Donald K. Mullaney, Ph.D., founder and Executive Director of Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches – an internationally known addiction treatment organization – passed away on July 6th at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Debbie and his daughter Megan. His son Sean passed away in the summer of 2011.

After starting his own recovery journey in 1983, Don began a counseling program as a private therapist in Palm Beach County. Don sought to learn as much as he could on how he could help others recover and completed his B.A. degree in 1969, an M.S.W. in 1988 and his Ph.D. in 1996.

In January of 1997, Don realized his dream with a small 12-bed residential program known as Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, Inc. (BHOPB). This program has since grown into a 200-bed continuum of care featuring the most current treatment interventions available along with quality holistic therapies.

Throughout all of his work in the field, Don always believed in the importance of proving the effectiveness of treatment through research results, leading him to establish BHOPB\’s program for research, education and training. Don shared this research with other professionals and providers, and he published several research articles over the years. He also conducted numerous workshops and trainings for a variety of individuals and groups in the field, sharing knowledge that has helped a considerable number of people battle addiction over the years.

In addition to his strong belief in the importance of research, Don always had an appreciation for the importance of spirituality as well. Don felt this spirituality on a deeply personal level and tried to incorporate it into treatment at BHOPB.

According to Don:

From the earliest days of my recovery from alcoholism I had intuitively known that spirituality, a love of God beyond the words of religion, was essential. I also knew recovery involved a love of self and the people around me. At some level, I had grasped that although I struggled with my many imperfections, God had accepted me, and I wanted to take this message to my family, friends, and patients at Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches. From the beginning, the treatment facility has always encompassed this spirituality.

Donations may be made in Don\’s name to either of the following foundations: