Behavioral health veteran and former family therapist to lead RCA’s Waldorf, Maryland facility
Recovery Centers of America (RCA) at Capital Region announced today the appointment of Elyssia Stratton as Chief Executive Officer of the Waldorf, Maryland facility. Stratton brings more than 18 years of behavioral health leadership experience, including multiple prior CEO appointments in addiction and mental health treatment settings.
“Elyssia brings a rare combination of clinical depth and operational discipline to this role,” said Ross Friedman, Regional Vice President of Recovery Centers of America. “Her track record speaks for itself, and her commitment to building strong teams and stronger community partnerships makes her the right leader for RCA at Capital Region as we continue to grow.”
Stratton’s career began as a family therapist inside an addiction treatment center early on, an experience she credits with shaping her focus on healing entire families, not just patients. She later moved into behavioral health marketing before returning to operations, eventually rising to CEO. In her second year as a first-time CEO, she won the Chairman’s Council Award at UHS, an honor typically reserved for CEO veterans with long track records of success.
“If the people around me feel loved and appreciated, then I’ve succeeded,” Stratton said. “That’s what builds trust, and trust is what drives a team to do great work.”
In her first 90 days, Stratton plans to build relationships with the Capital Region team, get up to speed on the facility’s community and regulatory landscape, and deepen referral partnerships with local organizations.
“My priority is building relationships with our staff and understanding what makes this community tick,” Stratton said. “From there, it’s about strengthening our referral partnerships so more families in this region know we’re here.”
Outside her operational work, Stratton created two annual charity galas now in their second decade: the Forget-Me-Not Ball benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and the Cherry Blossom Ball benefiting NAMI in Philadelphia. She remains active with NAMI, AA, and NA in her community involvement.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment,” Stratton said. “I’ve seen firsthand how the right path, the individualized path, can change a life. That’s the work we’re here to do.”
Stratton holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the University of Phoenix’s Honolulu campus.
To learn more about RCA at Capital Region, visit recoverycentersofamerica.com/locations/waldorf-maryland.
About Recovery Centers of America
Recovery Centers of America (RCA) is on a mission to save one million lives impacted by addiction and mental health disorders, one person at a time. RCA’s evidence-based care approach features a full continuum of consistent, personalized, inpatient and outpatient services operating across the United States. These addiction and mental health treatment programs are designed to support lasting recovery and lifelong healing. RCA admits patients 24/7, accepts most insurance, and provides transportation, intervention, family support services, and an active alumni association. RCA is proud to have its network recognized in Newsweek’s America’s Best Addiction Centers rankings for excellence. For inquiries or admissions, call 1.800.RECOVERY or visit recoverycentersofamerica.com
