Traditional SUD treatment models were not designed to meet the needs of every population. In this RECADEMY webinar, Monarch shares how it developed a specialized treatment framework for individuals with co-occurring I/DD and SUD, offering practical lessons on innovation, workforce readiness, and designing more accessible, person-centered systems of care.
Speakers
Todd Posey
M.Ed., LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS
Vice President of Clinical Best Practice, Monarch
Biography
Todd Posey is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor. He holds a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Virginia State University and a graduate certificate in substance abuse counseling from East Carolina University. Todd has worked in clinical and operational leadership in behavioral health for nearly 20 years in a variety of treatment settings. Todd’s therapeutic approach relies heavily on evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
Rick Gutierrez
Senior Associate
info@openminds.com
717-334-1329
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Expertise
Program design and development in the autism and developmental disability market space
Strategic planning and strategy implementation
Clinical delivery system design and revenue cycle management
Payer contracting
Highlights
Vice President, Clinical Strategy & Operations for Easterseals Southern California
Board Member/President for Autism Society, Inland Empire
Clinical Administrator for Applied Behavior Consultants, Inc.
Program Director for Special Education for Exceptional Kids
Biography
Rick Gutierrez, Ph.D. brings over 20 years of clinical and operational experience to the OPEN MINDS team. His unique blend of experience has allowed him to drive impactful outcomes in the developmental disability and behavioral health fields.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Dr. Gutierrez served as Vice President, Clinical Strategy & Operations at Easterseals Southern California. In this role he oversaw the outpatient Applied Behavior Analysis provider network and Enhanced Care Management in partnership with Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Gutierrez also oversaw START Crisis services, behavioral services for all residential services, negotiation and management of contracts with network providers and payers, and intake and customer service functions including revenue cycle management, benefits and eligibility, and authorization teams. In addition, he developed and monitored the implementation of a strategic plan in collaboration with the Chief Clinical Officer.
Prior to this, Dr. Gutierrez served as Regional Vice President and Director of Subcontracting also at Easterseals Southern California.
Previously, Dr. Gutierrez served as Clinical Administrator at Applied Behavioral Consultants, Inc. where he oversaw all clinical aspects of community-based behavioral health treatment for consumers in Southern California. He also monitored compliance across multiple areas of the organization, negotiated contracts with most major health plans, and led new program development. Before this role, Dr. Gutierrez served as Regional Director and Program Manager at Applied Behavioral Consultants, Inc.
Dr. Gutierrez is a certified Emotional Intelligence (EQ) trainer, licensed psychologist in California, and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). He has overseen a variety of service settings, including adult day programs, residential programs, and intensive therapy programs like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and has worked with individuals across the lifespan who have developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. He has experience managing projects aimed at enhancing service delivery, ensuring that strategic initiatives align with budgeted funding and contribute to sustainable growth. He has worked across diverse funding models, including those from the Department of Developmental Services, insurance companies, and school districts, while ensuring programs meet accreditation standards. Additionally, he has shared his expertise globally, giving numerous talks on program development, leadership, and employee retention. These combined clinical and operational skills make him a versatile leader capable of improving both care delivery and organizational performance.
He has also served as Program Director, Behavior Consultant, and Case Manager at various organizations. Dr. Gutierrez is an active member of multiple professional organizations.
Dr. Gutierrez earned his Doctorate of Philosophy from Capella University, his Masters of Science from California State University, and his Bachelors of Art from University of California.
What You’ll Learn:
- How Monarch identified a critical service gap affecting individuals with co-occurring I/DD and SUD.
- The organizational and clinical strategies used to develop a specialized treatment framework.
- Workforce readiness and implementation lessons from a large provider organization.
- Practical considerations for organizations seeking to expand services for complex and underserved populations.