Faculty Agenda

Tara Dewees is the Director of Behavioral Health Outreach and Recovery Services at Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), where she leads system-wide recovery and harm reduction efforts across 14 hospitals in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia. Tara began her journey at ARH as a Peer Recovery Coach and has since served in several leadership roles, including System Coordinator for Peer Recovery Services.

In her current position, Tara oversees all Peer Recovery Coaches within the ARH system, manages behavioral health and harm reduction strategies, and helps implement evidence-based programs to support individuals with substance use disorders. Her work includes expanding access to therapy, coordinating community outreach, and improving patient-provider collaboration.

Tara is passionate about helping individuals find hope and healing through recovery. She is committed to reducing barriers to care, building strong partnerships, and making behavioral health services more accessible and effective across the Appalachian region.

She holds a Master of Education in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA)