New Leadership Announced for East Tennessee Behavioral Health Transformation Project

NASHVILLE – Doug Varney, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), has announced the appointment of Rob Cotterman as interim Director of the East Tennessee Behavioral Health Transformation Project (ETBHTP), effective immediately.

This ETBHTP was created in July 2012 after the closing of Lakeshore Mental Health Institute. Staff members work closely with community outpatient providers and private inpatient psychiatric providers to ensure a continuity of quality health care in the area.

Mr. Cotterman takes over for Bob Micinski, who was just named interim Chief Officer at Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute. In his role as interim Director, Mr. Cotterman will oversee regional meetings with psychiatric hospitals, community crisis providers, and other community groups to discuss outcomes, monitor processes, and resolve issues; will manage transportation and psychiatric hospital emergencies; will establish and gather outcome data measurements relative to behavioral health activities in East Tennessee; and will represent Commissioner Varney in resolving issues related to the provision of mental health services in East Tennessee.

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Cotterman had been employed by the TDMHSAS at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute in Chattanooga. Hired in December 1985 as a Therapist, he then became a Rehabilitation Therapy Supervisor in March 1989 and a Program Director in July 1992 before being named Assistant Superintendent for Program Services in October 2007. In this most recent position, he was responsible for overseeing the acute & sub-acute adult inpatient psychiatric facility, including Social Services, Admissions, Adjunctive Therapy, Volunteer Services, Pastoral Services, and Psychology & Forensic Services.

“Rob has done some great work at Moccasin Bend, and we know he will continue to help the residents of Tennessee – specifically those in East Tennessee – who need mental health care and treatment,” Commissioner Varney said.