Richard Rodriguez

Richard Rodriguez has well over 20 years of experience in behavioral health care and currently serves as Director of Behavioral Health Network Services for Optum. He has been active in the development and design of programs to build and nurture positive relationships between the health plan and behavioral health providers (physician, hospital, ancillary, etc.). Responsibilities have also included directing and implementing strategic network initiatives relating to the development and management of provider networks in the California market, identifying gaps and shortfalls in network composition and services to assist consumers in accessing behavioral health care. Mr. Rodriguez spent his early career working for non-profit community health programs including overseeing an agency HIV testing site, program planning, community outreach and direct treatment. Mr. Rodriguez holds a Master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he was awarded a fellowship and teaching assistantship during his tenor. Outside of work, Mr. Rodriguez spends his time with his partner and Lab mix (only recently finding out she is Akita and Shar-Pei) enjoying the historic naval base in Alameda, CA, gardening and playing softball.