Connecting Metro Detroit to Faster, More Collaborative Outpatient Care

In behavioral health, referrals aren’t just logistics, they’re a lifeline. When a client is ready for care, delays and uncertainty can cost momentum, safety, and hope. That’s why River’s Bend partners closely with professionals across Metro Detroit, offering clear pathways into evidence-based outpatient treatment and responsive communication that supports continuity of care.

At the center of those partnerships is Cheryl Narduzzi, B.S., Business Development Liaison. With more than 12 years of experience in behavioral health, Cheryl helps referral partners across Troy, West Bloomfield, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Royal Oak, Clawson, Berkley, Madison Heights, Sterling Heights, Novi, Farmington Hills, and throughout Oakland County and Macomb County connect people to the right level of care—quickly, compassionately, and with clarity.

Her role is simple in theory, powerful in practice: make it easier for professionals to help people get the support they need—without losing time, trust, or the therapeutic relationship already built.

Meet Cheryl Narduzzi, B.S., Business Development Liaison

Cheryl brings a blend of business expertise and mission-driven service to her work. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and has a strong background in sales, marketing, customer service, and strategic growth—skills she uses every day to strengthen relationships and streamline access to care.

What distinguishes Cheryl most is how personally she takes the work. She’s deeply committed to helping individuals and families find support during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. As a community-facing liaison, she offers education and resources, answers questions, and helps referral sources feel confident that their clients will be treated with dignity, clinical excellence, and respect.

Outside of River’s Bend, Cheryl enjoys cooking, golfing, and spending time with her husband and two dogs.

Three Pillars of Cheryl’s Partnership Approach: Access, Communication, Trust

Like many River’s Bend leaders, Cheryl’s impact is built on values, not just responsibilities. Her work with referral partners across Southeast Michigan often centers on three key pillars:

1) Access: Fast, flexible pathways into outpatient care

When your client is ready, timing matters. River’s Bend offers virtual and in-person outpatient programs with daytime and evening options, helping reduce delays that can lead to worsening symptoms, relapse risk, or missed opportunities for engagement.

Cheryl helps partners understand which level of care fits best, including:

2) Communication: You’re not “handing off” care—you’re collaborating

One of the most common concerns referring providers share is:
“Once I refer someone, I don’t know what’s happening.”

River’s Bend is committed to being a true extension of your care. With appropriate consent, we prioritize ongoing communication, updates, and coordination, so referral partners stay connected to the treatment process rather than wondering from a distance.

3) Trust: Protecting the relationship you’ve built

Cheryl understands that referrals are rooted in trust, between you and your client, and between you and the provider you choose. River’s Bend honors that trust by prioritizing continuity of care whenever clinically appropriate, including returning clients to their original providers after completing a higher level of outpatient programming.

What Cheryl Supports Across Oakland County and Beyond

Cheryl works with a wide range of partners throughout Metro Detroit, including:

clinical professionals (therapists, psychiatrists, group practices)
schools and student support teams
medical staff and hospital discharge planners
managed care organizations
EAP and labor representatives
employers and HR teams
ERs and crisis centers
substance use and mental health providers
law enforcement and court officials

Her goal is to make referrals feel less like a maze and more like a straightforward next step—especially when clients need structured care beyond weekly outpatient therapy.

Why Referral Partners Trust River’s Bend for Step-Down Support

River’s Bend has served the community since 1995, providing evidence-based outpatient care for mental health and substance use disorders, including co-occurring needs.

For discharge planners and crisis teams, step-down or up planning is one of the most critical moments in recovery. Without structured follow-up, people leaving inpatient treatment, detox, or emergency intervention can be at higher risk of relapse or rehospitalization. River’s Bend helps bridge that gap through customized step-down/up treatment planning, including PHP and IOP options designed to stabilize and sustain progress.

PHP at River’s Bend offers structured, weekday programming (Monday–Friday, 9:00am–3:30pm) for clients needing a more intensive level of support, while still returning home each day. IOP provides ongoing, structured therapy multiple times per week with flexible scheduling that supports real life—work, school, and family responsibilities.

Community Outreach That Makes Care Easier to Find

Cheryl is active at community events and professional touchpoints across the region, serving as a trusted liaison for professionals, and for anyone who simply needs direction or support.

If you’ve ever had a moment where you thought, “I’m not sure what to recommend next, but I know weekly therapy isn’t enough,” Cheryl is exactly who you can call. She’ll help you understand options, coordinate next steps, and connect your client to timely care.

Connect with Cheryl Today