The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, one of the largest nonprofit addiction treatment systems in the nation, has announced a significant behavioral health leadership change with the appointment of Paul Mueller as its new Chief Operating Officer. Mueller brings over 30 years of experience in the behavioral health sector, most recently serving as CEO of Rogers Behavioral Health, a psychiatric hospital in Wisconsin.
This behavioral health leadership change comes at a pivotal time when mental health and addiction treatment services are in high demand across the country. Mueller’s extensive background, including his roots as a trained social worker, positions him well to lead Hazelden Betty Ford’s expansion efforts in mental health care, addiction treatment, and family services.
A Leader Grounded in Clinical and Operational Expertise
Beginning his career in direct patient care, Mueller transitioned into management roles where he collaborated closely with clinicians to study and standardize service delivery. “The last several years in my career, I’ve been working with clinicians to really study and document, ‘What are the best ways to provide the services that we offer,’” Mueller shared. “And to do it in a way that is standard.”
As part of this behavioral health leadership change, Mueller is committed to addressing unmet needs within Hazelden Betty Ford’s system. He plans to work alongside clinical staff to implement an operating system designed to enhance overall effectiveness. Mueller emphasized the importance of fostering a culture that continuously questions whether existing practices are the best possible approach and encourages ongoing improvement.
Navigating Challenges in Behavioral Health
The behavioral health field faces enduring challenges that Mueller acknowledges. Staffing shortages and limited funding strain providers nationwide, including Hazelden Betty Ford. “One might characterize the mental health and addiction field as underfunded and underserved,” Mueller said. This behavioral health leadership change aims to directly confront these systemic barriers while managing the growing need for services—especially following the surge in overdose deaths by 30% from 2019 to 2020, as reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Innovation and Research at the Forefront
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual and digital treatment options, which Hazelden Betty Ford expanded under Mueller’s oversight. However, he insists that innovation must be paired with rigorous outcome studies. “Anything new needs to be studied,” he said. This research-first mindset characterizes the behavioral health leadership change occurring at the organization, ensuring new care platforms meet clinical standards and patient needs.
Embracing Value-Based Care
Looking ahead, the organization is also focused on value-based care models, which reward providers for treatment outcomes rather than volume. Although Hazelden Betty Ford has engaged in some value-based contracting, Mueller highlighted the ongoing challenge of defining “value” in addiction treatment. “Will someone define value as simply no longer using substances, or will someone define value as a quality of life measure?” This key question frames the evolving role of this behavioral health leadership change in guiding the foundation’s strategy.
Conclusion: A New Era for Hazelden Betty Ford
Paul Mueller’s arrival marks a major behavioral health leadership change at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, with the organization poised to deepen its impact amid a complex and shifting landscape. His experience, dedication to data-driven care, and focus on operational excellence are vital as the foundation works to meet the escalating mental health and addiction treatment needs of communities nationwide.
As this behavioral health leadership change unfolds, stakeholders can expect Hazelden Betty Ford to continue leading innovation, research, and comprehensive care in the field, setting new standards for nonprofit behavioral health providers.
