Our History

Bridging Gaps in Behavioral Health

The Birth of NMLR

Founded in 2018 by Jeremy Lihte, a passionate advocate born and raised in New Mexico, New Mexico Leaders in Recovery (NMLR) is a pioneering behavioral health provider network committed to transforming the landscape of addiction recovery. Inspired by his own experiences with addiction, trauma, and homelessness, Jeremy created NMLR to enhance access to comprehensive, quality care through strategic community partnerships.

At NMLR, our mission is to enhance access to comprehensive, quality care through strategic community partnerships and innovative service delivery. We collaborate with state government, outpatient, and residential addiction and behavioral health treatment centers to bridge service gaps and improve client outcomes. Our network encompasses a wide range of services, from initial client engagement and intake to long-term recovery support.

  • NMLR is a cohesive network of professionals who believe in treating each client’s underlying and core ailments to help them heal spiritually, mentally, and physically with the proper skills to continue their path with the best chance for success. NM Leaders exists as a community-based continuum of care knowing that no one person can provide the wrap-around services needed by our community members.

  • New Mexico Leaders in Recovery’s mission is to provide supportive, and compassionate networks of care to those who are suffering from addiction and mental health through creating a space of collaboration and support to treatment providers and stakeholders.

  • To ensure residents of New Mexico and the surrounding areas have access to optimal substance abuse and behavioral health services. Leading and setting the standard for kindness, integrity and ethical professional relations and practices throughout New Mexico.

    1. Avoid the words “I don’t know how to help” to someone in need of behavioral health services through working together to maintain an open line of communication and education across providers and treatment advocates.

    2. Support and promote growth in behavioral health providers and services.

    3. Educate outside entities on the specialties that our members offer, implement, and improve BH services being rendered by non-primary BH providers i.e., hospitals and government entities.

    4. Support the larger community using the New Mexico Leaders in Recovery platform to hold and/or promote relevant events, such as fundraisers, educational events, or community gatherings.

    5. Facilitate the discussion of needs in our communities to create progress and bring about change.

    6. Achieve positive results by operating with integrity, honesty, and an ethical approach in all operations.

New Mexico Leaders in Recovery is more than a network—it's a movement towards a healthier, more resilient community. We are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve, fostering hope, and supporting the journey to recovery for all New Mexicans as one community.

At the Forefront of Recovery

Our commitment extends beyond traditional treatment approaches. NMLR assists in the support, bolstering, connectivity, and management of the state's Local Collaboratives (LCs), ensuring that behavioral health services are effectively coordinated and responsive to community needs. Through our work with LCs, we help identify service gaps, coordinate care across health systems, and provide valuable input to state and local stakeholders.

Additionally, NMLR maintains an active email group that encompasses the entire network, facilitating real-time case management, care coordination, and navigation of services for individuals struggling to find proper and timely care. This resource allows our network to respond swiftly and efficiently to the needs of our clients, ensuring they receive the appropriate support when they need it most.

With a focus on holistic, client-centered care, NMLR integrates peer support, experiential therapies, and innovative service delivery models to enhance client engagement and support throughout their recovery journey. Our network's strength lies in the collaboration of dedicated professionals, including certified peer support workers, medical providers, and administrative staff, all united by a common goal: to empower individuals and families affected by addiction and behavioral health challenges.

Continuing Our Mission

Are you a dedicated provider, stakeholder, or community member in the behavioral health and addiction recovery field? New Mexico Leaders in Recovery invites you to join our growing network! Whether you’re interested in becoming a member or joining our email group, NMLR is an invaluable resource for real-time case management, care coordination, and service navigation.

Become a Member

When you become a member, you will be included in our quarterly printed and distributed resource guides, sponsored by Zia Recovery, Turning Point Recovery, and Santa Fe Recovery. These guides reach a wide audience, connecting individuals and families to essential services and support across New Mexico. 

Benefits:

  • Visibility: Increase your organization's visibility and reach within the community.

  • Networking: Connect with other providers and stakeholders dedicated to improving behavioral health services.

  • Impact: Be part of a movement towards a healthier, more resilient community.

Join Our Email Group

Are you looking for resources to help navigate your patients or community members into care? Join our dynamic email group to stay connected with the New Mexico Leaders in Recovery network.

Benefits:

  • Resources: Gain access to a wealth of resources and information to support your patients and community members.

  • Support: Receive timely assistance and guidance from a network of dedicated professionals.

  • Collaboration: Collaborate with peers to overcome challenges and improve care outcomes.

Join us in transforming the landscape of behavioral health and addiction recovery in New Mexico!