(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following was submitted by Andrea LePain.)

Network Health, a Massachusetts health plan that provides access to high-quality health care for more than 200,000 Massachusetts residents with low and moderate incomes, announced today that it has promoted Sudbury resident Marcy Morgenbesser, licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW), to director of behavioral health.

In her new role, Morgenbesser will coordinate with internal and external customers to achieve the best health outcomes for Network Health members. She will oversee Network Health’s behavioral health utilization review, utilization management aftercare, and transitions-of-care programs. Morgenbesser will also be responsible for clinical quality and working with providers to ensure continuity of care for the health plan’s members.

“Marcy’s diverse experience in behavioral health and medical settings has made her a natural fit at Network Health,” said Mary Jane McKendry, Network Health vice president of clinical affairs. “Marcy has been instrumental in providing Network Health members with access to behavioral health resources. Her experience and her ability to provide sound leadership make her a real asset to our behavioral health team.”

Morgenbesser joined Network Health in 2005 and held management positions in the health plan’s behavioral health and utilization review teams. Prior to Network Health, Morgenbesser served as a program manager at Tri-City Mental Health Center in Everett, Mass., where she managed a team of 35 staff and was responsible for the clinical and administrative direction of psychiatric services.

Morgenbesser has also held leadership roles in managed care, insurance companies, psychiatric and medical hospitals, multi-site and multi-specialty health centers, mental health clinics, partial hospital programs, day treatment programs, and community residential treatment programs.

Morgenbesser is a LICSW in Massachusetts, and earned a Master’s in Social Work at Boston University School of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts at the State University of New York at Binghamton. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.