Founded in 2012 by Peter J. Pruitt III, Peter James Behavioral Health began as Peter James Development and ​Independent Living.

Pete Pruitt, our Executive Director and CEO, is an Akron native with over 25 years of experience as a respected Special Education ​educator. His passion for helping others stems from a challenging childhood, where he and his mother faced years of verbal and ​physical abuse from his stepfather. Rather than letting these experiences define him negatively, Pete says his stepfather’s behavior ​didn’t influence him to become abusive but taught him what NOT to do and how to treat people.

Pete’s dedication to supporting youth and families has driven his career. He has worked in residential facilities, schools, and ​community settings, empowering individuals and providing the strategies and support they need to live fulfilling lives. In April 2012, ​he opened his first Residential Care Facility in Cleveland, starting with just four residents.

In July 2019, Pete expanded his vision by partnering with his longtime friend, Chris “Beanie” Wells, former NFL player and owner of ​Clara St. LLC, to open additional Residential Care Facilities in Maple Heights and Akron. Through this partnership, Peter James ​Behavioral Health also collaborates with Ohio Home Group Care (CEO Chris Wells), licensed by the Department of Developmental ​Disabilities (DODD), to offer specialized behavioral health services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In March 2020, Peter James Behavioral Health became an Ohio Department of Mental and Addiction Services (OhioMAS) Certified ​Behavioral Health Agency. Recognizing the growing need for quality mental health services, Pete leveraged his educational ​background to address gaps in school-based and community mental health services. His passion for making a difference drives our ​mission to ensure that youth and adults receive the comprehensive care they need.