Dr. Bienia is a clinical psychologist and a senior policy analyst for the Defense Health Agency (DHA) in the Medical Affairs Directorate in Falls Church, VA. Dr. Bienia has extensive knowledge of empirically supported medical and behavioral treatments used in primary and specialty care settings. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University/Washington D.C. She currently maintains a private practice providing evidence-based mental health services.

Dr. Bienia serves as the DHA program manager for the Complex Pediatric Clinical Community and is the clinical program lead supporting the TRICARE Health Plans for the rapidly evolving Autism Care Demonstration where she implements clinical expertise in program development and oversight for a program that significantly impacts overall Military readiness. She has over ten years of experience working directly with beneficiaries diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as their families and other health care providers.

Dr. Bienia was involved in the Department of Defense publication of the Final Rule in 2016: “TRICARE: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment” that contained comprehensive revisions to the TRICARE regulation for mental health and SUD treatment for all TRICARE eligible beneficiaries. She participated in the overhaul of the TRICARE Program Manual changes that implemented the sweeping rulemaking changes. Dr. Bienia also worked at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in the Adult Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic until 2013 at which time she came over to DHA.

Non-financial relationships: No non-financial relationships have been disclosed.