Mike Berney to Retire as Palouse River Counseling Executive Director

UPDATE: Mike Berney, the long-serving Executive Director of Palouse River Counseling, has just announced his upcoming retirement, effective December 2023. After more than three decades at the helm, Berney will hand over leadership to Kathleen Stewardson, the current Clinical Director, who has been promoted following a national search.

Berney’s departure marks a significant transition for the Pullman-based nonprofit, which has evolved dramatically under his leadership. Initially known as Whitman County Mental Health, the organization was rebranded in the 1990s and became its own private not-for-profit clinic in 2003, thanks to Berney’s advocacy for greater independence from county management.

During his tenure, Palouse River Counseling has expanded from a small team of around 20 staff members to over 40 professionals, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, psychiatrists, and nurses. This growth has enabled the center to offer a broad range of outpatient services, including individual therapy, crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, group sessions, and medication management.

“It’s almost a night and day difference” from when Berney first took charge, he noted, emphasizing the organization’s increased capacity to serve those in need of mental health care across Whitman County. The center’s sliding scale payment model allows it to cater to individuals regardless of their financial situation, making essential services more accessible.

Berney has witnessed a cultural shift regarding behavioral health during his time in the field. He expressed optimism about the growing acknowledgment that mental health is an integral part of overall health. As public conversations shift toward “mental health” rather than “mental illness,” more individuals are seeking help without fear of stigma.

Collaboration has also improved among local healthcare providers, primary care practitioners, and law enforcement, enhancing the community’s response to those in need. Berney believes that this integrated approach will continue to benefit residents in Pullman and beyond.

Looking ahead, he remains confident in the future of Palouse River Counseling under Stewardson’s leadership.

“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,”

he stated.

As Berney prepares for retirement, the community reflects on his impactful legacy while anticipating the new direction that Stewardson will bring to the organization. The transition is expected to further enhance access to vital mental health services in the region, underscoring the ongoing importance of behavioral health in our society.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the future of Palouse River Counseling.