CEO Message

CEO Message

Henry van Oudheusden MA, MSW
President / CEO

Substance abuse treatment and prevention is a relatively young service delivery system—less than 50 years old. Research regarding this disease, its progression, appropriate treatment, pharmacological interventions, and cultural and ethnic considerations is unfolding quickly as the federal, state, and local focus turns toward these as both public health and public safety issues.

This treatable disease has cost billions in associated expenses (lost job time or employment, incarceration, health and/or emergency room/hospitalizations etc.) and we now know that it is a disease that can have long term remission. We also know that for every one dollar of treatment we can save seven dollars of these associated costs.

Behavioral Health Services has been a leader in recognizing this illness as just that: a disease that has an onset, a trajectory, and predictable outcomes if left unattended. We also know that accurate assessment leading to appropriate treatment grounded in evidence-based practices will produce positive outcomes when adhered to on a daily basis.

Integrating substance abuse, mental health, and medication-assisted treatments allows us to have the best possible positive outcomes. As with other chronic diseases, substance dependence relapses may happen once a person stops their lifelong recovery program. Interestingly enough, this disease has the same relapse rates as other chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart conditions.

Here at BHS we are proud to be able to provide patients the full continuum of care. Our services range from medical detox to short-term inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare for individuals of all ages. We continue our mission to transform lives by offering hope and opportunity for recovery, wellness, and independence.

I encourage you to follow the links on our web page to resources we hope you will find useful and interesting.

Henry van Oudheusden MA, MSW
President/CEO
Behavioral Health Services, Inc.