Brattleboro Retreat Welcomes Christine Alvarez as New Vice President of Outpatient and Residential Services
by Mary Wilson // May 8, 2025
The Brattleboro Retreat is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Alvarez, MA, LCMHC, LPC, as the organization’s new Vice President of Outpatient and Residential Services. Alvarez brings extensive clinical and operational experience to the role and joins the Retreat during a pivotal time as the organization expands services to meet growing mental health needs in the region, particularly for adolescents.
Alvarez comes to the Retreat from Lakes Region Mental Health Center, where she served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. She is a licensed therapist in four states, with credentials as both a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor. In addition to holding a master’s degree in counseling, Alvarez is currently pursuing a Master of Health Care Delivery Science at Dartmouth College.
“I’ve always been drawn to mental health work,” Alvarez said. “This field has been my path from the beginning, and I’m excited to continue that work at the Retreat, especially given the team’s expertise and the collaborative leadership culture here.”
In her new role, Alvarez will help lead two of the Retreat’s top priorities: expanding adolescent residential treatment services and launching virtual outpatient programming for youth, including partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) services. “The ability to offer high-acuity care like PHP and IOP in a community or home setting is critical,” said Alvarez. “It allows us to meet kids where they are and support their return to school and daily life—without the disruption and cost of inpatient care.”
“We are excited to find such a highly qualified leader right in the area to join the Retreat leadership team,” said Steve Cummings, Brattleboro Retreat’s CEO. “Christine’s extensive experience as a mental health clinician and as a leader brings depth and perspective to her work. Her passion for patient care will help us build much-needed services going forward.”
Alvarez, who resides in New Hampshire, is no stranger to the Brattleboro area and is enthusiastic about becoming more connected to the local community. “The Retreat plays such an important role, not just locally, but across the region. It’s an honor to be part of an institution solely focused on mental health.”
