Rachel Ryan, MS, MBA, LPC

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Rachel Ryan, MS, MBA, LPC, manages all aspects of operations and clinical services at Bluff’s Augusta, Georgia residential addiction rehab center. Her responsibilities include oversight of admissions/intake, business development, recovery programming, quality assurance and regulatory affairs.

Rachel is a results-oriented healthcare executive with significant experience in complex hospital management systems. She was previously CEO and managing director of the Aurora Pavilion at Aiken Regional Medical Center in Aiken, South Carolina.

Rachel graduated Cum Laude from University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Applied Clinical Psychology from University of South Carolina, graduating Summa Cum Laude. At University of South Carolina, she was named Outstanding Graduate Student in Psychology and was a Chancellor’s Medal recipient. She received her MBA from Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina.

Rachel began her career as a psychiatric therapist and director of social services at Aiken Regional Medical Center, where she provided assessments, individual therapy, group therapy and family therapy. She later managed clinical services in the 50-bed inpatient behavioral health and substance abuse hospital, as well as for the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).

As CEO and managing director, Rachel implemented a 15-bed expansion, led quality improvement initiatives, and managed all clinical and non-clinical departments, including admissions, business development, clinical services, risk management, process improvement, finance and regulatory affairs. She also led the treatment center through several Joint Commission re-accreditation processes.

In her most recent role, Rachel was site director for HopeHealth in Aiken, where she served as lead executive for the Aiken Ryan White Site. The facility is an assistance center for people with HIV/AIDS. A Licensed Professional Counselor, Rachel developed an evidence-based behavioral health program at the Aiken Ryan White Site. She also provided counseling services at the Aiken Ryan White Site and for Aiken Psychiatric and Psychotherapy Associates.

Rachel is vice chair of the board of Aiken Barnwell Mental Health Center. She was previously an associate professor at Aiken Technical College and University of South Carolina.