Published on February 16, 2026

Concord Hospital Earns 2026 Evernorth Behavioral Health Center of Excellence Designation for Adult Inpatient Mental Health Care

CONCORD, NH – Concord Hospital (CH) has been recognized as a 2026 Evernorth Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (COE) for Mental Health – Adult at the inpatient level of care, a distinction that highlights the hospital’s commitment to high-quality, coordinated, and cost-effective behavioral health treatment.

Concord Hospital's 5 West inpatient psychiatric unit staff posing for a picture

The staff of Concord Hospital’s 5 West inpatient psychiatric unit earned the 2026 Evernorth Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (COE) for Mental Health – Adult at the inpatient level of care, a distinction that highlights the hospital’s commitment to high-quality, coordinated, and cost-effective behavioral health treatment.

"Committed clinicians from Riverbend and Concord Hospital work together every day to help those in our community in need of mental health care," said Lisa K. Madden, vice president of behavioral health at Concord Hospital and president and CEO of Riverbend Community Mental Health.

"Both of our organizations also strive to ensure a seamless pathway of care between both of our organizations. It's deeply gratifying to receive recognition of this kind based on data and measurement and our continued commitment."

The Evernorth Behavioral Health COE designation evaluates facilities nationwide using a rigorous clinical framework that emphasizes continuity of care as a critical factor in achieving positive outcomes for individuals receiving treatment for mental health and substance use conditions.

“Receiving Evernorth’s Center of Excellence designation is a meaningful recognition of our team’s dedication to delivering high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health care. Our staff work collaboratively across nursing, behavioral health, care coordination and strong community partnerships to ensure patients receive seamless, coordinated treatment that extends beyond hospitalization,” said CH’s Director of Behavioral Health Services, Terri Kotrady, MSN, RN, PMH-BC.

Concord Hospital’s inpatient adult mental health program achieved strong results across key Evernorth quality measures, including:

  • Seven-day ambulatory follow-up: 50% of patients connected with outpatient behavioral health care within seven days of discharge
  • Sustained follow-up: 40% of patients completed at least two additional outpatient visits within 28 days of discharge
  • Readmission rate: 100% of patients avoided readmission within 60 days
  • Emergency department utilization: 100% of patients avoided a behavioral health-related ED visit within 30 days of discharge

The hospital also met Evernorth’s cost-efficiency and utilization standards, supporting 20 unique adult mental health treatment episodes with an average cost per admission of $5,580, excluding physician charges.

“We know that continuity of care is essential to supporting long-term recovery and stability, and this distinction reflects our commitment to helping individuals achieve positive, sustainable outcomes,” added Kotrady.  “I am incredibly proud of the care that our team delivers.”