Praxes Behavioral Health was founded by Dan Thorne, a dedicated professional with over 45 years in the mental health field. He has been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California for over 40 years. His journey is not just professional but personal, as he is also a parent of children with special mental health needs. This personal connection has given him a unique perspective and a wealth of experience. He has provided support to both adults and children, helping them to manage their mental health challenges. Over the years, he has also run various mental health and substance use programs, including both residential and outpatient services for people of all ages. Notably, he successfully grew an outpatient agency in Long Beach, California, from just 11 employees to 75, increasing the revenue significantly from $2 million to $7 million.

In 2016, motivated by a desire to empower others, Dan launched Praxes Behavioral Health, which stands for “People Reach Achieve and Excel through Empowerment Strategies.” He developed a unique training program for parents and organizations across California, teaching hundreds of professionals in the field. Praxes has since expanded its training options, now offering over 50 different topics and more than 200 hours of educational content, making many available for purchase online.

As new laws emerged in California to improve care for children and families, more organizations wanted to create innovative programs. Dan rose to the occasion by developing new types of residential care, including Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs and Foster Family Agencies. Responding to clients’ needs, he added grant writing and proposal assistance services to help organizations secure funding.

Since its inception, Praxes Behavioral Health has introduced over 250 innovative programs, trained over 5,000 staff members, and helped various organizations secure over $5 million in funding. The company's commitment to its clients and focus on understanding their unique needs has allowed it to provide tailored, effective services.

Outside of his professional life, Dan is a family man who lives in Westminster, California, with his wife, Sheila, and their two cockapoo girls. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, playing competitive Scrabble, walking the dogs, and writing novels.