Enterhealth's Recognition as a Finalist for Outstanding Healthcare Organization in D CEO's Awards

Enterhealth Earns Recognition in D CEO's 2026 Excellence in Healthcare Awards

In an impressive display of commitment to healthcare, Enterhealth has been recognized as a finalist for the title of Outstanding Healthcare Organization in D CEO's 2026 Excellence in Healthcare Awards. This North Texas provider specializes in addiction and mental health treatment, and is known for its comprehensive approach to care.

Alongside this honor, Dr. Umar Latif, the Chief Medical Officer, has also been nominated as a finalist for Outstanding Healthcare Practitioner, a reflection of his dedication to the field. Dr. Latif's leadership at Enterhealth has been pivotal since he began his tenure two years ago, where he has made significant strides in patient-centered care.

Founded in 2008 following a personal experience with addiction that impacted the founders' family, Enterhealth has its roots in a sincere belief: there is always a better way to assist individuals and families grappling with addiction and mental health issues. With a focus on the complete person—not just the diagnosis—Enterhealth aims to understand the underlying factors in each patient's journey.

Situated about 50 miles north of downtown Dallas, Enterhealth operates a specialized 38-bed residential treatment facility set on 43 serene acres in Van Alstyne. This environment not only fosters healing but also allows for an intimate patient-to-provider ratio of 3:1. This ratio ensures that the clinical team can engage deeply with patients, tailoring care approaches as individual needs evolve.

In addition to residential treatment, patients have access to outpatient services at the Enterhealth Center of Excellence located in Preston Center. Enterhealth’s model integrates various disciplines, including medical, behavioral health, neuroscience, and essential family support, which collectively aim to enhance recovery outcomes.

The organization's dedication to family involvement is significant; Enterhealth facilitates weekly sessions led by therapists for the loved ones of both current and former patients. Remarkably, these sessions witness high participation rates even after the loved ones complete treatment.

Enterhealth's commitment to tracking the effectiveness of its programs is evident through the Treatment Effectiveness Assessment, a 40-point scale measuring the recovery progress of patients. Impressively, patient scores average a surge from 17.5 upon admission to 35 at discharge—a 100% increase that powerfully reflects positive recovery outcomes.

In a recent initiative, Enterhealth has started a collaboration with the Neuro Performance and Injury Center, targeting trauma patients who require specialized outpatient care. This partnership leverages Enterhealth's expertise in addressing trauma through therapies such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Since the partnership’s commencement, over 100 patients have been referred to Enterhealth, indicating a significant need for their services.

David Kniffen Jr., the president and CEO of Enterhealth, expressed pride in this recognition, stating, "This recognition reflects the people who show up for our patients and families every day... Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process, and our work is to keep finding better ways to meet people where they are."

Dr. Latif, lauded for his compassion and commitment, stated, "The patient's story is one of our most important clinical tools. Addiction is not a failure of willpower. There is a person underneath the condition, and their story helps us understand where to look, while science helps us determine how to respond."

The Excellence in Healthcare Awards have been celebrating impactful contributions to healthcare in North Texas for over a decade, with this year featuring more than 200 nominations. The 77 finalists chosen by D CEO editors and external healthcare experts will be highlighted in the magazine's December issue, culminating in a private awards event on December 10, when winners will be disclosed.

In summary, Enterhealth's recognition by D CEO resonates with its mission to provide innovative and compassionate care for individuals facing addiction and mental health challenges. Their holistic approach, led by capable professionals like Dr. Umar Latif, showcases a robust commitment to patient recovery, embodying the essence of what effective healthcare should be.