Galen Mental Health, a rising leader in outpatient behavioral health care, has appointed Kristen Scheel as its new Chief Executive Officer. The announcement marks a new chapter in the company’s mission to expand access to high-quality, community-based mental health services. With deep operational experience and a history of scaling large behavioral health networks, Galen Mental Health CEO Kristen Scheel brings transformative leadership at a pivotal moment.
About Galen Mental Health
Based in Alachua, Florida, Galen Mental Health was co-founded by mental health innovators Dr. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt and Dan Davidson. The company has developed a robust network of outpatient treatment centers that specialize in the care of individuals with mental health conditions, eating disorders, and dual diagnoses. Services are delivered through intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)—offering accessible, effective care for patients needing structured support without inpatient stays.
What began as a modest operation with five entities in 2022 has since grown into a 12-brand network with diverse clinical specialties. This growth was made possible by strong leadership, strategic investments, and a patient-centered approach to care. Now, with Galen Mental Health CEO Kristen Scheel guiding the organization, the future looks even more expansive.
A Proven Leader for a New Era
Galen Mental Health CEO Kristen Scheel brings nearly two decades of experience in the behavioral health field. Most recently, she served as the Chief Operating Officer of Refresh Mental Health, one of the largest outpatient mental health providers in the U.S. Under her leadership, Refresh scaled rapidly and was acquired in 2022 by Optum, the services division of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). The acquisition became one of the most significant behavioral health deals of the decade.
Scheel’s background also includes over six years with Universal Health Services (NYSE: UHS), one of the largest hospital and behavioral health companies in the country. Her operational acumen and understanding of both clinical and business-side functions give her the tools to lead Galen Mental Health into its next chapter of expansion.
Backed by Investment, Driven by Mission
In 2021, private equity firm Lindsay Goldberg acquired Galen Mental Health, providing the financial foundation for its recent growth. Since the acquisition, the firm has made six follow-on investments, enabling the company to expand its offerings and geographic reach. This capital infusion has allowed Galen to scale quickly while maintaining its commitment to quality, specialized care.
Now under the direction of Galen Mental Health CEO Kristen Scheel, the company is poised to pursue new growth opportunities—both organic and acquisition-driven. Her experience leading M&A activity and integrating large provider networks will be instrumental as Galen continues to solidify its position as a leader in outpatient mental health care.
Galen’s Vision for the Future
While Galen representatives have not yet made specific public statements about Scheel’s vision, industry insiders expect the organization to pursue continued expansion under her leadership. Given her background at Refresh Mental Health and deep experience in building scalable behavioral health systems, Galen Mental Health CEO Kristen Scheel is expected to lead the company into a new phase of growth—prioritizing access, quality, and operational excellence.
Her leadership arrives at a critical time, as demand for mental health services continues to rise across the country. Outpatient and community-based models are increasingly favored for their accessibility and cost-effectiveness. In this climate, Galen’s treatment model—focused on personalized care in non-residential settings—offers a compelling solution.
Industry Impact and Strategic Positioning
The appointment of Galen Mental Health CEO Kristen Scheel also underscores a broader trend in the behavioral health industry: the increasing importance of experienced executive leadership in scaling care sustainably. As behavioral health providers face rising caseloads, payer demands for value-based care, and mounting pressure for regulatory compliance, organizations must have leaders who understand how to build smart, scalable systems without compromising care quality.
Scheel’s previous success navigating high-growth environments and her role in a major industry acquisition positions her to steer Galen confidently through these complexities.
Final Thoughts
With the appointment of Galen Mental Health CEO Kristen Scheel, the organization enters a new phase of leadership—one characterized by strategic growth, operational sophistication, and unwavering commitment to clinical excellence. As the company continues to expand its reach and impact, Scheel’s deep experience and forward-thinking leadership are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of outpatient behavioral health care in the U.S.
