The Brien Center

07/25/2025

Congratulations to Meri-Ellen Morgans on Her Promotion!

We are thrilled to announce that Meri-Ellen Morgans has been promoted to Division Director of the Adult Community Clinical Supports (ACCS) Program. With over three decades of experience in community mental health services, Meri-Ellen’s commitment to ethical practice, recovery-focused care, and leadership continues to inspire those around her.

In her new role, she will provide administrative and clinical oversight, lead multidisciplinary teams, and collaborate with key stakeholders like the Department of Mental Health and Berkshire Medical Center to ensure the highest level of care for adults with mental health needs.

Meri-Ellen’s passion doesn’t stop there. As a per diem Medical Social Worker with HospiceCare of the Berkshires, she supports families navigating end-of-life care. She also mentors future social workers as an Adjunct Field Instructor at several prestigious institutions.

Her journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and compassion in everything she does. We are excited for what’s to come under her leadership!

07/22/2025

Save the Date! Su***de Prevention Conference - October 7th

CEUs Available: (6.5 CEs) for Social Work, LMHC, LADC, Nursing, and Psychologists.

Fee: There will be a fee for attending the conference.

***dePrevention

07/21/2025

07/17/2025

We're Hiring! Join Our Team as an In-Home Therapy Clinician!

Make a real difference in the lives of youth and families in your community! At The Brien Center, we are committed to creating a supportive and growth-oriented environment where your work truly matters.

💰 Salary up to $78,078 (depending on licensure and experience)

07/17/2025

Opioid Overdose Deaths in Berkshire County Show a Decline, But There's More Work to Be Done

In Berkshire County, the trend of opioid overdose deaths is moving in a positive direction, although the rate of decline has been slower compared to the rest of Massachusetts. Dr. Jennifer Michaels, medical director of the Brien Center, shared that the county recorded 50 opioid overdose deaths in 2024—two more than the previous year but significantly down from the 62 deaths in 2022.

While we're seeing progress, Dr. Michaels emphasizes that the work is far from over. "Our task is not done," she said, highlighting the ongoing challenges in combating substance abuse.

We must continue to work together to reduce these tragic numbers and provide support for those affected. 💪

Massachusetts experienced a more than 36 percent decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2024, the state Substance Addiction Services Bureau reported Wednesday.

07/17/2025

Meet the Amazing Faces Behind Our Team!
Meet Jordan Meredith - Accounts Payable & Purchasing Coordinator
When Jordan’s not managing invoices or making sure our teams have everything they need, you’ll probably find him outdoors on the disc golf course, soaking up some sunshine and perfecting his game!
We’re lucky to have Jordan as part of our team — thank you for everything you do!

07/16/2025

The Brien Center Welcomes Lindsay Morin Ciepiela, LICSW, as CBHC Division Director

We’re excited to welcome Lindsay Morin Ciepiela, LICSW, as our Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) Division Director!

Lindsay brings extensive leadership experience in outpatient services, crisis response, and program development—most recently serving as VP of Outpatient Services at the Center for Human Development (CHD). She played a key role in launching six behavioral health urgent care centers and expanding access to crisis services across Western MA.

A Pittsfield resident, Lindsay is deeply committed to our community. Her expertise and local connection make her an ideal leader for this role.

Welcome, Lindsay!
Learn more: www.briencenter.org

07/11/2025

Explore Mental Health America’s Toolkit to learn about mental health in BIPOC communities: mhanational.org/july.

07/10/2025

Supporting mental health recovery in Berkshire County. We're here for you!
https://conta.cc/44GryRs

Email from The Brien Center Brighter Days   July 2025 SPOTLIGHT Brien Center’s Adult & Family Services Supporting Mental Health and Addiction Recovery for Adults and Families Across Berkshire County

07/09/2025

Meet Quintin Sumpter – One of the Amazing Faces Behind Our Team!
By day, Quintin is part of the maintenance team — but outside of work, he’s a professional boxer who brings serious discipline and drive to everything he does.

Whether he's in the ring or on the job, Quintin shows up with focus, strength, and heart.

We’re proud to have him on our team!

07/07/2025

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. 🧡

Learn more about at mhanational.org/july.

Each July, we honor the legacy of author, advocate, and trailblazer Bebe Moore Campbell by recognizing Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as BIPOC Mental Health Month). Moore Campbell’s ability to tell impactful stories highlighting themes of raci...