First Emergency Services Clinician of the Year
June 2026 — Susan D. Smith-Leland, a longtime Emergency Services clinician with Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Behavioral Health, has been recognized as the first-ever Emergency Services Clinician of the Year at the 2026 Emergency Services Conference, honoring nearly four decades of dedicated service to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises across Virginia.
Smith-Leland received the inaugural award in June in recognition of her 38 years as one of approximately 700 certified Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) Preadmission Screeners. Throughout her career, she has played a vital role in ensuring individuals in crisis receive timely, appropriate care while helping strengthen Virginia's emergency behavioral health response system.
As an Emergency Services clinician at Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Behavioral Health, Smith-Leland has earned the respect of colleagues and community partners for her unwavering professionalism, clinical expertise, and compassionate approach. Her work extends beyond assessing individuals in crisis, fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies, hospitals, magistrates, and community providers to ensure coordinated and effective responses during some of the most challenging situations.
Over the course of her career, Smith-Leland has witnessed—and helped shape—the evolution of Virginia's Emergency Services system. Her preadmission screenings are recognized for being thorough, clinically sound, and able to withstand legal and judicial review. Colleagues describe her as a calm and trusted presence whose extensive knowledge and steady leadership provide confidence during high-pressure situations.
Her ability to balance compassion with clinical integrity has made her an invaluable resource for both clients ad fellow clinicians. Whether navigating complex cases, managing provider disagreements, addressing law enforcement concerns, or overcoming delays in care, Smith-Leland consistently brings professionalism, structure, and collaboration to every situation.
In addition to her direct work with clients and families, Smith-Leland has mentored generations of Emergency Services clinicians. Her guidance has helped develop the skills and confidence of countless professionals, contributing to the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of crisis services throughout the region.
The Emergency Services Clinician of the Year award recognizes not only Smith-Leland's longevity in the field but also the profound and lasting impact she has made on clients, families, colleagues, and Virginia's behavioral health crisis response system. As the first recipient of this statewide honor, her recognition celebrates a career defined by service, leadership, and an enduring commitment to caring for some of the community's most vulnerable individuals.