Brentwood, Tenn. (June 30, 2025) – Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network dedicated to making communities healthier, ® is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Nicki Tessler, PsyD, MBA, to the role of president, Lifepoint Behavioral Health, effective June 30. In this role, Dr. Tessler will oversee Lifepoint’s behavioral health division, which includes 25 behavioral health hospitals as well as a robust pipeline of future partnerships and sites of care.
“Nicki is a seasoned executive with a deep understanding of behavioral health and hospital operations,” said Jason Zachariah, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Lifepoint Health. “With an infectious energy for collaboration, growth and innovation, Nicki will be a strong addition to the Lifepoint team. As the behavioral health needs in this country continue to increase and become more complex, we’re committed to investing in and expanding access to these services in the communities we serve across the country. We’re excited to have Nicki join us in leading this effort.”
Dr. Tessler comes to Lifepoint from BeMe Health, a digital behavioral health company focused on the emotional health of teenagers and young adults, where she served as CEO and co-founder. She joined BeMe Health from Universal Health Services, where she served as divisional vice president for behavioral health, and she also previously served as a regional vice president with HCA in Florida.
Nicki began her career as a supervising psychologist at the University of Miami and served in various roles at Jackson Health System and Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital, including director of behavioral health outpatient/strategic partnerships and innovative programs, and ultimately senior vice president and CEO. Dr. Tessler has a doctorate in psychology from the University of Denver, an executive MBA in health sector management and policy from the University of Miami, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from Lynn University and Pepperdine University, respectively. She has previously received numerous recognitions, including Inc.’s Female Founders 500 list (2025), Rock Health’s Top 50 in Digital Health (2024), Slice of Healthcare 50 Under 50 list (2023), and more.
“I’m delighted to join the Lifepoint team during such an important time of growth for both the behavioral health line of business and for the company,” said Dr. Tessler. “I’m looking forward to working with all of our behavioral health leaders and dedicated team members as we work to advance our mission of making communities healthier.”
Nicki lives in Miami, Florida and loves playing pickleball.
