Rusty Gray

Rusty is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 26 years of experience in the State of Georgia, specializing in the treatment of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Experienced in both clinical and administrative roles across the public sector, private practice, and criminal justice systems. After earning a Master’s degree in Psychology, Rusty worked with adolescents facing behavioral and substance use issues at Youth Villages, eventually becoming Coordinator of Substance Use Treatment.

Rusty has worked as the Director of Substance Abuse and Mental Health for the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles, and in 2001, was appointed State Director for Spectrum Health Systems, managing RSAT programs within Georgia’s correctional system. From 2012 to 2023,  Rusty held the position of Vice President of Clinical Services at St. Jude’s Recovery Center (now Ascensa Health), where he  oversaw detox, residential, outpatient, and supportive housing programs contracted through the DBHDD.

Since 2023, Rusty has focused on private practice and serves part-time with The Extension, returning out of a continued passion for serving individuals with substance use and mental health challenges. Rusty holds certifications as a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS) and is an Approved DUI Evaluator in Georgia. Throughout his career, has served on advisory boards and provided professional training and education to agencies and justice system personnel at the local and state level.