Mike Berney Retires After Over 30 Years Leading Counseling Center

Executive Director Mike Berney will retire in December 2023 after more than 30 years at the helm of Palouse River Counseling. Berney has played a pivotal role in transforming the organization, which he has led since its inception as a standalone entity. Following a national search, the organization has promoted Kathleen Stewardson, the current Clinical Director, to succeed him.

Berney joined what was then known as Whitman County Mental Health in the 1990s, shortly after earning his Master’s in Business Administration from Washington State University. Under his leadership, the center evolved significantly, formally becoming Palouse River Counseling in 2003. The transition allowed the organization to operate independently from the county, enabling it to enhance its services and outreach.

Reflecting on his tenure, Berney noted the center’s growth from around 20 staff members to more than 40 professionals, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, psychiatrists, and nurses. The expansion has allowed the organization to offer a comprehensive range of outpatient resources, such as individual therapy, crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, group sessions, and medication management.

Advancements in Behavioral Health Services

The most significant achievement during Berney’s tenure has been the center’s increased capacity to serve individuals in need of mental health care across Whitman County. Berney emphasized the importance of making services accessible by implementing a sliding scale payment system, which accommodates clients’ financial situations.

Over the past four decades, Berney has witnessed a marked cultural shift regarding behavioral health. He expressed optimism about the growing acceptance of mental health services, noting that while stigma persists, there is a greater willingness among individuals to seek help. The terminology has also evolved, with “mental health” becoming a more commonly accepted phrase than “mental illness.”

Berney takes pride in the integration of behavioral health into primary health care, acknowledging that mental and physical health are interlinked. He highlighted strengthened relationships between the center, local primary care practitioners, and law enforcement, enhancing the community’s response to individuals in need.

A Vision for the Future

As he prepares to step down, Berney remains positive about the future of Palouse River Counseling and its role in the community. He expressed confidence in Stewardson’s ability to lead the organization forward. “We’ve got a great group of people that work here,” he stated, adding that he believes the new executive director will continue to expand access to behavioral health services for the residents of Pullman and Whitman County.

With Berney’s retirement, the organization is set to usher in a new era while maintaining its commitment to providing essential mental health services. The community can look forward to ongoing support as Palouse River Counseling builds on its legacy of care and compassion.