Brenda Cibulas appointed DBHDD Division Director for Behavioral Health

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Commissioner Kevin Tanner on Monday announced the addition of Brenda Cibulas as the Department’s new Director of Behavioral Health.

Cibulas fills the role previously held by Monica Johnson, the Department’s former interim commissioner and director of behavioral health. Johnson is now the head of the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s 9-8-8 and Behavioral Health Crisis Coordinating Office.

Cibulas is an ANCC-certified specialist in psychiatric/mental health nursing and an advanced registered nurse practitioner (APRN). Before joining DBHDD, she served as the Director of Behavioral Health for the Georgia Primary Care Association and as Director of Behavioral Health and Social Services at Mercy Care Atlanta.

Cibulas also had a long tenure with the DeKalb Community Service Board serving as the Chief Clinical Officer and other administrative and clinical positions.

"Brenda’s many years of experience in the public and private sectors of behavioral health will bring an incredible amount of knowledge and hands-on experience to our agency,” Tanner said. "Brenda joins us at an excellent time as we continue to expand our behavioral health services across the state."

Cibulas received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Indiana University in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and a Master of Science degree in psychiatric/mental health nursing from Georgia State University in Atlanta. She resides in Cobb County with her husband.

# - If anyone you know needs help related to mental health, substance use, or intellectual and developmental disabilities immediate assistance is available 24/7/365. Please call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 1-800-715-4225.

## - The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that supports people with mental health needs, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our vision is easy access to high-quality care that leads to a life of recovery and independence for the people we serve.