Psychologist and Senior Behavioral Healthcare Executive
Pete Vernig is a licensed, board-certified psychologist and senior behavioral healthcare executive. As Vice President of Mental Health Services at Recovery Centers of America, he leads clinical strategy, program development, and enterprise implementation for a large, multistate network of inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities. Dr. Vernig works with site and enterprise leaders to standardize care, strengthen quality, and translate organizational priorities into practice. He has developed and implemented enterprise-wide initiatives including the organization’s suicide prevention plan, measurement-based care program, mental health strategy, and clinical care model.
Dr. Vernig’s work focuses on building scalable clinical programs and systems that balance enterprise standards with local regulatory requirements and service needs. He has led the development and rollout of mental health service lines, as well as the onboarding of clinical and quality teams at acquisitions and de novo programs. His approach connects day-to-day operational performance with intermediate- and long-term clinical and organizational goals.
Prior to joining Recovery Centers of America, Dr. Vernig directed clinical operations at Friends Hospital, a 200-bed freestanding psychiatric hospital, where he was responsible for clinical and support departments. His work included reducing the use of restrictive interventions, developing new service lines, and leading regulatory readiness within his areas of responsibility. Dr. Vernig brings extensive experience from his work in inpatient, residential, outpatient, and community settings.
Dr. Vernig earned his PhD in clinical psychology from Suffolk University and his MBA in healthcare management from West Texas A&M University. He is board-certified in Serious Mental Illness Psychology and is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality. He is an assistant professor at Drexel University College of Medicine, president of NAMI Philadelphia, and a member of the board of the Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association. Dr. Vernig has also published on behavioral health and healthcare management and has delivered invited presentations and expert commentary for professional, media, and public audiences.
| Licensed Psychologist | FL, IA, IN, MA, MO, PA |
| Telehealth/ Temporary Practice Authorization | All PsyPact States |
| Board Certification | Serious Mental Illness Psychology |
| Additional Certifications | Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) Advanced Graduate Teaching Certification |
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