The Department of Mental Health appears to have made a decision when it comes to selecting a new company to take over therapeutic group home services for children with behavioral challenges. KUAM News recently learned that after three failed requests for proposals, the department finally decided to award the bid to Dr. Marc Zackheim's associates in clinical psychology.


This means Latte Treatment and Dr. Luis Valdez, who have been providing treatment, will likely stop by the New Year, meaning significant changes in store for the children of the group home. Latte meanwhile is still owed in excess of $300,000 for services rendered. The company can appeal or protest the award of the contract; they have until Christmas Eve to do so.


Mental Health director Dr. Andrea Leitheiser has not returned calls for comment to both KUAM and her oversight chair, Senator Frank Blas, Jr. Blas has scheduled an oversight hearing on the matter after January 1.