URGENT UPDATE: Mike Berney, the Executive Director of Palouse River Counseling, has officially announced his retirement, effective December 2023. After more than three decades of dedicated service, Berney will hand over leadership to Kathleen Stewardson, the organization’s Clinical Director, who has been promoted following a nationwide search.
This transition marks a significant moment for the Pullman-based nonprofit, which has seen tremendous growth under Berney’s stewardship. When he first took the helm of what was once known as Whitman County Mental Health in the 1990s, the organization was small, employing around 20 staff members. Today, it has expanded to over 40 members, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, psychiatrists, and nurses.
Berney’s tenure has been pivotal in transforming the center into a standalone entity, achieving official status as a private not-for-profit clinic in 2003. He emphasized that this independence has allowed the clinic to enhance its services and better meet the mental health needs of the community. “It’s almost a night and day difference,” Berney remarked about the clinic’s evolution.
The organization now provides comprehensive behavioral health services to adults, children, and families across Whitman County. With a focus on accessibility, they offer a sliding scale payment system to accommodate clients’ financial situations. The center’s services have expanded to include individual therapy, crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, group sessions, and medication management.
Berney expressed optimism about the future of mental health care in the region, noting a positive cultural shift regarding behavioral health awareness. “People are more comfortable acknowledging they can benefit from the services,” he stated, highlighting the increasing acceptance of mental health discussions in society.
As he prepares to step down, Berney believes that Stewardson will continue to enhance the availability of behavioral health services for the residents of Pullman and surrounding areas. “We’ve got a great group of people that work here,” he stated confidently about the organization’s team.
The transition in leadership comes at a time when mental health is being recognized as a crucial component of overall healthcare. Berney noted improved cooperation among local primary care practitioners, hospitals, and law enforcement to better respond to individuals in need.
What’s Next: As Berney’s departure approaches, the community eagerly anticipates how Stewardson will lead the organization forward. The focus will remain on increasing access to vital mental health services, with a commitment to reducing stigma and promoting mental wellness.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Palouse River Counseling embarks on a new chapter under its new leadership.
