Why I Love What I Do

Meet Carrie

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I believe deeply in the mission of behavioral health care and feel honored to contribute to its ongoing evolution. It’s my joy to help teams and organizations unlock their potential and create meaningful change for those they serve.

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Behavioral health is deeply human work, and the decisions that shape it carry real weight. My career has been a labor of love, shaped by building and stewarding growth inside behavioral health organizations as they scaled markets and matured operationally. I’ve spent more than two decades working alongside organizations as they’ve evolved and expanded, overseeing growth for a company through two successful transactions.

What distinguishes my work is my ability to see how systems behave over time…how culture, structure, and leadership decisions shape outcomes. I’m known for understanding what’s happening beneath the surface: why strategies don’t translate, where growth stalls despite effort, and which risks are visible only when you’ve worked inside the industry long enough to recognize the patterns. My background bridges both clinical and business worlds. With formal training in counseling alongside a foundation in business, I bring a rare perspective that respects the realities of behavioral healthcare while maintaining firm discipline around performance.

Today, my work centers on strategic advisement. I’m drawn to behavioral health systems where the stakes are high. I love to be in the problem and work with leaders who are making consequential decisions. I’m engaged to help identify blind spots, challenge assumptions, and implement effective and uncomplicated processes that stand up over time.

 

No Permission Necessary Podcast Episode with Carrie Hunnicutt

by Molly Bierman and Jill Griffin

Podcast summary: What does it really take to lead with integrity in a field where the stakes are people’s lives? In this episode of No Permission Necessary, we sit down with Carrie Hunnicutt, nationally recognized behavioral health leader, mentor, and longtime friend to talk about the lessons that come with 25+ years in leadership. Together, we dig into the personal toll of leadership, why boundaries matter, and how women can show up in spaces that often expect them to be either “too much” or “not enough.” This is a raw, inspiring conversation about mentorship, values-driven leadership, and learning to make the hard calls.

 
 

Publications

The Difference the Right Eating Disorder Counselor Can Make This article emphasizes the importance of selecting an appropriate counselor for effective eating disorder treatment

Can Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Help Treat Eating Disorders Like Bulimia Nervosa? Let’s explore the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in treating eating disorders, particularly bulimia nervosa

How to Identify the Early Warning Signs of Anorexia Nervosa In Teens and Young Adults? This article discusses the early indicators of anorexia nervosa in adolescents and young adults, aiding in early detection and intervention

Examining How Body Image and Eating Disorders Are Connected This article on Spiritual Media examines the relationship between body image issues and the development of eating disorders, particularly during adolescence

Understanding Atypical Anorexia Nervosa This article delves into the characteristics and challenges of atypical anorexia nervosa, a subtype of anorexia that doesn’t always present with the typical low body weight

Eating Disorders and Athletics – Risk Factors for Adolescents This article explores the increased risk of eating disorders among adolescent athletes, discussing contributing factors and warning signs

Is Psychiatric Treatment for Eating Disorders Appropriate? This piece examines the role of psychiatric treatment in addressing eating disorders, considering the complexities of co-occurring mental health issues

Rejecting Society’s Expectations for a ‘Summer Body This article discusses societal pressures related to body image during the summer months and their potential impact on eating behaviors

Understanding Transgender Identities During Eating Disorder Treatment This article addresses the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals in eating disorder treatment and emphasizes the importance of gender-affirming care


Companies I’ve worked with, advised or consult with:

Monte Nido

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Clementine

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Sierra Tucson

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Inner Haven

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Oliver-Pyatt Centers

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Rosewood Centers

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Monte Nido Walden

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Monte Nido 〰️ Clementine 〰️ Sierra Tucson 〰️ Inner Haven 〰️ Oliver-Pyatt Centers 〰️ Rosewood Centers 〰️ Monte Nido Walden 〰️