Thad Koontz, M.D., PhD, CEO, CMO

Dr. Thadeus Koontz is the CEO of Human Supports of Idaho and the founder of Helicase, bringing a unique blend of clinical and research experience, and compassionate leadership to the field of behavioral health. His work is driven by a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families through science-based, person-centered medicine.

Dr. Koontz earned his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University and went on to complete both his M.D. and Ph.D. in Neurobiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He continued his medical training at Duke University, completing a research-track residency where he received prestigious grants from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Nugen to study potential infectious causes of multiple sclerosis. His early work in virology and neurobiology laid the foundation for his commitment to understanding the connection between physical and mental health.

Before acquiring Human Supports of Idaho, Dr. Koontz served as Medical Director at Idaho State Hospital North, Medical Director at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Regional Medical Director for Behavioral Health Solutions and Physician for the County of Santa Barbara, CA. He is the Principal at Helicase LLC, where he continues to develop innovative approaches that bridge molecular science and clinical practice.

Dr. Koontz’s dedication to patient-centered care is influenced by personal experiences with family and community. He understands that everyone at some point in their life will face a mental health crisis, either personally or with a family member. Making evidence-based diagnostics and treatment accessible to all patients—especially those facing complex or unexplained mental-health and medical conditions is his mission in leading Human Supports of Idaho.

When he’s not working, Dr. Koontz enjoys spending time with his family and their dogs, exploring Idaho’s outdoors, and pursuing his passion for diesel engines.