In the ever-evolving landscape of behavioral healthcare, where compassion must coexist with innovation and operational excellence, few leaders embody balance the way Dr. Vera Kurdian, Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Behavioral Health Inc. (ABH), does. Her journey rooted in resilience, shaped by adversity, and propelled by purpose has become the foundation upon which ABH stands: a mission-driven organization dedicated to transformative, accessible, and human-cantered care.
A Journey Forged by Adversity, Defined by Purpose
The origins of Dr. Kurdian’s leadership story stretch back to her childhood in the Middle East, where she grew up in a nation fractured by war. In an environment where dreams often bowed to fear, she learned early that hope requires tenacity. At sixteen, she immigrated to the United States, stepping into a world entirely foreign: a new culture, a new language, and an unfamiliar educational system.
College, at that time, felt out of reach. She married young, raised two children, and supported her family as a florist. But she never let go of the dream that had quietly taken root the dream of education and service. After her divorce, she returned to school with unwavering determination, juggling multiple jobs, motherhood, and classes that she pieced together across various campuses just to meet credit requirements. Exhaustion was constant, but purpose was stronger.
Along the way, mentors appeared people who recognized her drive and her capacity to uplift others. They encouraged her to pursue her gift for helping people reclaim their strength and potential. That support carried her through advanced degrees in social work and eventually to her doctorate. She went on to spend nearly 25 years as a mental health clinician working with children, abuse survivors, trauma victims, and individuals navigating the complexities of mental illness.
A Holistic and Human-Centered Approach to Behavioral Health
Under Dr. Kurdian’s leadership, ABH has embraced a philosophy that goes beyond traditional clinical models. While many behavioral health organizations prioritize symptom management, ABH focuses on the whole person and the entire family unit. Their wraparound model integrates psychiatric care, therapy, counseling, and therapeutic mentoring into a cohesive ecosystem of support. Whether clients are seen in the office, in schools, at home, or via telehealth, the goal is the same: eliminate barriers and meet individuals where they are physically, emotionally, and culturally.
“What makes ABH different,” she often says, “is the belief that care must be personal, consistent, and community-rooted.” That vision has pushed the organization to redefine behavioral health not as a service, but as a relationship.
Leadership Through Obstacles and the Power of Resilience
Building a behavioral health organization is not without challenges, and Dr. Kurdian has faced them head-on. Navigating complex regulatory environments, addressing workforce shortages, managing financial constraints, and supporting clinicians who shoulder the emotional weight of trauma-based work all demand deliberate leadership.
Her strategy for overcoming these obstacles is both practical and deeply human. She invests heavily in staff development, building a workplace culture where clinicians feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow. She nurtures collaborative relationships with community partners, relies on strong mentorship, and maintains an unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission. Every setback becomes an opportunity to innovate and every innovation becomes a path toward stronger, more resilient care.
“Mission over everything,” she says. “When you stay aligned with your ‘why,’ challenges become stepping stones.”
Innovation as a Bridge to Better Care
For Dr. Kurdian, technology is not a trend it is a tool for equity. ABH integrates sophisticated electronic health records that allow clinicians, psychiatrists, and therapeutic mentors to collaborate fluidly. This ensures that every care plan is comprehensive, coordinated, and responsive to clients’ evolving needs.
But the organization’s innovation extends far beyond digital platforms. ABH’s wraparound care model bridges in-school interventions, community-based therapy, and family participation, ensuring that individuals receive support in the environments where they live, learn, and grow. By aligning technology with human connection, ABH is pioneering a care model that feels both modern and deeply personal.
A Leadership Philosophy Rooted in Balance and Compassion
Dr. Kurdian describes her leadership style as one grounded in balance, compassion, and wellness. She believes that leaders must cultivate their own well-being to effectively support others. Over time, she has come to view employee wellness not as a perk, but as a strategic foundation of high-quality care.
Her philosophy extends far beyond management it shapes the very culture of ABH. The organization is built on empathy, openness, and the belief that every voice matters. Staff are encouraged to grow, seek balance, and prioritize self-care, knowing that their well-being directly enhances the care they provide to clients.
This humanistic approach has not only earned loyalty from her team, but also strengthened the organization’s ability to deliver exceptional services.
Championing Diversity, Empathy, and Inclusion
At ABH, diversity and inclusion are not slogans they are daily practices. Dr. Kurdian intentionally cultivates a workforce that reflects the communities they serve. By creating an environment where every background, perspective, and story is valued, she ensures that clients feel seen and understood.
Empathy is at the heart of ABH’s operational DNA. It shapes how clinicians approach treatment, how teams collaborate, and how leadership decisions are made. In a field where compassion can easily be overshadowed by administrative pressures, Dr. Kurdian continues to center humanity.
Navigating a Rapidly Evolving Industry
Behavioral health is undergoing a transformation, and Dr. Kurdian is navigating these changes with clarity and intention. She identifies four trends that will shape the coming years:
- Integrated behavioral and physical healthcare
- The expansion of telehealth and digital tools
- Workforce shortages and evolving reimbursement policies
- Increased focus on mental health parity and equitable access
Dr. Kurdian believes that embracing innovation, supporting clinicians, and committing to holistic care will allow ABH not only to adapt, but to lead.
Balancing Vision, Compassion, and Growth
As a woman leader in a sensitive and mission-driven field, Dr. Kurdian balances innovation with heart. She views compassion as the foundation of all mental health work, emphasizing that leadership must be both visionary and deeply human.
Her message to her team is simple: “You are the heartbeat of ABH. There is no ABH without you.” By supporting staff, investing in new technologies, and leading with integrity, she ensures that the organization grows with purpose not at the expense of its people, but because of them.
Looking Ahead: Growth, Expansion, and New Possibilities
The future of Advanced Behavioral Health Inc. is infused with momentum. After securing multiple grants in 2025, the organization is preparing to expand its services in 2026, including the opening of a new office in western Maryland. The goal is clear: reach more individuals and families, introduce new programs, and deepen ABH’s impact across diverse communities. This growth reflects a promise to meet people where they are and deliver the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.
A Message to Women Leaders: Lead with Purpose
For aspiring women leaders in healthcare and behavioral health, Dr. Kurdian offers wisdom born of experience. “Know your ‘why,’ and let it guide you,” she says. “Stay curious, stay committed, and never underestimate your potential. Silence the inner critic and trust your resilience you are capable of changing lives.”
Her journey is evidence of what is possible when purpose is paired with courage. And her story marked by perseverance, empathy, and profound vision continues to inspire everyone who walks through the doors of Advanced Behavioral Health Inc.
- 📌 Visit Dr. Vera Kurdian 👉 – LinkedIn Profile
- 🌐 Explore Advanced Behavioral Health Inc. 👉 – Company Website
