After more than three decades at the helm of Palouse River Counseling, Executive Director Mike Berney has announced his retirement, effective December 2023. Berney has been integral to the growth and development of the organization, which provides vital behavioral health services in Whitman County, Washington. His successor will be Kathleen Stewardson, currently the Clinical Director, who has been promoted following a national search.
Under Berney’s leadership, Palouse River Counseling evolved significantly from its origins as Whitman County Mental Health. After earning his master’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, Berney took charge in the 1990s. In 2003, he led the transition of the organization into a private nonprofit clinic, a move he believes has greatly enhanced service delivery. Berney remarked on the transformation, stating it is “almost a night and day difference” in how the clinic operates today compared to its early days.
The organization has grown from approximately 20 staff members to over 40, including psychologists, social workers, counselors, psychiatrists, and nurses. This expansion has enabled Palouse River Counseling to offer a wide array of outpatient resources, such as individual therapy, crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, group sessions, and medication management. Berney highlighted the center’s commitment to accessibility, noting that services are tailored to clients’ financial situations through a sliding scale payment system.
Cultural attitudes toward behavioral health have shifted positively during Berney’s tenure. He noted an increasing willingness within the community to discuss mental health openly, moving away from the stigma traditionally associated with mental illness. The term “mental health” is now more widely accepted and understood, contributing to a broader acceptance of therapy and counseling services.
Collaboration has also improved between Palouse River Counseling and other local entities. Berney pointed out that primary care practitioners, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies have strengthened their relationships to better support individuals in need. He expressed optimism for the future, 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 to step down, he leaves behind a legacy of enhanced mental health services and a more supportive community environment for those seeking help. His contributions have paved the way for a stronger future for Palouse River Counseling, and the organization is poised to continue evolving under Stewardson’s guidance.
