From Trauma to Triumph: How Personal Experiences Shape Effective Leadership in Mental Health with Andre Mitchell

Mental health care is not just about treating symptoms, it’s about understanding the struggles people go through and helping them find a way to heal. For Andre Mitchell, CEO of Elev8 Centers, this mission is deeply personal. Growing up, he witnessed the challenges that addiction and mental health issues bring, not just to individuals but to entire families. These experiences didn’t hold him back. Instead, they inspired him to create something meaningful.

Andre’s life and career have been shaped by what he saw and learned from those struggles. He used those lessons to revamp Elev8 Centers, a place that helps people recover physically, mentally, and emotionally. His approach goes beyond traditional care, focusing on treating the whole person to make recovery sustainable and meaningful.

Under his leadership, Elev8 Centers has seen remarkable growth. In just six months as CEO, Andre has tripled the inpatient population, now always averaging 200 patients in the building and 80 admissions per month. Recognizing the increasing need for quality care, Elev8 has recently petitioned the state licensing board to add 53 more long-term care beds, increasing the facility’s capacity to 300 beds. This expansion reflects both the effectiveness of Elev8’s treatment approach and the growing trust that patients and their families place in the center.

Andre understands the difficulties of addiction and mental health care because he’s seen them firsthand. Growing up in a family affected by addiction taught him how hard it is to break the cycle. These experiences left a lasting impression, driving him to make a difference. Later in his career, while working in trauma care, he noticed that many patients he treated weren’t just dealing with physical injuries. They were also battling emotional pain, trauma, and stress that made recovery even harder. These insights motivated him to transform Elev8 Centers, into a place where people could heal completely, not just temporarily.

One of the biggest barriers to mental health care is the negative judgment associated with it. Many people feel ashamed to admit they’re struggling, and this often stops them from seeking help. Families also struggle with judgment from others, leaving them unsure of how to support their loved ones. Studies show that about 60% of adults with mental health issues never receive treatment because of stigma, reducing stigma is a key focus. Andre and his team work to educate families and communities about addiction and mental health, helping them understand that these are medical conditions, not personal failings. Through workshops and events, they teach people how to approach these issues with compassion and understanding. For families, this education is often a turning point. It helps them move from frustration and helplessness to becoming active supporters in their loved ones’ recovery journeys.

Recovery isn’t just about stopping harmful behaviors, it’s about creating a better future. Elev8 Centers take a holistic approach to care, treating the mind, body, and spirit. This means addressing not only the symptoms but also the root causes of addiction and mental health struggles. Trauma-informed care is central to their programs, helping patients process and heal from past experiences in a safe environment.

Mindfulness practices, like yoga, meditation, and journaling, play an important role in helping patients manage stress and triggers in healthier ways. Recovery can also feel lonely, which is why Elev8 focuses on building connections. Patients are encouraged to join support groups, volunteer, and engage in group activities that foster a sense of belonging. Research shows that having strong support networks significantly improves long-term recovery outcomes.

The leadership of Mr. Mitchell at Elev8 is grounded in empathy. He believes in treating patients, families, and his staff respectfully and kindly. For patients, this means providing personalized care that focuses on their unique needs. For his staff, it means creating a collaborative environment where ideas are welcomed, and everyone feels valued. This approach has helped build a culture of trust and innovation at Elev8 Centers, making it a place where people want to work and heal.

Beyond the walls of Elev8 Centers, Andre is committed to making a difference in the broader community. He and his team organize food drives, donate coats and school supplies, and host other initiatives that support those in need. By addressing basic needs in the community, Elev8 helps create a foundation for healthier and more supportive neighborhoods.

Elev8 Centers are also recognized for their high standards of care, holding accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). This certification highlights their commitment to providing effective, evidence-based care that patients and families can trust.

Andre from witnessing trauma to leading in mental health care shows how personal experiences can inspire meaningful change. Elev8 Centers are more than just treatment facilities, they’re places where people can heal, grow, and rebuild their lives. For patients and their families, it’s a chance to move forward and create a better future.

By addressing stigma, focusing on holistic care, and building community connections, Andre and his team are transforming lives every day. Recovery isn’t just about breaking free from addiction, it’s about finding hope, purpose, and the support needed to thrive. At Elev8 Centers, that’s exactly what patients, families, and communities are discovering.