Matt Wetzel, Clinical Supervisor of the Men’s Program at Caron Treatment Centers, has been named to the Frontline Honors Awards Class of 2025 by Behavioral Health Business.
To become a Frontline honoree, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be:
A dedicated, high-performing frontline worker who delivers exceptional experiences and outcomes
A passionate worker who knows how to put their vision into for the good of their respective industry, the patients and residents they serve, and their families
An advocate for their industry and their fellow colleagues
Behavioral Health Business recently caught up with Wetzel to discuss his time in the behavioral health industry.
BHB: What drew you to this industry?
Wetzel: I actually first came to Caron to visit with a family member who was in treatment when I was just 10 years old. That personal connection to Caron as a young boy developed into a calling when I became an adult. As I grew up, I became interested in helping people struggling with behavioral health issues and ultimately, in 2012, I came back to Caron!
BHB: What’s a misconception you had about this work before you started – and how has reality differed?
Wetzel: Starting fresh out of Villanova University’s graduate school where I earned my Masters in Mental Health Counseling, I had a misconception of my role as a counselor. The longer I’ve been in practice, the more I’ve come to understand being in behavioral health is less about the “I” and more about “We.”
It truly does take a village. I’ve learned that patients benefit from exposure to a variety of approaches and supportive professionals in their treatment journey. I’m now part of my team. I’m not alone. I came to Caron initially not understanding how important the communal aspect of treatment is.
BHB: Was there a moment in your career when you realized, “This work really matters”? What happened?
Wetzel: I’ve always valued the work we do in behavioral health, but the bigger payoffs really show up in the long-term.
Today, I’m re-connecting with patients I worked with during their treatment for addiction as sober adults and successful alumni at our annual picnics. Seeing families brought back together reinforces the ripple effect of treatment.
I’ve had parents thank me for giving them their son back, and heard from others who were able to be sober for the last moments of their parents’ lives. Perhaps, best of all, patients who I treated when they were in their early 20s are now sending me photos of their babies!
BHB: What’s the most valuable skill you’ve developed on the front lines that people often overlook?
Wetzel: It’s easy to get caught in the busyness of day-to-day life and the high demands of our respective roles. Despite that, there should always be room, no matter how small, to take a moment to breathe, laugh, and check-in with each other. Taking a moment to acknowledge each other’s shared humanity goes a long way.
BHB: What’s one decision leaders make that has a bigger impact on frontline workers than they might realize?
Wetzel: The decision of how a leader shows up for their team is what creates the biggest impact. Is a leader willing to do what he or she is asking their staff to do?
It’s important to understand where your staff are coming from and preemptively create a space where you can improve processes and assignments. Taking the time to listen – not just dropping a project in their lap, but hearing a comment from an employee – could provide a teachable moment for you as well.
BHB: What’s a simple change – policy, tool, or mindset – that would make frontline work more effective?
Wetzel: I’m interested in the impact AI will make in residential treatment settings. At Caron, we’re beginning to see positive impacts of using AI so that the documentation processes can be more thorough and efficient. In turn, that saves time so clinicians can serve more patients and their families.
BHB: What gives you optimism about the future of this industry, despite its challenges?
Wetzel: I’m inspired by the neuro-restorative, brain-focused care that Caron provides its patients, as well as the research studies of how to best use GLP-1s and other craving aids.
But what gives me the most optimism is the providers I work with every day. I see the heart and passion of the people working in this mental health field, whether they’re just starting or have been caring for patients for over 20 years.