MEL LAVIGNE
Houston,TX
Summary
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) and behavioral health leader with extensive experience directing inpatient, outpatient, utilization management, and recovery-focused clinical programs across hospital, correctional, and community-based settings. Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams, improving operational efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing patient care delivery. Expertise in utilization review, InterQual and MCG criteria, CARF and Joint Commission standards, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and evidence-based therapeutic services. Experienced educator and adjunct professor skilled in both virtual and in-person instruction. Offering a strong foundation in healthcare and project management. Proficient in clinical program management, healthcare protocols, regulatory compliance, and data analysis.
Overview
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Program Manager
Virtue Recovery Center
12.2025 - Current
- Provide operational and clinical leadership for behavioral health treatment programs, ensuring high-quality and compliant service delivery
- Supervise clinical staff and coordinate multidisciplinary care to support positive patient outcomes
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures to improve departmental functionality and workflow efficiency
- Manage departmental budgeting, reporting, and operational planning initiatives
- Ensure adherence to evidence-based treatment models and regulatory standards
- Oversaw budget management and resource allocation for multiple clinical initiatives
Adjunct Professor
Houston Community College
01.2023 - Current
- Foster student engagement, accountability, and professional development among diverse adult learners
- Utilize structured instructional methods to support academic achievement and workforce readiness
- Developed and delivered curriculum for diverse student populations.
- Facilitated engaging discussions to enhance critical thinking skills among students.
- Collaborated with faculty to refine course materials and improve learning outcomes.
Clinical Program Manager (Contract)
Mayo Behavioral
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Conducted comprehensive clinical assessments for new admissions and program placement
- Oversaw utilization review processes including pre-certifications, concurrent reviews, and peer-to-peer discussions
- Ensured clinical staff compliance with organizational protocols, documentation standards, and utilization management procedures
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to support continuity of care and efficient treatment authorization processes
Director of Utilization Management
Acadia Healthcare
07.2024 - 01.2025
- Led utilization management activities to ensure regulatory compliance and effective inpatient admission and discharge processes
- Applied InterQual and MCG criteria to determine medical necessity and treatment appropriateness
- Developed and implemented policy and procedural improvements to strengthen utilization management operations
- Managed denial recovery and appeals processes to support reimbursement optimization
- Conducted provider peer reviews regarding therapeutic status and continued stay recommendations
Director of Utilization Management
Oceans Healthcare
01.2023 - 07.2024
- Supervised utilization management team, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, best practices while securing compliance with Joint Commission.
- Managed medical necessity reviews utilizing InterQual and MCG guidelines for inpatient behavioral health services
- Conducted peer reviews with providers to support continued stay authorizations and treatment necessity
- Led quality improvement and cost-reduction initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency and patient flow
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary leadership teams to improve care coordination and performance outcomes
- Oversaw departmental budgeting and utilization monitoring across behavioral health populations
Director of Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Oceans Healthcare
01.2023 - 07.2024
- Directed outpatient behavioral health operations including treatment planning, staffing, caseload coordination, and program development
- Supervised clinical teams and ensured timely completion of psychosocial assessments and therapeutic services
- Managed referral processes, patient engagement initiatives, and community outreach strategies
- Conducted utilization reviews and monitored inpatient and outpatient service utilization trends
- Implemented operational improvements to reduce inefficiencies and support quality patient care delivery
QMHP / Qualified Mental Health Provider (Therapist)
Wilkinson County Correctional Facility
05.2023 - 12.2023
- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions within a correctional behavioral health setting
- Completed comprehensive intake assessments including CSSR, PHQ-9, GAD, BDI, and biopsychosocial evaluations
- Supported inmate mental wellness through structured therapeutic interventions and treatment planning
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to address behavioral health and crisis management needs
Education
Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling -
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05-2027
Doctorate in Healthcare Administration -
Virginia University of Lynchburg
Lynchburg, VA01-2024
Master of Addiction Counseling - undefined
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ01-2022
Skills
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Detail-oriented and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Experience in managing budgets and handling financial documents
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Docs
- Clinical documentation
- Utilization review
- Proficient in KIPU, WellSky, Notenetics, InSync, Epic, TruCare, TheraNest
- Clinical data management
- Training and mentoring
- Clinical leadership
Certification
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)
Certified Project Management
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist
Timeline
Clinical Program Manager
Virtue Recovery Center
12.2025 - Current
Clinical Program Manager (Contract)
Mayo Behavioral
01.2025 - 05.2025
Director of Utilization Management
Acadia Healthcare
07.2024 - 01.2025
QMHP / Qualified Mental Health Provider (Therapist)
Wilkinson County Correctional Facility
05.2023 - 12.2023
Adjunct Professor
Houston Community College
01.2023 - Current
Director of Utilization Management
Oceans Healthcare
01.2023 - 07.2024
Director of Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Oceans Healthcare
01.2023 - 07.2024
Master of Addiction Counseling - undefined
Grand Canyon University
Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling -
Liberty University
Doctorate in Healthcare Administration -
Virginia University of Lynchburg