In a field that demands both clinical expertise and visionary leadership, Dr. Shyanne Anthony has emerged as a transformative force. Recognized as the Best Emerging Leader in Pediatric Mental Health in the USA of 2025 by Best of Best, Dr. Anthony’s innovative approach and deep commitment to transforming the care of vulnerable youth have set her apart as one of the brightest minds in the sector.

As CEO of Perimeter Behavioral of Missouri, Dr. Anthony is leading the charge in reshaping how behavioral health services are provided to youth, particularly those with complex needs. Her leadership has been defined by a singular focus: improving the lives of children and adolescents facing severe behavioral and mental health challenges. Under her guidance, Perimeter has become a beacon of hope and healing for youth traditionally considered "hard to place" due to their complex diagnoses.

At just under 30 years old, Dr. Anthony has already earned a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, become a nationally recognized expert in suicidology, and risen to the top of the behavioral health field. Her achievements are remarkable, but what truly sets her apart is her relentless commitment to advocating for youth, using her platform to drive meaningful, systemic change in how we care for the most vulnerable members of our society.

Innovative Leadership and Clinical Excellence

Dr. Anthony’s leadership at Perimeter Behavioral of Missouri reflects her deep clinical expertise and her vision for a future where all youth—no matter their behavioral complexities—receive the care they deserve. Under her leadership, the facility has expanded its services to treat youth with higher acuity and complex diagnostic presentations, focusing on individualized treatment plans that address the multifaceted needs of each child.

One of the standout achievements during Dr. Anthony’s tenure has been the introduction of a specialized autism treatment program in 2025. This program, designed to meet the critical needs of youth on the autism spectrum, reflects her commitment to closing service gaps and ensuring that no child is left behind. Dr. Anthony’s focus on integrating trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices has made Perimeter a model for other facilities across the country.

“We don’t believe any youth is too complex to treat. We believe they just haven’t been understood yet,” says Dr. Anthony, a sentiment that drives every aspect of her work.

Breaking Barriers and Advocating for Systemic Change

Dr. Anthony’s journey is defined by her determination to break barriers. Not only has she risen to the role of CEO at an impressively young age, but she is also actively working to reform the systems that govern pediatric mental health care. In addition to her work at Perimeter, Dr. Anthony has become a leading voice in suicidology, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of suicidality in youth, especially in high-acuity care settings.

Her groundbreaking research on resilience in children raised by mothers with borderline personality disorder has made a significant impact in the field, shedding light on the mental health outcomes for youth in high-risk familial environments. Dr. Anthony’s work has provided a new framework for understanding the resilience of these children and has shaped her approach to trauma-sensitive care.

Dr. Anthony’s influence reaches beyond the walls of Perimeter. She is working with other residential programs, schools, and state agencies to educate professionals about complex co-occurring disorders and baseline suicidality. Her upcoming enrollment in law school in 2025 is yet another step toward strengthening her ability to advocate for systemic reform in pediatric mental health care.

"My goal has always been simple—learn as much as I can so I can advocate for the kids who rarely get a seat at the table," Dr. Anthony explains.

A Clear Vision for the Future of Pediatric Behavioral Health

Dr. Anthony’s leadership goes beyond managing a successful treatment facility—it’s about setting a national standard for pediatric mental health care. She recognizes that while one facility cannot change the entire system, it can serve as a powerful example of what’s possible when care is rooted in compassion, evidence-based practices, and a commitment to equity.

Her efforts are not limited to expanding Perimeter’s services but also include efforts to elevate the entire field of youth behavioral health. Through collaborations with other providers, schools, and policymakers, Dr. Anthony is actively working to shape the future of care in ways that improve outcomes for all youth, particularly those with complex needs.

"Perimeter of Missouri is more than a program—it’s a proving ground for what pediatric mental health care can look like when you stop accepting ‘good enough’ and start fighting for better," says Dr. Anthony.

An Inspiring Leader with a Relentless Commitment to Change

Dr. Shyanne Anthony’s leadership is a testament to what can be achieved when dedication, clinical expertise, and a passion for advocacy intersect. Her work is transforming the landscape of pediatric behavioral health, and as the Best Emerging Leader in Pediatric Mental Health in the USA of 2025, she is setting the stage for a future where every child receives the care they deserve.

Dr. Anthony’s influence is only growing, and as she continues to challenge outdated systems, advocate for the most vulnerable, and shape the future of behavioral health care, she remains committed to one central mission: to help those in need.