Dakota Carter, MD, EdD, FAPA

Chief Behavioral Health Officer

Dakota Carter, MD, EdD, FAPA is a nationally recognized physician leader and entrepreneur with a track record of advancing mental health, addiction, and dual-diagnosis care. Triple board-certified in General/Adult Psychiatry, Child/Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine, he completed residency and fellowship training at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston/McGovern Medical School while successfully building and operating a thriving private practice and healthcare business.

A fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Dr. Carter has served as Chief Medical Officer/Medical Director for behavioral health programs across the country, leading large-scale quality, growth, and innovation initiatives. Passionate about education, he earned a second doctorate—a Doctor of Education from the University of Houston—and has developed nationally adopted curricula for medical schools and residency/fellowship programs. His scholarly work includes authoring the landmark textbook Cultural Competency with Children, Adolescents, and Families and publishing extensively on psychiatric care, policy, and training.

Dr. Carter’s leadership has shaped care delivery at the local, state, and national levels through service on high-impact committees for the APA and the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training (AADPRT). His career is defined by a rare blend of clinical expertise, executive acumen, and a commitment to expanding access to high-quality, culturally competent care to the patients that need it the most.

Outside of his professional work, he is an avid gardener and enjoys traveling with his husband, Cody, and their daughter, Kayden.