Protocall Services Welcomes Dr. Ben Locke as New Chief Clinical Officer, Focusing on Behavioral Health Innovation
On October 5, 2026, Protocall Services, a leader in crisis intervention and behavioral health solutions, announced the exciting appointment of Dr. Ben Locke as their Chief Clinical Officer. This transition marks a significant development in Protocall’s commitment to advancing mental health care and technology solutions across a wide array of platforms.
Dr. Locke arrives at Protocall with a wealth of experience in the mental health sector. Previously, he served as the Chief Clinical Officer at Togetherall, one of the world's foremost peer-support platforms for mental health. His extensive career includes nearly two decades at Penn State University, where he was pivotal in the administration of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Notably, he co-founded the Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH), a network that has been influential in understanding college student mental health trends on a national scale.
In his new role at Protocall, Dr. Locke will spearhead initiatives in clinical strategy and quality assurance. He aims to enhance outcomes and service delivery across the organization’s portfolio, which includes higher education, community behavioral health, and various digital health markets. His professional journey reflects a deep commitment to improving access to mental health services and developing innovative, evidence-based practices.
Phil Evans, CEO of Protocall, expressed his confidence in Dr. Locke’s capabilities. He stated, "Ben brings an exceptional combination of clinical leadership, operational experience, research credibility, and technology vision. His career is marked by a dedication to enhancing accessibility and quality in behavioral health services, which aligns perfectly with Protocall’s mission to cater to the evolving needs of the communities we serve."
Furthermore, Dr. Locke’s connection to Togetherall, a primary partner of Protocall, is seen as an advantage that will further strengthen the collaborative efforts in enhancing mental health support for clients. He has acknowledged the long-standing reputation of Protocall for its dedication to clinical excellence and technological innovation.
"Over the past years," Dr. Locke noted, "I have developed tremendous respect for Protocall, particularly their commitment to crisis response and mental health solutions. I am excited to join a team that is mission-driven and focused on impactful innovations in behavioral health."
Dr. Locke takes over from Brad Pendergraft, LCSW, who has decided to retire after nearly two decades of dedicated service at Protocall. Throughout his tenure, Brad played a crucial role in shaping the organization’s vision and operational strategies, focusing on improving counselor training and integrating technology into mental health practices.
Evans paid tribute to Brad by stating, "His influence has been profound across multiple eras of Protocall’s journey. As Ben steps into the Chief Clinical Officer role, we are fortunate that Brad will continue to provide his expertise as a Clinical Consultant, focusing on the responsible integration of AI and emerging technologies in our practices."
Founded in 1992, Protocall Services has evolved into a robust network providing mental health support across various sectors, including educational institutions and community organizations. The goal has always remained clear—ensuring accessible and high-quality mental health services for everyone in need. As Protocall embarks on this new chapter with Dr. Ben Locke at the helm of clinical operations, stakeholders anticipate significant advancements in their service offerings and overall impact on community mental health care.
Dr. Locke arrives at Protocall with a wealth of experience in the mental health sector. Previously, he served as the Chief Clinical Officer at Togetherall, one of the world's foremost peer-support platforms for mental health. His extensive career includes nearly two decades at Penn State University, where he was pivotal in the administration of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Notably, he co-founded the Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH), a network that has been influential in understanding college student mental health trends on a national scale.
In his new role at Protocall, Dr. Locke will spearhead initiatives in clinical strategy and quality assurance. He aims to enhance outcomes and service delivery across the organization’s portfolio, which includes higher education, community behavioral health, and various digital health markets. His professional journey reflects a deep commitment to improving access to mental health services and developing innovative, evidence-based practices.
Phil Evans, CEO of Protocall, expressed his confidence in Dr. Locke’s capabilities. He stated, "Ben brings an exceptional combination of clinical leadership, operational experience, research credibility, and technology vision. His career is marked by a dedication to enhancing accessibility and quality in behavioral health services, which aligns perfectly with Protocall’s mission to cater to the evolving needs of the communities we serve."
Furthermore, Dr. Locke’s connection to Togetherall, a primary partner of Protocall, is seen as an advantage that will further strengthen the collaborative efforts in enhancing mental health support for clients. He has acknowledged the long-standing reputation of Protocall for its dedication to clinical excellence and technological innovation.
"Over the past years," Dr. Locke noted, "I have developed tremendous respect for Protocall, particularly their commitment to crisis response and mental health solutions. I am excited to join a team that is mission-driven and focused on impactful innovations in behavioral health."
Dr. Locke takes over from Brad Pendergraft, LCSW, who has decided to retire after nearly two decades of dedicated service at Protocall. Throughout his tenure, Brad played a crucial role in shaping the organization’s vision and operational strategies, focusing on improving counselor training and integrating technology into mental health practices.
Evans paid tribute to Brad by stating, "His influence has been profound across multiple eras of Protocall’s journey. As Ben steps into the Chief Clinical Officer role, we are fortunate that Brad will continue to provide his expertise as a Clinical Consultant, focusing on the responsible integration of AI and emerging technologies in our practices."
Founded in 1992, Protocall Services has evolved into a robust network providing mental health support across various sectors, including educational institutions and community organizations. The goal has always remained clear—ensuring accessible and high-quality mental health services for everyone in need. As Protocall embarks on this new chapter with Dr. Ben Locke at the helm of clinical operations, stakeholders anticipate significant advancements in their service offerings and overall impact on community mental health care.
Topics Health）
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