KANKAKEE — Dr. Raymond Garcia, Chief Medical Officer at Rosecrance Behavioral Health, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

 

The national honor recognizes psychiatrists who go above and beyond in advancing mental health care through advocacy, education, and a commitment to treating the whole person. Award recipients are known for improving access to care, supporting research, and helping individuals and families better understand and navigate mental health conditions.

 

Garcia’s work spans clinical care, education, and community outreach. In addition to his leadership role at Rosecrance, he serves as an educator at the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Rockford, where he helps train the next generation of physicians. Across all settings, colleagues say he brings a consistent focus on dignity, respect, and the belief that recovery is possible.

 

Clients describe Garcia as collaborative and compassionate.

 

“He works with me to decide what’s best for my needs,” one of his clients said. “I cannot express how grateful I am to have someone like him. He is just the best psychiatrist.”

 

Even while serving in multiple leadership roles, Garcia remains closely connected to client care, delivering evidence-based treatment that also considers the social and environmental factors shaping recovery. He is also a vocal advocate for reducing stigma, regularly speaking in community and professional settings to promote understanding of mental health and substance use disorders.

 

Through his work as a physician, educator, mentor, and advocate, Garcia continues to make a lasting impact on individuals, families, and the broader mental health community.

 

“Dr. Garcia is an exceptional physician and a true servant leader,” said Dr. Dave Gomel, CEO of Rosecrance Behavioral Health. “His kindness, integrity, and commitment to serving others are evident in everything he does, both professionally and personally. I’m incredibly proud to see him recognized for the impact he continues to make.”

 

 

CONTACT:

Lindsey Salvatelli

Rosecrance Behavioral Health

815.387.5634

lsalvatelli@rosecrance.org

 

 

About Rosecrance

Founded in 1916, Rosecrance is an integrated network of behavioral health services with a community of 1,400 compassionate professionals caring for and supporting more than 70,000 people each year at 70 locations in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana. For more information, visit rosecrance.org or call us at 888.928.5278.

 

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