Shannon Smith, LCSW, is a renowned forensic mental health expert and the founder and CEO of both the HOPE Program and New Beginnings Counseling. Under her leadership, the HOPE Program has grown to become California’s largest outpatient forensic mental health service, known for its pioneering work in forensic evaluations and treatment.

 

The program is recognized as a center of excellence, providing critical services that bridge the gap between forensic mental health care and various system stakeholders, including legal and correctional systems.

With over 28 years of experience, Shannon Smith has been instrumental in streamlining communication and support between forensic mental health providers and the systems they serve. Her focus on integrating care with back-office solutions ensures that agencies navigate complex systems efficiently.

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In addition to her role at HOPE Program and New Beginnings Counseling, Shannon is the founder of Soteria Solutions, a management company that provides essential back-office support, including financial management, compliance, HR, IT, and strategic planning. By taking on these operational tasks, Soteria Solutions enables mental health agencies to focus on providing high-quality care while ensuring profitability and long-term success.

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Her commitment to operational efficiency and creating long-term career opportunities for her teams has made Shannon Smith a leader in both forensic mental health and mental health agency management, ensuring that the sector thrives through innovative, well-managed solutions.