The Ascend Story

Mission-driven. Clinician-led.
Results-focused.

Founded to transform mental health care access, Ascend Healthcare delivers integrated psychiatric and behavioral health solutions with a commitment to equity, compassion, and operational excellence.

We partner directly with health centers to build fully integrated, sustainable behavioral health programs—bringing deep clinical expertise, operational support, and long-term stability.

The Ascend Model

We partner directly with health centers to build fully integrated, sustainable behavioral health programs—bringing deep clinical expertise, operational support, and long-term accountability.

Clinically-led, fully supervised care teams

Built by FQHC operators who understand your model

Seamless EMR and workflow integration

Full clinical operations management

Aligned to your mission, funding, and quality goals

Our Program

Built by leaders who have worked inside health centers.

Our team brings direct experience in leadership, medical management, behavioral health integration, and clinical operations—giving us the depth to design programs that work inside the real-world complexities of community health care.

Josh Leslie
CEO & Founder

Brings nearly a decade of experience overseeing operations and clinical quality for the largest combined 24/7 psychiatric crisis center, inpatient, walk-in outpatient and opioid treatment center in Arizona.

Michael Pelletier
President

Over 30 years of experience working with diverse populations within the behavioral health and corrections fields, both in the public and private sectors.

Dr. Rahsaan Lindsey
MD
Chief Medical Officer

Practicing psychiatrist for 20+ years. Triple Board-certified in Adult, Child and Adolescent, and Addiction psychiatry.

Dr. Constance Tucker
Chief Development Officer

Brings 20+ years of healthcare leadership with a focus on FQHC partnerships and growth.

Alicia Ottmann
PA-C
Chief Operating Officer

Over 10 years of experience in community health operations and medical practice leadership.

Melissa Jandt
Chief Clinical Officer

Brings 28 years of behavioral health leadership spanning general mental health, SUD, and complex care populations.

Nicole Byers
Chief Financial Officer

Brings over a decade of healthcare financial and operational leadership, partnering with 10+ behavioral health companies to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.

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