During the 1960s and 1970s new laws and court actions forced the state to discharge all persons who requested to leave mental hospitals, unless the state could legally prove that they were dangerous to themselves or society. Hundreds of persons with mental illness were prematurely returned to their home communities after years of hospitalization. While new medications were effective in treating psychosis, Dallas lacked the community support programs necessary for these vulnerable people to succeed outside the hospital setting. Tragically, many of them ended up living on the streets, in shelters or in sub-standard housing. Some committed crimes and ended up in the criminal justice system.

In response to the need for community mental health services, LifeNet Community Behavioral Healthcare was founded and incorporated in 1977 in Dallas, Texas, as a 501(c)(3) corporation under the name Hideaway House, later changed to Phoenix House. The name was changed to LifeNet in 1998 and today continues to assist men and women transitioning from hospitals and homelessness to gainful employment and self-sufficiency. LifeNet goals are: residential stability, increased skill level and income, greater self-determination and resourcefulness through mental stability.

LifeNet Community Behavioral Healthcare is considered a leader in the provision of comprehensive mental health services, and in the diagnosis and treatment of severe mental illness and chemical dependency disorders.

We are proud to report recent major accomplishments by LifeNet.

• Hundreds are no longer homeless on the streets of north Texas, thanks to LifeNet.
• New LifeNet clients receive immediate access to services (no 6 –12 month waits for mental health services or housing like many metroplex agencies)
• State-of-the-Art Adult, Child and Adolescent Services and Programs provide immediate help for any and all family members
• Exemplary Substance Abuse Programs with one of the highest success rates in Texas
• Over $250,000 was implemented for Katrina and other disaster relief
• Hundreds of blankets and coats were distributed for metroplex homeless
• Hundreds of household “starter kits” were distributed to enrollees in supportive housing program
• LifeNet employees received valuable continuing education
• Pharmaceutical suppliers presented frequent update seminars and meetings to applicable employees, reviewing results of promising ongoing clinical trials
• Friendly, family atmosphere created in lobby waiting area with the addition of table lamps, rugs, coffee bar, lemonade and popcorn machine hosted by former LifeNet clients

The LifeNet family is truly thankful and has much to celebrate! Thousands have been blessed as their lives were rebuilt and enhanced when they received professional mental health treatment, housing for the homeless and employment for those able to work.

Liam J. Mulvaney
President/CEO   
Liam Mulvaney has been involved in the executive management of behavioral healthcare organizations for more than thirty years. Mr. Mulvaney earned a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Iowa. Prior to joining LifeNet in July, 2006, Mr. Mulvaney was the executive director of CREOKS Mental Health Services in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He was the CEO of Green Oaks Hospital in Dallas from 1985 through 1992, and has served on the boards of several Dallas area organizations.

Ross Taylor
Vice President of Development, Community Relations, Volunteer Services

Traswell Livingston
Vice President of Housing

Joseph Garcia
Managing Director of Supported Employment and Vocational Services

Vicki West
Clinic Manager

Sandi Dillon
Accounting Supervisor

Mike Thompson
ACT Team Leader

Misty McCoy
Executive Assistant to the President/CEO

Chair: Iain Michie
Chair Elect: Tim Cathey
Treasurer: Mark Nelson
Secretary: Elizabeth Thrash

Allison Barton    
Jonni McCuin
Allan Edwards    
Sarah Estill
David Klingler (Past Chair)
Carleton Nooner
Mildred Pope    
Jo Walton   
Deborah  K. Wright
Leah Shafer

Ken Altshuler, M. D.
Adele Caruth
Gary Lacefield, Ph.D.
The Honorable Veletta Forsythe Lill
The Honorable D. Michael Lynn
Keith Scott

Come help with the rewarding work that we do here at LifeNet!

Download an application.

position	requirements	contact
Psychotherapist - Part Time, Contract LPC LMSW-ACP Licensed-eligible LPCI Licensed psychologist	Master's level degree or higher. LPC, LMSW-ACP, licensed eligible LPCI or licensed psychologist. Must have knowledge of psychiatric disabilities and rehabilitation, specifically as it applies to severe mental illness and dual diagnosis. Must have a valid Texas driver's license and be free of excessive violations and accidents.	jhunt@lifenettexas.org
Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist - Part Time	Master's level degree or higher. LPC, LMSW-ACP, license eligible LPCI or licensed psychologist. Must have knowledge of psychiatric disabilities and rehabilitation, specifically as it applies to severe mental illness and dual diagnosis in children and families. Three years experience working with persons and children with severe mental illness. Prefer prior experience with the severely mentally ill population in managed care setting.	jhunt@lifenettexas.org
Certified Medical Assistant - CMA Licensed Vocational Nurse - LVN Psychiatric experience required	Certified Medical Assistant having at least 2 years experience with psychiatric patients needed for challenging work in a fast-paced outpatient mental health clinic. Must have knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses and psychotropic medications, as well as experience in giving injections. Organizational skills, math skills and ability to multi task are required! This is a full-time position - normal hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.	jhunt@lifenettexas.org
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor - LCDC	Join a dynamic team in a successful outpatient substance abuse program. Must have certification as an LCDC and three years of experience in the provision of community-based services. Knowledge and experience working with the mentally ill is helpful.	jhunt@lifenettexas.org