded Behavioral Health Leadership
Across these recent leadership changes, a common theme emerges: the behavioral health sector is evolving rapidly, and many organizations are investing in leadership to support growth, improve services, and expand access to care.
As demand for behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment continues to rise nationwide, providers are prioritizing:
- Clinical excellence
- Operational efficiency
- Workforce development
- Community partnerships
- Public policy advocacy
These strategic leadership appointments reflect the industry’s recognition that specialized skills and experience are essential to delivering high-quality behavioral health services.
Looking Ahead
Behavioral health providers continue to adapt to the growing and evolving needs of the communities they serve. Leadership changes like those at UM Shore, Origins Behavioral HealthCare, NuWay House, and Laurel Place demonstrate a collective focus on:
- Improving access to services
- Enhancing clinical quality
- Expanding specialized treatment options
- Addressing the unique needs of diverse populations
As these leaders take on their new roles, the industry can expect continued progress in addressing some of the most pressing behavioral health challenges facing individuals and families today.
These appointments also signal that behavioral health organizations are positioning themselves for sustainable growth and innovation, ensuring they remain agile and responsive in an increasingly complex care environment.
Whether it’s developing new residential programs, advocating for policy change, expanding outpatient services, or integrating culturally competent care, these leaders are poised to drive meaningful change in behavioral health care.
