By Angela Lee, ABHW Director of Communications and Programs
In case you missed it, Debbie Witchey joined the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW) as the new President and CEO. As we get settled in the new year – and administration – we had the privilege of sitting down with Debbie to discuss her journey, vision, and the future of the behavioral health industry.
Angela: Tell us a bit about your background and what led you to this role.
Debbie: It’s a true honor to be here. My background is rooted in the health care space where I’ve had the chance to work in both operational and strategic roles. This is an exciting time of innovation in behavioral health. New innovative treatments are becoming available, and there is increased interest in and ability to focus on prevention and wellness. With providers and health plans embracing integrated health care delivery, I was drawn to ABHW because ABHW and its members are uniquely positioned to seize this moment, driving innovation and empowering consumers to achieve better overall health.
"Health plans are often at the forefront of piloting and scaling new approaches, such as value-based care models and whole-person care initiatives. I will continue to make ABHW a hub for sharing best practices and driving forward-thinking policies that promote integrating physical and mental health care."
Angela: Can you elaborate on what you mean when you say that ABHW is uniquely positioned to seize this moment?
Debbie: In Washington, D.C., the heart of policymaking and advocacy, health care associations abound. Unlike associations that focus solely on one aspect of overall health care delivery — whether it be providers, patients, or specific conditions — ABHW brings a comprehensive lens that is specific to behavioral health. Representing health plans that provide mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) care benefits, ABHW can influence and integrate care delivery across behavioral health needs. From SUD treatment to mental health parity, ABHW addresses the full range of challenges and opportunities in behavioral health care.
Additionally, with a membership base that collectively covers 200 million lives, ABHW’s reach is significant. This scale amplifies ABHW’s voice in advocacy efforts and provides the opportunity to drive systemic change. Policy and best practice recommendations developed here have the potential to ripple across the entire health care system, setting benchmarks for the industry and improving access and outcomes for millions of Americans.
Angela: You’ve stepped into a leadership role during a time of change. What’s your vision for ABHW moving forward?
Debbie: We are in an exciting era of transformation for the behavioral health field. ABHW lies at the intersection of behavioral health, health plan innovation, and large-scale impact, and this guides my vision for the organization. I see ABHW expanding its impact in how we create positive changes in behavioral health care and in our communities.
Health plans are often at the forefront of piloting and scaling new approaches, such as value-based care models and whole-person care initiatives. I will continue to make ABHW a hub for sharing best practices and driving forward-thinking policies that promote integrating physical and mental health care.
Health plans are also data-rich entities, collecting and analyzing vast amounts of information about patient outcomes, cost drivers, and care delivery patterns. ABHW can work with our members to leverage this deidentified data to craft evidence-based policy recommendations. This is a significant advantage in a policy landscape where data drives decision-making. By combining robust analytics with real-world insights, ABHW brings a powerful voice to the table.
Angela: While more people are talking about this openly, the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders is still real, especially within certain communities and for those with serious mental illnesses (SMI). How do you plan to address this?
Debbie: Behavioral health has long been stigmatized, leaving many individuals without the care they need. ABHW is uniquely positioned to tackle these barriers head-on. By advocating for improved quality and access to care, ABHW plays a crucial role in reshaping the narrative around behavioral health and ensuring that it receives the attention it deserves in national discussions.
Angela: What motivates you to keep going?
Debbie: We stand at a pivotal moment in the fight against addiction and improved mental health, with new strategies poised to deliver real change. To truly improve mental health, we must focus on measurable outcomes and collaborative, connected care that leads to better lives.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, I experienced the kind of seamless, patient-centered care every individual deserves. My primary care doctor immediately contacted the surgeon, and within six weeks of diagnosis, I had surgery. The surgeon’s office handled every detail—from scheduling pre-op diagnostics and screenings to coordinating genetic testing and consultations. By the time I rolled into surgery, my follow-up appointments with the radiation and medical oncologists were already set. There were no delays, no gaps, no bureaucratic hurdles. Prior authorizations were cleared, medications were affordable, and I was offered comprehensive support, from psychological and nutritional counseling to data-driven treatment recommendations that gave me confidence in my care plan. Based on my treatment plan, I have less than a 4% chance of recurrence. Wouldn’t it be great if behavioral health care delivery could have that story?
This level of coordination should be the standard for every patient, including those navigating behavioral health challenges. We need to collect robust data on the most effective treatments, integrate physical and mental health care delivery, and eliminate the silos that hinder progress. The path forward is clear—we know how to achieve this.
I’m energized by the opportunity for ABHW to lead the charge, breaking down red tape and regulatory barriers to make coordinated, high-quality behavioral health care a reality. This isn’t just about achieving mental health parity; it’s about delivering a holistic, data-informed approach to care that empowers patients and transforms lives. We can make this vision a reality with the broader health community.
Angela: What advice would you give to aspiring leaders?
Debbie: First, remember that leadership is a journey, not a destination. Second, build trust and strong connections with others. Especially in our field, I’ve found it’s always better to build a big tent. And third, be accountable. Set goals, short and long-term, and continually assess and adjust.
Angela: Since ABHW advocates for mental health, I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask the following: how do you unwind or what things do you do that bring you joy and contribute to your overall wellbeing?
Debbie: I find joy in life’s simple pleasures — taking walks with my dog, soaking in the beauty of a sunrise, and winding down with a breathtaking sunset. I also enjoy watching Nats baseball, although I can’t say I’ve found it too relaxing in recent years. These moments keep me grounded and bring a sense of balance to my busy days.
I’m always up for trying something new and exciting—I’m that friend who says, “Sure, why not!” This has led me to see amazing plays and musicals, join a book club, become part of a women’s community service organization, and even dive into some hilariously wild spa adventures. I also started fostering rescue dogs and started running road races this way.
These days, my favorite adventure is helping my daughter and future son-in-law plan their wedding. Collaborating on all the details has been so much fun, and we’re all thrilled to bring family and friends together for an unforgettable celebration!
