Hartford HealthCare Names Patricia Rehmer to Behavioral Health Network

February 20, 2015 By Hartford HealthCare

Patricia A. Rehmer, MSN, ACHE, a nationally recognized leader in mental health and substance abuse, will join Hartford HealthCare (HHC) as a senior vice president. She will assume the role of president of the HHC Behavioral Health Network (BHN) later this year.

In that role, Rehmer will succeed Stephen W. Larcen, PhD, who has announced his retirement as founding president of the BHN by the end of this year.

Rehmer comes to HHC from her post as commissioner of the state of Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). She has nearly 30 years of experience with public and private behavioral health agencies. She has served as commissioner of DMHAS since November 2009, after first serving as DMHAS Deputy Commissioner from 2004 through 2009.

“Pat Rehmer has the skills and the drive to build on the firm foundation of extensive behavioral health initiatives and strong legacy of community commitment that Steve Larcen has created,” said Jeffrey A. Flaks, executive vice president and chief operating officer for HHC.

In her new role, Rehmer will be part of Connecticut’s largest and most integrated behavioral health network. The unified service line provides the full continuum of behavioral health care recovery and prevention services, with an emphasis on the integration of behavioral health and primary care.

Larcen said he is “delighted and enthused” at the announcement.

“I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Pat Rehmer for nearly two decades,” Larcen said. “I cannot think of a more dedicated, knowledgeable and forward-thinking expert to be part of our system’s behavioral health programs and services. Pat is a tireless champion for mental health issues, and a true leader in our field.”

Rehmer originally joined DMHAS in 1999 as the chief executive officer of the Capitol Region Mental Health Center, the local mental health agency serving the greater Hartford area.

This will be a homecoming of sorts. Rehmer began her career at Hartford Hospital’s Institute of Living, a critical component of the BHN, where she worked for 17 years. The Institute of Living (IOL) is one of America’s leading not-for-profit centers for comprehensive patient care, research and education in the fields of behavioral, psychiatric and addiction disorders.

At the IOL, Rehmer held a variety of positions, including head nurse, program director for the partial hospital program, director of adult programs, and clinical director of operations. Rehmer’s clinical responsibilities included inpatient, outpatient, partial and residential services for children and adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.

“I’m deeply honored to have this opportunity to play a leadership role with Hartford HealthCare and the comprehensive network for behavioral health it has created,” Rehmer said. “Working with caregivers, families and patients is my passion, and I look forward to helping create positive change for those in need.”

Rehmer earned her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Skidmore College and a master’s degree in Nursing from St. Joseph’s College. She is a member of the American Council of Healthcare Executives.

During her tenure as DMHAS’s commissioner and deputy commissioner, Rehmer worked in partnership with individuals in recovery, families, advocacy groups and service providers to ensure that individuals have a meaningful life in the community. She currently serves as president of the board of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors.

“Pat Rehmer’s deep knowledge of the behavioral health system and her compassionate advocacy to find creative solutions and develop stronger networks will serve our patients and their families well,” Flaks said. “We are proud that Ms. Rehmer launched her highly successful career right here at Hartford HealthCare, and we are looking forward to her leadership in the years ahead.”