Pine Grove’s Sexual Addiction Treatment Program Planning Name Change

Pine Grove’s Sexual Addiction Treatment Program Planning Name Change

Sunday, July 14th, 2013

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Pine Grove’s Sexual Addiction Treatment Program Planning Name Change

Sunday, July 14th, 2013

Pine Grove’s Sexual Addiction Treatment Program Planning Name Change

July 11, 2013

Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services announced today that Dr. Patrick Carnes who originated the trade mark name “Gentle Path” will be leaving the Pine Grove system. Pine Grove’s sexual addiction treatment program has been operating under the “Gentle Path” name for 10 years. The noticeable impact on the program will be the departure of the trademark name and Dr. Carnes from Pine Grove. Pine Grove’s Chief Officer, Debbie Sanford, ensures Pine Grove’s position in their overall commitment to behavioral health care, including the treatment of sexual addiction issues. “Our program for sexual addictions, trauma and other intimacy disorder treatment will continue with little change. We have begun strategic planning for a branding program, including a name change, with our focus, as always, centered on ensuring high-quality, cost-effective care for our patients,” said Sanford. She also remarked, “Our longstanding and established reputation of highly trained clinical staff, our current facility and location, and the overall reputation of Pine Grove will remain unchanged.”

Pine Grove and Dr. Carnes opened Gentle Path in Hattiesburg ten years ago, developing a sexual addiction program establishing Pine Grove as a leader in specialized treatment for sexual and intimacy disorders and trauma. “I am grateful to Dr. Carnes for his contribution to Pine Grove, research, and to addiction treatment globally. His dedication and passion for treating addictions has made a great contribution to our industry and to the care of those suffering with sexual addictions,” said Sanford. Pine Grove has posted Dr. Carnes’ letter describing the key factors of his transition plan on their web site.

Dr. Jes Montgomery is the psychiatric medical director for Pine Grove’s sexual addiction program. Having trained and worked closely with Dr. Carnes for over twenty years, Dr. Montgomery’s reputation and expertise in sexual addiction treatment, research and addiction medicine is nationally known, especially by his longstanding history of public speaking, scientific presentations and educational lectures. “I take great pride in the expertise of our clinical team. Their talents, efforts and personal investments remain the core of quality treatment in this area of Pine Grove. I am looking forward continuing to maintain and improve the quality, access and coordination of care for our patients,” said Dr. Montgomery.

Deborah Schiller continues in her role as the Program Director of Pine Grove’s sexual addiction program. Gregory Futral, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist and Clinical Director, who began working at Pine Grove in 2000 will continue to guide the program as they have in the past. Their combined experience in treatment, supervision, and patient care are fundamental to the staff and the development of a world class program.


Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services is an extension of Forrest General Hospital, located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Pine Grove’s world renowned programs focus on treating gender specific chemical addiction including a specialized track for co-occurring eating disorders. Additionally, Pine Grove offers a focused substance abuse healing program for adults age 55 and over. Other Pine Grove specialty programs include a dedicated professional’s treatment curriculum and a comprehensive evaluation center. Pine Grove also features a program for patients with sexual and intimacy disorder issues. Pine Grove was established in 1984 and has provided nationally and internationally recognized health care for over 30 years.

Visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com or call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673) for more information.

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