Longtime KBH outpatient director Piotti retires

AUGUSTA — Barbara Piotti, LCSW and director of outpatient and substance use disorder services at Kennebec Behavioral Health is retiring after 35 years of service.
Piotti oversaw four different outpatient therapy locations, in Augusta, Waterville, Skowhegan and Farmington. Her last day at KBH was Jan. 5, after more than 47 years of social work service to children, adults and families, 35 of them at KBH.
Piotti trained as a clinical social worker, and graduated with honors from Washington State University in 1973. She came to what was Kennebec Valley Mental Health Center in 1986 as a staff social worker, moving from Cambridge, Mass., to settle in central Maine.
In 1995, she was promoted to director of outpatient services and has maintained the daily care and support of that program up until her retirement.
“So many across KBH and throughout central Maine have benefited from Barbara’s keen clinical skills, wisdom, and compassion,” said a news release from KBH. “She has been a steady colleague, role model, mentor and clinical leader for so many KBH staff over her tenure. Her commitment to clients and the possibility of treatment has been inspiring.
“She was a steady partner for many community stakeholders, especially in her advocacy for the staff and clients of the child welfare system. Barbara will be sorely missed, but her legacy of compassionate practice and commitment to the mission of KBH will remain.”
Piotti is looking forward to having more time with family and friends, the release said.
Jacqueline Charity, LCSW, will take over as director of outpatient and substance use disorder services, and will continue building the legacy of excellent outpatient service at KBH, the release said.