The behavioral health and addiction treatment sectors have witnessed significant changes in leadership, signaling a transformative period in how care is delivered and the ways in which companies are positioning themselves to meet the growing demand for mental health and substance use disorder services. As mental health challenges continue to rise across the country, these appointments underscore the importance of experienced leadership in shaping the future of behavioral health treatment. Below is a deeper dive into some of the notable leadership transitions at key organizations in the field, reflecting important mental health leadership changes.
Pinnacle Treatment Centers Welcomes New Chief Medical Officer and Chief Clinical Officer
Pinnacle Treatment Centers, one of the largest providers of substance use disorder treatment in the U.S., recently made two significant leadership announcements: Chris Dennis has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer (CMO), and Carin Kottraba is now the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO). These leadership changes come at a critical time as Pinnacle continues to expand its treatment offerings and enhance the quality of care at its more than 140 locations across nine states.
Chris Dennis joins Pinnacle from Optum, where he served as Chief Behavioral Officer. During his time at Optum, Dennis played an instrumental role in integrating advanced behavioral health treatments and strengthening community partnerships. His leadership in developing programs that brought together behavioral health professionals, community resources, and cutting-edge treatments helped drive Optum’s success. Pinnacle expects Dennis’ deep expertise in behavioral health and his focus on innovation to propel the organization forward, aligning with the company’s commitment to evidence-based treatments and patient-centered care.
Carin Kottraba, appointed as CCO, brings a wealth of experience in mental health and substance use disorder care. Before joining Pinnacle, Kottraba served as the Vice President of Mental Health Innovations at Wellpath, where she was responsible for designing and managing large-scale treatment programs for individuals with complex behavioral health and addiction challenges. Kottraba’s expertise in designing treatment protocols that cater to the specific needs of individuals with co-occurring disorders is a valuable asset for Pinnacle as the company strives to provide holistic and personalized care.
The appointments come on the heels of Pinnacle’s ongoing growth and its efforts to enhance its clinical operations. With over 140 treatment facilities and a clear mandate to expand services, Pinnacle is well-positioned to strengthen its role as a leader in the addiction treatment space under the leadership of Dennis and Kottraba. These mental health leadership changes underscore Pinnacle’s commitment to providing high-quality care to those in need.
Inspire Horizons Announces New CEO: Sarah Trautman
Inspire Horizons, a Phoenix-based company specializing in multidisciplinary therapy for children with developmental disabilities, has named Sarah Trautman its new Chief Executive Officer. Trautman brings a strong background in leadership and strategic growth, having held various senior roles across several organizations. Her appointment follows the departure of Hereford Johnson III, who had served as CEO and is now transitioning into other ventures.
Trautman’s experience as a CEO, board member, leadership coach, and public speaker makes her a natural fit for Inspire Horizons. She is particularly excited about leading the company into its next phase of growth and innovation. Trautman’s recent roles include serving as a board member for Apollo Behavior, an autism treatment center, where she was instrumental in developing and overseeing strategic initiatives that expanded service offerings for children with autism spectrum disorders.
Her appointment is expected to drive Inspire Horizons’ mission of providing comprehensive, individualized therapy services to children with developmental disabilities. Trautman’s leadership will be pivotal as the company continues to expand its footprint and refine its approach to delivering high-quality care for children and their families. This shift is another example of the mental health leadership changes impacting organizations dedicated to enhancing mental health services.
Meadows Behavioral Healthcare Names New CFO: Jamie Phillips
Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, a prominent provider of trauma, addiction, and mental health treatment, has appointed Jamie Phillips as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Phillips brings a wealth of experience to Meadows, having previously served as CFO at PHI Health, where she significantly improved the company’s operating income, boosting it from 15% to 26% in just one year. Additionally, Phillips has a history of leadership in the healthcare sector, including her tenure as Senior Vice President of Finance at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Meadows, which is in the midst of expanding its services to meet the increasing demand for mental health and addiction treatment. With mental health issues on the rise across the U.S., the need for more accessible and effective care has never been greater. Phillips will play a crucial role in guiding Meadows through its growth and ensuring the financial stability of the organization as it broadens its reach. Her background in managing fast-growing healthcare organizations will be a key asset as Meadows looks to scale its services to meet national needs. These mental health leadership changes reinforce the company’s commitment to growth and sustainability in the sector.
Brave Health Welcomes New CMO: Dr. Amit Parikh
Brave Health, a Miami-based provider of online mental health therapy and medication management services, has appointed Dr. Amit Parikh as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Parikh comes to Brave Health from Bend Health, where he also served as CMO for two years. He brings with him a wealth of experience in behavioral health, with a focus on improving access to mental health care for underserved populations, particularly those covered by Medicaid.
Dr. Parikh’s appointment signals a commitment to expanding Brave Health’s mission of providing accessible, affordable care to individuals facing mental health challenges. The company’s virtual model has proven effective in breaking down barriers to care, particularly for individuals in rural areas or those with limited access to traditional in-person services. Dr. Parikh’s expertise in Medicaid and his background in scaling digital health services will play a crucial role in expanding Brave Health’s reach.
As Dr. Parikh transitions into his new role, Brave Health will continue to provide innovative virtual therapy services to individuals struggling with mental health conditions. In addition, Bend Health has named Monika Roots, co-founder and president of the company, as its new CMO, reflecting the growing demand for virtual mental health care and the ever-expanding potential for telemedicine in behavioral health. This shift is a clear example of mental health leadership changes impacting the future of digital healthcare services.
BrightPath Behavior Strengthens Leadership Team with VP of Strategy and Growth: Sebastian Zuluaga
BrightPath Behavior, the company formerly known as ABA Connect, has appointed Sebastian Zuluaga as its Vice President of Strategy and Growth. Zuluaga comes to BrightPath from MBF Healthcare Partners, where he served as Business Development Officer. Zuluaga’s expertise in driving strategic growth and identifying acquisition opportunities will be key as BrightPath looks to expand its presence in the behavioral health field.
In 2022, MBF Healthcare Partners acquired ABA Connect, which recently rebranded as BrightPath following a series of mergers. The company is now focused on expanding its footprint and acquiring new behavioral health practices to provide a broader range of services. With Zuluaga at the helm of strategy and growth, BrightPath aims to continue this trajectory of expansion while maintaining its focus on providing high-quality care to children and families facing developmental and behavioral health challenges. As BrightPath moves forward, these mental health leadership changes will help drive the company’s overall strategic direction.
PursueCare Appoints New Medical Directors and CFO to Support Growth
PursueCare, an online addiction and mental health treatment provider, has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of three new medical directors: Dr. Jason Kirby, Dr. Seth Thompson, and Dr. Henry Luu. This strategic hiring comes as PursueCare works to build a comprehensive virtual clinic designed to offer a full range of addiction and mental health care services.
Dr. Kirby, a former Chief Medical Officer at Landmark Recovery, is a recognized leader in addiction medicine. Dr. Thompson, a psychiatrist with expertise in mental health, previously worked at Conscientia Health, while Dr. Luu, a Navy physician who served two deployments to Afghanistan, brings a wealth of experience in both clinical and leadership roles.
PursueCare has also named Bradley Wilson as its new Chief Financial Officer. Wilson previously served as CFO at FlexCare Infusion Centers, where he helped guide the company’s growth. His expertise will support PursueCare’s efforts to expand its virtual treatment services and offer rapid access to addiction care.
As PursueCare continues to scale its services, the appointments of these experienced medical directors and financial leaders are expected to help the company meet the growing demand for virtual behavioral health services, offering accessible and effective treatment options for individuals seeking help. These mental health leadership changes demonstrate the company’s continued commitment to growth and providing comprehensive, high-quality care.
Guardian Recovery Names Tamer Wassef as Chief Medical Officer
Guardian Recovery, a leading provider of addiction and mental health treatment services, has promoted Dr. Tamer Wassef to the role of Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Wassef, who previously served as Guardian Recovery’s Chief Medical Director, brings over 15 years of experience in the treatment of mental health and addiction disorders, with a specialized focus on eating disorders.
Guardian Recovery’s founder and CEO, Josh Scott, praised Dr. Wassef’s dedication and expertise in the behavioral health space, noting that his promotion will strengthen the company’s ability to expand its services and deepen its commitment to quality care. Guardian Recovery has steadily grown since its founding in 2013, and with Dr. Wassef’s leadership, the company aims to continue to extend its footprint and enhance its clinical offerings. These recent mental health leadership changes signal Guardian Recovery’s ongoing growth and focus on providing top-tier care.
These leadership changes reflect a commitment to enhancing patient care, expanding service offerings, and meeting the increasing demand for behavioral health and addiction treatment services. With experienced leaders at the helm, these companies are well-positioned to make a lasting impact in the industry, providing innovative, patient-centered care for those in need. As the behavioral health sector continues to evolve, these strategic appointments will help guide these organizations toward continued success in improving the lives of individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The ripple effects of mental health leadership changes will continue to influence how care is provided, ensuring better outcomes for those seeking help.
