Phuong Cardoza

Phuong Cardoza is a highly respected healthcare executive with a proven track record of leadership and innovation in behavioral health. Currently, as the Group Director and CEO at West Oaks Hospital, Cardoza provides strategic oversight for several psychiatric hospitals serving diverse communities across Texas and New Mexico. A licensed professional counselor with a master’s degree in clinical psychology, she brings deep clinical knowledge and a patient-focused approach to all aspects of administration.

Cardoza’s career in hospital mental health began in 2009, giving her a front-line perspective on the challenges and opportunities within behavioral healthcare. She quickly advanced into leadership roles, including Director of Admission and Utilization Review and then Chief Operating Officer, where her ability to combine operational efficiency with compassionate care became evident. In these early leadership positions, Cardoza developed expertise in process improvement, regulatory compliance, and creating environments where both patients and staff could thrive.

By 2017, Cardoza had earned her first CEO appointment at Cypress Creek Hospital, where she implemented initiatives that led to record improvements in care quality and hospital performance. Her leadership journey continued as CEO of El Paso Behavioral Health System in 2019, and more recently as CEO of West Oaks Hospital in 2024. In each organization, Cardoza has been recognized for her transformative impact, earning two Chairman’s Council Awards and the prestigious Eagle Award for operational and quality excellence.

Her passion is rooted in a commitment to helping vulnerable populations access high-quality mental health care. Cardoza believes that, as an administrator, she has the unique privilege and responsibility to make positive, large-scale changes that benefit both patients and staff. She takes a hands-on approach, remaining accessible and involved with teams at all levels, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Throughout her career, Cardoza has advocated for the ongoing professional development of her staff, championed evidence-based innovations in clinical practice, and worked tirelessly to improve access to mental health services in underserved areas. Her leadership is marked by her ability to balance organizational objectives with compassion for individuals—a quality that inspires those around her to strive for excellence.

Outside of her professional life, Cardoza is a lifelong learner, always seeking new knowledge and insights to bring back to her teams and communities. She is committed to leaving a lasting, positive impact on the field of behavioral health, continually motivated by the belief that every day presents an opportunity to do meaningful work and touch lives for the better.