By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

CLINICAL psychologist Dr. Andrea Leitheiser has been appointed director of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, replacing Peter Roberto, who is now Gov. Felix P. Camacho’s special assistant on health initiatives.
“Dr. Leitheiser’s extensive clinical, military and academic background will be of great benefit to the people we serve,” the governor said.
Camacho said Leitheiser will continue the department’s work to further improve mental health services and increase substance abuse rehabilitation.
“I’ll do my best to move the administration’s healthcare policies forward to improve the delivery of mental health and substance abuse services,” Leitheiser said.
“I’ll lead a collaborative, consumer-centered approach. I really believe in teamwork and I will continue to work closely with our community partners,” she added.