No Wrong Door: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Room C
Breakout Session 1 - 10:10 am
Breakout Session 2 - 11:10 am
Presentation Objectives:
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Understand how individuals living with mental health and substance use disorders often experience complex, overlapping challenges that require thoughtful, integrated care.
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Understand the prevalence of mental health, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders and the historical and current barriers that have limited access to effective treatment.
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Participants will gain a deeper understanding of symptom severity across a continuum and how accurate assessment informs appropriate treatment planning.
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Explore and understand how evidence-based approaches work in real-world settings and emphasize the importance of meeting individuals where they are by tailoring treatment to support meaningful, sustainable recovery outcomes.
Molly Richardson, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Molly was born and raised in Western North Carolina and has devoted more than 30 years to serving individuals and families in the behavioral health field.
After earning her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Molly built a career defined by clinical excellence, steady leadership, and a deep commitment to her community. She has worked across the full continuum of care, including inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use treatment programs. Over the past decade, she has focused on executive leadership, guiding teams and strengthening organizational systems to better serve those in need.
Molly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about advancing high-quality, ethical behavioral health services, supporting multidisciplinary teams, and expanding access to effective mental health and substance use treatment.
As Chief Operating Officer of The Blanchard Institute, Molly brings a thoughtful, grounded leadership style shaped by her clinical experience and her lifelong dedication to the communities she proudly calls home. She is known for balancing operational strategy with compassion, ensuring that both clients and staff are supported in meaningful and sustainable ways.
Outside of her professional role, Molly enjoys creative pursuits such as sewing, metalsmithing, and pottery. She views creativity as an essential part of self-care, an opportunity to slow down, regulate her nervous system, and stay grounded.