Dr. Justin J. Trevino is a nationally respected physician executive whose career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of individuals affected by mental health and substance use disorders. Justin has spent more than three decades working at the intersection of clinical care, public health policy, and organizational leadership, building a legacy rooted in service, compassion, and measurable impact. His professional journey reflects not only deep medical expertise but also a personal mission to contribute meaningfully to society and help create systems that better serve those in need.
From the earliest stages of his academic journey, Justin distinguished himself through exceptional discipline and intellectual curiosity. Dr. Trevino earned his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Trinity University, graduating summa cum laude and earning membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to pursue his Doctor of Medicine at Wright State University School of Medicine. There, Justin graduated first in his class, earning recognition in the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. These early accomplishments laid the foundation for a career characterized by excellence, leadership, and continuous growth.
Dr. Trevino’s early life experiences shadowing his psychiatrist father in work settings, in addition to the rich clinical training experiences he participated in throughout his psychiatry residency programs, provided the framework for his lifelong dedication to behavioral healthcare. Justin started his residency training at the Institute of Living in Hartford, Connecticut, and completed his training at Wright State University. He developed a comprehensive and compassionate approach to treating individuals with complex psychiatric and substance use conditions. Over time, Dr. Trevino expanded his expertise by becoming board-certified in both Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry, maintaining his credentials through ongoing education and professional engagement.
In the early years of his career, Justin established a strong clinical presence through private practice and hospital-based roles. Dr. Trevino provided general adult psychiatric care in both inpatient and outpatient settings,, contributed to residential substance use treatment programs, and supported specialized services such as electroconvulsive therapy. During this time, Justin developed a deep understanding of patient needs while also recognizing the importance of system-level improvements necessary to enhance care delivery and positive long-term outcomes.
As his career progressed, Dr. Trevino transitioned into leadership roles that allowed him to expand his impact beyond individual patient care. Justin served in multiple medical director and executive leadership positions, where he demonstrated an ability to guide multidisciplinary teams, improve clinical operations, and implement innovative treatment approaches. His work as a Chief Clinical Officer at State-Operated Psychiatric Hospitals further highlights Justin’s strength in managing complex healthcare systems while maintaining a focus on quality, safety, and patient-centered care.
Dr. Trevino’s leadership reached a statewide level during his nearly nine-year tenure with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Justin served as initially as Department Assistant Medical Director and then Medical Director, overseeing clinical operations across six state psychiatric hospitals and shaping policies that influenced behavioral health services throughout Ohio. In this role, Dr. Trevino played a pivotal part in advancing initiatives related to the opioid crisis, suicide prevention, telehealth expansion, and integrated care models, demonstrating both strategic vision and operational excellence.
A defining characteristic of Justin’s leadership is his ability to collaborate across agencies and disciplines. In his roles with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Dr. Trevino worked closely with several other state departments including Medicaid, Public Health, Veterans Services, and Public Safety, ensuring that behavioral health considerations were integrated into broader healthcare and policy frameworks. Justin’s leadership in initiatives such as the OpenBeds referral network and forensic system improvements reflects his commitment to innovation, accessibility, and coordinated care. State medical director peers chose him to serve on the leadership council of the Medical Director division of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, initially as Secretary and then as vice- chair of the council.
In addition to his administrative accomplishments, Dr. Trevino has remained deeply engaged in education and mentorship. Justin has held faculty appointments in the Departments of Psychiatry at both Wright State University and The Ohio State University, where he has trained medical students and psychiatric residents. His dedication to teaching is further evidenced by the more than 150 professional presentations he has delivered, covering topics such as addiction treatment, psychopharmacology, dual diagnosis, and suicide prevention.
Dr. Trevino has also contributed significantly to the academic and professional literature within his field. Justin has authored and reviewed articles for respected medical journals and served as a clinical editor for the British Medical Journal’s decision-support platform. His work as a peer reviewer and contributor reflects a commitment to advancing evidence-based practices and supporting the broader medical community in delivering high-quality care.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Justin is driven by a deeply personal mission to make a meaningful difference. Dr. Trevino seeks opportunities to apply his extensive experience in ways that support organizations, strengthen teams, and improve lives. He is particularly passionate about contributing his knowledge to initiatives that promote wellness, reduce suffering, and create lasting positive change within communities.
Dr. Trevino’s career stands as a testament to the power of combining clinical expertise with strategic leadership and compassionate purpose. Justin brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience across clinical, academic, and governmental settings. As he looks toward board service and advisory roles, Dr. Trevino offers not only his expertise but also his energy, dedication, and commitment to making the world a better place.
Character:
Dr. Trevino demonstrates integrity through a lifelong dedication to serving individuals with mental health and substance use conditions. Justin consistently approaches his work with compassion, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility to the communities he serves. His commitment to meaningful impact reflects a deeply rooted ethical foundation and personal drive to help others.
Knowledge:
He possesses extensive expertise in psychiatry, addiction medicine, and healthcare systems developed over more than 35 years of experience. Dr. Trevino’s academic achievements and continued professional engagement highlight his commitment to lifelong learning and excellence. He effectively applies his knowledge to both clinical practice and large-scale system improvement.
Strategic:
Justin has demonstrated a strong ability to lead complex organizations and implement initiatives that improve healthcare access and outcomes. Justin approaches challenges with a systems-level mindset, identifying innovative solutions that drive sustainable change. His leadership in statewide policy and cross-agency collaboration reflects a clear and forward-thinking strategic vision.
Communication:
A skilled communicator who has delivered numerous presentations and contributed to professional publications throughout his career. Dr. Trevino has the ability to translate complex clinical and policy concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences. His communication style fosters collaboration, builds trust, and supports effective decision-making.
