Beth Epps, M.Ed.

Chief Clinical Officer

Beth joined Cascadia in January 2014 as Chief Clinical Officer. She serves on Cascadia’s executive team and provides leadership for its broad array of behavioral and integrated programs for individuals with mental health and addiction challenges, to include community, clinic, and other site based services with special focus on county-wide crisis, forensic needs, residential services, a full PSRB continuum, and services and supports provided by Peer Wellness Specialists.

Prior to Cascadia, Beth worked for Optum, a managed care organization, developing and managing public sector behavioral health projects across the nation. In particular, a Peer Bridge pilot, conducted in collaboration with Yale University’s Program for Recovery and Community Health, showed phenomenal results and resulted in the creation of nation-wide Levels of Care for certified peer provided services.

Preceding her work in managed care, Beth served as Executive Director for Adapt of Texas, a Specialty Provider Network in the Dallas area. She led the organization as it grew from serving fewer than 100 to over 5000 individuals who experienced severe mental illness. Under her leadership, Adapt partnered with the University of Texas Medical Branch, in Galveston to initiate telepsychiatry services for children and adults in Adapt’s community clinics and as part of crisis and forensics programs. Services under her leadership included medication and therapy clinics, supported housing, case management, and child & family interventions. Her work in Dallas area included mobile crisis design and implementation, peer support capacity building, co-development of a private provider organization, and participation at the state and local level in advocacy and policy development.

Beth’s earlier work in the behavioral health field embraced an array of psychosocial activities including supported employment and work programs, supported housing, homeless services, clubhouse development and management, and community support programs. Prior to her behavioral health work , she served in various roles supporting adults with intellectual disabilities.

Beth holds a Master of Education degree and, as a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner, is a strong advocate for the recovery and wellbeing for those who experience behavioral health challenges. She moved to Portland with her family including their dog, Buster, and hopes her love of the northwest will bring friends and family from Texas for frequent visits.