We stand for Accessible, Inclusive, Effective Behavioral Health
NMBHPA is an association of more than 70 publicly funded New Mexico behavioral healthcare provider individuals and organizations who share a vision of accessible, inclusive, and effective behavioral health service and mental well being for all.
Led by a volunteer Board of Directors and a staff Executive Director, we are dedicated to strengthening the behavioral healthcare system in New Mexico. NMBHPA provides a platform for providers to gather and share information, access education, and advocate for continuous system improvements and positive change.
NMBHPA regularly engages with the New Mexico Human Services Department and the Children Youth and Families Department, and with other state agencies, through standing meetings and issue-specific work groups. We educate NMBHPA members on how to raise issues and participate in problem-solving, and we employ routine processes to bring important behavioral healthcare concerns to the attention of local government. NMBHPA is committed to a service environment that allows providers to protect the community and those in need of mental healthcare. In part, this requires a strong and viable partnership with members of the New Mexico State Legislature and executive agencies charged with oversight of the Behavioral Health System.
Why Become a Member?
Join the New Mexico Behavioral Health Providers Association (NMBHPA) for privileged access to a network of behavioral health entities united for inclusive mental health services.
- Networking and Resource Sharing: Connect with over 65 publicly funded behavioral healthcare providers in New Mexico. Participate in meetings presented by NMBHPA on State, MCOs, providers, and agency announcements, alerts, and updates.
- Advocacy and Representation: NMBHPA provides behavioral health policy and strong legislative advocacy. Be part of a collective voice advocating for the interests of behavioral health providers in New Mexico.
- Visibility: Increase visibility within the behavioral health community and potential clients.
- Research and Data: Receive access to relevant research findings, data, and reports related to behavioral health in New Mexico.
- Member Communications: Receive regular updates and communications to stay informed about association activities and behavior health community news. Access member-only discussion groups to facilitate communication and information exchange.
- National Council for Mental Wellbeing: As a member of NMBHPA you will gain full membership of the National Council with full benefits (an approximate value of $5,500!), including access to their resources, training, and advocacy support. You will receive a welcome packet from the National Council to take full advantage of being a member.
- Join us for our Annual Conference to be held on August 4-5, 2025.
Executive Committee
Executive Director Maggie McCowen, MBA, LISW
Executive Assistant Cheryl Beer
2025 Board of Directors
David Ley, PhD - Executive Director of New Mexico Solutions
Kathleen Karimi - MHA, Co- Founder, CEO of Behavioral Change Institute, LLC
NMBHPA BOD Secretary
Philip Huston - Executive Director of Carlsbad Lighthouse
Board Member
Tony Dixon, Executive Director of The Mountain Center
Board Member
Pierce Ferriegel, CEO of The Community Lighthouse
Board Member
Erin Hourihan, CEO of Childhaven
Board Member
C. Reńee LaVail, MS, LMFT, Owner-Director of Clinical Assessment Group
Board Member
Brian Serna, LPCC, LADAC, CEO of Serna Solutions LLC
Board Member
Patricia Singh, PhD, LPCC, CEO of A New Awakening
Board Member
Rueben Sutter, MD, CEO of Sage Neuroscience Center
Board Member
Sun W. Vega, JD, MBA, Executive Director of Teambuilders BH, LLC
Board Member
Lacy Keith, LPCC, Executive Director of Mental Health Resources
Board Member
Diana Mariscal, LPC, LPCC, Behavioral Health Director of La Clinica de Familia
Board Member
Justin Nutt, LCSW, LCSW-S, LSCSW, CEO and Founder of Nurstead Mental Health & Consulting Services
Member Directory
What Our Members Say
“Joining the NMBHPA has been exceptionally helpful for our organization. Their collaborative approach and deep understanding of the BH landscape have made them wonderful partners in navigating the complexities of Medicaid/Insurance policies and regulatory frameworks. They play a significant role in fostering communication and effective problem solving between state agencies, MCOs and providers. What sets them apart is their ability to ask difficult questions with thoughtfulness and respect, creating space for honest dialog and meaningful feedback. This has led to better understanding of the nuances of Medicaid coverage, state priorities, and operational constraints that providers face. They actively support sustainability of care delivery through focusing on reducing administrative burden and facilitating timely reimbursement.” – Laura Dunagan, Director of Revenue Cycle at All Faith's Children's Advocacy Center
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At A New Hope Therapy Center, we chose to become a member of NMBHPA because we value being part of a community that champions quality mental health care across New Mexico. The networking, support, and shared resources have been truly helpful for our team. Most of all, we appreciate the opportunities to collaborate with other organizations that are just as passionate about making a difference.
Being part of NMBHPA has inspired us and made us feel connected to others who share our vision for a healthier, more supported community. We’re proud to be members!" – Maria Laquerre Diego, LMFT at A New Hope Therapy Center
"I am the owner of a group psychotherapy practice. Although many of the agencies in the association are larger and provide a broader range of services than ours, I continue to find the information available to me as a member invaluable. In particular, the monthly meetings the association has set up with NM Medicaid and each Medicaid MCO provide a wealth of information and professional connections with the most influential personnel for each of those entities. These meetings put the concerns of behavioral health providers directly in front of those individuals and hold them accountable to the needs of our agencies and the people we support. I highly recommend becoming an association member." — Jim Shotwell, Executive Director/Owner at The Enhancement Center