Rick Gertsema has dedicated over 40 years to the mental health field, working in a diverse range of settings and continually expanding his expertise. For the past 25 years, he has played pivotal behavioral health roles in the Essentia Health System, where he has spent a decade in leadership positions. Notably, he served for three years as the Manager for Outpatient Behavioral Health for Essentia Health’s East Region, overseeing critical mental health services and initiatives.

In addition to his extensive clinical experience, Gertsema is also an accomplished author. His book, Peaceful and Practical Parenting, offers valuable insights and strategies for fostering healthy family dynamics. Gertsema’s comprehensive approach to mental health, combined with his commitment to education and leadership, has made a lasting impact on the communities he serves.