Hidden Hero: Abby Asquith

Meet our hidden, Abby Asquith — an empathetic and dedicated professional committed to transforming lives. Abby specializes in eating disorders, mental health, and substance abuse treatment. Throughout her diverse career path, she discovered her true calling in utilization management, advocating passionately for clients and guiding care teams. She is currently the Director of Utilization Management at Granite Recovery Centers. With unwavering compassion, she continues to make a significant impact on the lives of those in her community! Read below to learn more about Abby.

How did you get into the behavioral health industry? 

My initial exposure to the behavioral health industry came through the influence of my mother and grandmother, both esteemed professionals in the homecare sector. In 2006, I embarked on my journey by joining an agency to provide homecare services to a dear family friend. It was during this experience that I discerned my true vocation – a deep-seated desire to assist individuals from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. With this revelation, I shifted my focus towards specializing in eating disorders/mental health and eventually ventured into substance abuse treatment. Witnessing the transformative power of these therapeutic interventions has been profoundly fulfilling for me. My approach is one free from judgment, as I firmly believe in celebrating the success of individuals who triumph in their treatment, irrespective of the number of attempts it may have taken them.

What is your WHY for working in behavioral health?

The driving force behind my commitment to this work lies in the realization that each of us is touched, directly or indirectly, by the impact of this disease – be it ourselves, our immediate or distant family members, friends, or coworkers. This profound understanding fuels my passion to make a positive difference in people’s lives, even if it is through indirect means. The ability to touch lives and contribute to their well-being brings me immense joy and fulfillment. By playing a part in the healing journey of others, I find purpose and meaning in my work, and it motivates me to continue making a positive impact in the field of behavioral health.

What was the moment you realized you love what you do?

As I took a moment to pause and reflect on my journey within the behavioral health realm, a sense of profound appreciation washed over me. My career path has been a diverse and enriching one, beginning as a behavioral health tech and swiftly transitioning through roles in admissions, marketing, case management, and group therapy. Finally, I found my calling in utilization management/review, where I continue to thrive. The multifaceted nature of my experiences has allowed me to develop a deep affection for what I do. Each role has contributed to my understanding of the intricacies of behavioral health care and has provided me with unique perspectives on how to best support individuals on their paths to recovery. Moreover, the opportunity to collaborate and learn alongside like-minded individuals further enhances my passion for this field. The exchange of knowledge and the ability to contribute to the growth of others while continuously learning myself are aspects that truly resonate with me. Embracing the entirety of my journey and the ability to teach and learn with others in this dynamic field fills me with love and enthusiasm for my work. It reinforces my dedication to making a positive impact and fostering healing and growth in the lives of those I encounter within the behavioral health community.

What are your wins or accomplishments that keep you motivated?

My drive stems from my commitment to collaborate closely with care teams, ensuring they possess a comprehensive grasp of the medical necessity required for each level of care. I am passionate about promoting harmonious documentation within our Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, guiding the care teams to vividly paint the picture of each client’s situation. This approach empowers my team to excel in articulating their stories effectively and advocating passionately on behalf of our clients. Witnessing the tangible results of these efforts, particularly in the successful authorization of treatment for each client, is an incredibly motivating and rewarding experience for me. Knowing that our collective dedication and attention to detail positively impact people’s lives fuels my passion to persistently strive for excellence in this field. My unwavering commitment to supporting individuals in their journey toward healing and recovery remains the cornerstone of my professional fulfillment.

What have you learned throughout your career that has impacted your personal life and how you navigate through your personal self-care?

The realization that time waits for no one has been a significant lesson for me. As a result, I prioritize the importance of personal care and well-being not only for myself but also for my team. Acknowledging the value of self-care, I make a conscious effort to allocate time for activities that nourish my physical, mental, and emotional health. 

Furthermore, I am dedicated to fostering a culture within my team that encourages and supports personal care practices. I firmly believe that when individuals take care of themselves, they are better equipped to perform at their best both personally and professionally.

By promoting a healthy work-life balance and advocating for self-care, I aim to create an environment where team members feel empowered to prioritize their well-being without guilt or hesitation. Recognizing the significance of this balance contributes to the overall success and happiness of individuals, enabling them to thrive both within the workplace and in their personal lives.

We love getting to know the heroes in our industry and our readers do too. We are highlighting our hidden heroes monthly! Do you have someone in mind? Please nominate them to be featured.

About the Authors

Kipu is bettering the behavioral health landscape, helping treatment centers achieve the best outcomes and empowering patients and caregivers on every step of the recovery journey.