Healthcare Directory

2014-2015 Medical & Dental Directory | 11 D oug Webster, who began his ca- reer in mental health as a licensed social worker brings a wealth of experience to his new position as Service Line Director of Behavioral Health at Cape Fear Valley Health Systems. Webster is a native of Miami, Florida and a graduate of Florida International University with a dual Masters de- gree in Social Work and Administration. In his position, he manages seven different health care facilities for behav- ioral health. To some, behavioral health may be a relatively new term as it is meant to tie together the mind and body connection when people suffer from mental disorders. For instance, in 50% of stroke victims, major depression becomes an is- sue and the majority of the time it is never treated. is is a mind and body connection. "Behavioral health and general medicine mold to one another. e reality is when you face the situation knowing that the mind and body are connected, the potential for successfully treating the illness is greater," said Webster. Webster's goal is to educate others to realize that be- havioral health applies to those who suffer from bi-polar disorder, depression, addictions, etc. According to this behavioral health professional, anxiety is the number one treated disorder he sees in the Cumberland County and Cape Fear Valley region, though at times there may be more to the diagnosis. According to Webster, "anxiety is the American public's acceptable term that tells you noth- ing of what is going on. Living in today's world it's hard to cope with all the challenges. It's a more complicated world." Since Webster took the job in 2012, he has seen Cape Fear Valley Behavioral Health expand to great degrees. In May 2014, CFVH received a grant from the state to introduce tele-psychiatry into four rural counties. Tele-psychiatry is essential in these areas where perhaps only an emergency medical doctor is available. It can be easily described as a high tech Skype call. is practice is also proving to be cost- effective for the not-for-profit hospital system. Children's services are also being expanded. Two well- known child psychiatrists, Ken Fleishman MD and Parkavi Chellappa MD will begin with Cape Fear Health in Sum- mer 2014. Webster is also adamant in working with the Child Advocacy Center as well as partnering with the Cum- berland County School System. Webster has 40 years of experience in the mental health field and a career that spans the southeast from Miami, Florida to Nashville, Tennessee and now, Fayetteville, North Carolina. "I really enjoy it here. I expect it to be the last stop on the road. I am doing what I do best. behavioral health By MiriaM LaNDru DouG WeBsTer New service Line Director brings 40 years of experience to the job at Cape Fear Valley Health BEHaVioral HEaltH

• Cover