Bradenton, Fla. — Melissa Larkin-Skinner, regional chief executive officer of Centerstone, will begin a two-year term as board chair for the Florida Behavioral Health Association. She was also elected to the board for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, representing Region IV nationally. Both terms were effective July 1, 2021.
In her role as regional CEO, Larkin-Skinner is responsible for the leadership and oversight of Centerstone’s operations in Florida. She has worked in the field of behavioral health care for 27 years, moving from volunteer, to therapist, to management and administration. Larkin-Skinner has worked in programs serving every population in every level of care and setting, and she regularly advocates for funding and legislation to improve mental health care access.
An authority on the disease of addiction’s effect on communities, Larkin-Skinner provides state and federal policy feedback and engaging in legislative advocacy for mental health and addiction in Tallahassee, Florida, and Washington, D.C. She developed and implemented the Children’s Community Action Treatment (CAT) team model which helps children and families thrive in every Florida county.
“I’m encouraged by the progress we’re making and the tremendous opportunities there are. We’ve always focused on how our services help individuals and families avoid negative experiences such as homelessness, incarceration, and hospitalization. I also believe we should concentrate on helping people thrive ,” said Melissa Larkin-Skinner, regional chief executive officer, Centerstone. “I am excited about the work ahead as I serve on the boards and am looking forward to learning from my colleagues. I believe I have a responsibility to use my experience, skills and passion to advocate. The National Council and FBHA are stellar advocacy organizations under which I am honored to serve.”
The Florida Behavioral Health Association is the State’s leader on behavioral health policy and practice, supporting member agencies that offer services to those in need of mental health and substance use disorder services.
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing drives policy and social change on behalf of nearly 3,500 mental health and substance use treatment organizations, and the more than 10 million children, adults, and families they serve. They advocate for policies to ensure equitable access to high-quality services, build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations, and promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care.
About Centerstone
Centerstone is a not-for-profit health system providing mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Services are available nationally through the operation of outpatient clinics, residential programs, the use of telehealth and an inpatient hospital. Centerstone also features specialized programs for the military community, therapeutic foster care, children’s services and employee assistance programs. Centerstone’s Research Institute provides guidance through research and technology, leveraging the best practices for use in all our communities. Centerstone’s Foundation secures philanthropic resources to support the work and mission of delivering care that changes people’s lives.
