SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake County Council has approved the appointment of Tim Whalen as director of Behavioral Health Services for the county. Prior to the appointment, Whalen had served as co-director of Behavioral Health with Pat Fleming, who retired in December.
“Tim has extensive experience in serving the behavioral health needs of county residents. He’s been a leader in advancing innovative programs that include community mental health crisis services. His first concern is always the well-being of the vulnerable population that we serve,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams.
Whalen has been employed by Salt Lake County since 1997. He has worked as outreach unit manager and treatment services manager in the Division of Substance Abuse. He became co-director of Behavioral Health Services in 2009. In that position, he provided oversight to the county’s contract provider network which delivers mental health services for both Medicaid and non-Medicaid clients.
Whalen holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Utah.
“It’s an honor to take on this role, in a county that has long been a leader in Utah for providing access to quality behavioral health services,” said Whalen.