After over three decades of dedicated service, Mike Berney will retire as the Executive Director of Palouse River Counseling in December 2023. His leadership has been pivotal in transforming the organization into a vital resource for mental health services in the community. Following a national search, the nonprofit has appointed Kathleen Stewardson, the current Clinical Director, as his successor.
Berney’s journey with the organization began in the 1990s, shortly after he earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Washington State University. He initially took charge of what was then known as Whitman County Mental Health, which later became Whitman County Counseling Services. Under his guidance, the organization transitioned into a private not-for-profit clinic in 2003, a move that Berney believes has significantly enhanced service delivery.
“Since then, it’s almost a night and day difference,” Berney remarked. The center has expanded its capacity to serve a broader segment of the community, providing essential behavioral health services to adults, children, and families across Whitman County. The organization now employs over 40 professionals, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, psychiatrists, and nurses, a considerable increase from its original team of around 20.
Advancements in Behavioral Health Services
Palouse River Counseling has developed a range of outpatient services that include individual therapy, crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, group sessions, and medication management. A key focus for the center has been to offer services that are financially accessible, utilizing a sliding scale payment system to accommodate clients’ needs.
Berney has witnessed a cultural shift in the perception of behavioral health throughout his career. While some stigma remains regarding mental health counseling, he noted that more individuals are acknowledging the benefits of seeking help. “The public is becoming more comfortable with the term ‘mental health’ as opposed to ‘mental illness’,” he explained. This change in dialogue reflects a growing understanding that mental health is an integral part of overall well-being.
The collaboration between Palouse River Counseling and local primary care practitioners, as well as law enforcement, has improved responses for individuals in crisis. Berney expressed optimism about the future of mental health services in the region, stating, “We’ve got a great group of people that work here. I believe that the new executive director will carry on and make behavioral health services even more available to the residents of Pullman and Whitman County.”
As Berney prepares for retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of enhanced mental health services and a commitment to community care. The transition to new leadership under Stewardson promises to continue this trajectory, ensuring that the needs of the community remain at the forefront of Palouse River Counseling’s mission.
For further inquiries, Pearce can be reached at [email protected].
