Mental Health Therapist

Embark names Delea Peterson new Area Executive Director for D.C. Metro Outpatient Programs. Posted on August 27, 2026. Ashburn, Va. - August 27, 2026 - Embark Behavioral Health, a leading network of mental health treatment programs for teens and young adults, today announced the promotion of Delea Peterson, LCSW, to Area Executive Director for the D.C. Metro region, where she will oversee Embark's outpatient clinics in Ashburn and Vienna, Virginia, as well as Rockville and Chevy Chase, Maryland. Peterson officially stepped into the role in August 2026 after serving as executive director of Embark's Ashburn clinic. She has helped lead Ashburn since 2023, guiding the program through a period of continued growth. In her new position, Peterson will now lead efforts to strengthen alignment across the four locations, support consistent, high-quality care, and help expand access for youth and families in need throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region. Over the past several years, Embark Behavioral Health's Ashburn clinic has grown into a trusted resource for Northern Virginia families seeking a higher level of outpatient mental health treatment for teens and young adults. During Peterson's time as clinical director and later executive director, the program expanded its treatment offerings and reach. What was once an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) serving teens ages 12 to 17 has grown to offer both Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) for teens and young adults up to age 28, helping more families access the level of support that best meets their needs. The program has continued to strengthen its individualized approach to care through evidence-based treatment, family involvement, and personalized support plans. As a licensed therapist, Peterson also helped cultivate a culture focused on strong outcomes, collaboration, and meaningful support for families. Now, as Area Executive Director, she will bring that same commitment to effective mental health treatment and expanded access to care across Embark's Vienna, Rockville, and Chevy Chase clinics while continuing to support the impact of the Ashburn program. The appointment reflects Embark's continued investment in delivering consistent, outcomes-backed care while building on the strengths of its local programs. Under Peterson's leadership, the organization will focus on enhancing collaboration among clinics, sharing best practices, and identifying opportunities to meet the evolving demand for complex mental health treatments in the D.C. area. "Families come to us during some of the most difficult moments of their lives," said Peterson. "My goal is to ensure every family who walks through our doors receives the same level of compassionate, high-quality care, whether they're in Ashburn, Vienna, Rockville, or Chevy Chase. As we continue to grow, we're focused on delivering evidence-based treatment that adapts to each client's needs and supporting families long after treatment ends." "Delea's promotion reflects both her clinical expertise and strong operational leadership, as well as her proven ability to build strong teams and meaningful support for families," said Matt Dale, President of Outpatient Services at Embark Behavioral Health. "Her leadership helped strengthen our Ashburn program, and we're confident her vision will help further elevate care across the entire D.C. Metro region." As Area Executive Director, Peterson will also help guide strategic growth initiatives across the region, including exploring opportunities to expand treatment offerings and improve access for families seeking specialized mental health support. Embark's D.C. Metro clinics provide outpatient mental health services, including Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy for adolescents, teens, and young adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns. About Embark Behavioral Health Embark Behavioral Health is a leading network of outpatient clinics and residential treatment programs offering premier mental health treatment for preteens, teens, and young adults. Dedicated to its mission of reversing the trends of teen and young adult mental health challenges, Embark provides a continuum of care supported by evidence-based therapies and over 30 years of experience serving families. Media Contact Company Name: Embark Behavioral Health Contact Person: Kathryn Carroll Email: Send Email Phone: 866-290-5881 Country: United States Website: https://www.embarkbh.com/

Dr. Sharnell Myles to present as Embark sponsors 38th Annual National Independent Living Conference. CHANDLER, Ariz. - July 21, 2026 - Embark Behavioral Health announced that Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Sharnell Myles will present at the Daniel Memorial Institute 38th Annual National Independent Living Conference, where the organization is also serving as a sponsor. Hosted by nonprofit organization Daniel Kids, the conference will bring together youth service professionals, independent living specialists, and other professionals across the field dedicated to helping young people build the skills and support they need to thrive. For many older teens and young adults, becoming independent means more than learning practical life skills. Some are navigating trauma, behavioral health challenges, foster care, or family disruption without the consistent support of a caregiver or trusted adult. As providers look for new ways to meet young people where they are, there's a growing understanding that lasting independence depends on not only practical preparation but also on building strong, healthy relationships. Those efforts closely align with Embark's mission and ongoing approach. In addition to providing behavioral health treatment for teens and young adults, Embark has expanded its focus on supporting lasting healing for youth - including those who come into treatment with limited or absent family systems in place. Through initiatives such as Forged Families and the Embark treatment framework, Embark Integrated Treatment Approach (EITA), Embark continues to address this gap in youth mental health treatment by strengthening connections and resources for young people who may not have traditional family supports to rely on during and after treatment. Dr. Myles, a licensed psychotherapist and certified clinical trauma professional specializing in trauma, adolescents, and family systems, will provide attendees with a comprehensive relational framework that integrates cultural responsiveness, developmental science, systemic care, experiential healing, and outcomes-driven practices to help teens and young adults achieve lasting mental health, meaningful connections, and successful independence. Her presentation will open conversations and offer strategies for professionals working with older teens and young adults preparing for life beyond care. Earlier this year, Dr. Myles presented at Daniel Kids' regional conference in Orlando. Following that session, she has been asked to return as a presenter for the organization's national conference, where attendees from across the country will gather for more than 50 educational sessions, workshops, and leadership activities focused on strengthening independent living programs and improving outcomes for youth. "At Embark, we've seen that lasting mental health outcomes are built through trusted, therapeutic relationships," said Dr. Myles. "When young people experience genuine connection, safety, and support, they're better able to develop the emotional resilience, interpersonal skills, and confidence needed to navigate adulthood. Our outcomes consistently show that healing extends beyond symptom reduction - young people leave treatment with stronger skills, healthier relationships, and a greater capacity to thrive long after care ends." As a conference sponsor, Embark will also have team members on site to connect with attendees, share resources, and discuss collaborative approaches to supporting adolescents and young adults. The 38th Annual National Independent Living Conference, Growing Pains, will take place Aug. 18-21, 2026, in Reston, Virginia. About Embark Behavioral Health Embark Behavioral Health is a network of mental health treatment programs serving adolescents, young adults, and families. The organization provides a continuum of care, including outpatient, residential, and virtual services across the United States. For more information about Embark or its treatment programs, including virtual services, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), and residential treatment centers, visit www.embarkbh.com. Media Contact Company Name: Embark Behavioral Health Contact Person: Kathryn Carroll Email: Send Email Phone: 866-290-5881 Country: United States Website: https://www.embarkbh.com/