Celebrating a legacy of compassion

When LewisGale Medical Center marked the 50th anniversary of its behavioral health program this summer, it wasn’t just a celebration of a service. It was also a tribute to the people who have made compassionate care their life’s work. Among them is Margie Twigg, a licensed professional counselor who has been part of the journey since day one.

Twigg joined the LewisGale team in the 1970’s as a receptionist in the LewisGale Emergency Department (ED), while completing an associate degree in Mental Health Technology. She remembers the early days vividly, watching from the hospital ED as the Roanoke Valley Psychiatric Center was being built and making plans to work there. When the doors opened in 1975, Twigg was among the initial group of employees, and would see the first patients admitted, witnessing firsthand the evolution of mental health care in Southwest Virginia.

“Back in the ’70s, mental health treatment was almost entirely inpatient,” Twigg recalled. “People stayed in the hospital for weeks, sometimes over a month. It was a very different time.”

Now, five decades later, Twigg has seen the field shift toward a more flexible, patient-centered approach. With the addition of Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs), patients today can access care while maintaining many aspects of their daily lives.

“It’s wonderful that people don’t have to leave home to get the help they need. They can continue working or caring for their families while receiving support. That kind of access changes lives,” she said.

While treatment methods and accessibility have evolved, one persistent challenge remains: stigma.

“I think it’s better now than it used to be,” she said thoughtfully. “But we’re still not where we should be. People who seek help for their mental health are often just going through a rough time. It doesn’t define them. I hope we can continue to move forward as a community in how we view mental wellness.”

For Twigg, the work is deeply personal. Over the years, she has built meaningful connections with her patients, some of whom reach out years later just to say thank you.

“Those moments mean everything,” she shared. “A letter, a call, even a short note saying, ‘You helped me through the hardest time of my life’ — that’s what keeps me going. And I’m not alone. We have an incredible staff here, and we all care deeply. I’m truly blessed to be a part of this.”

Twigg’s Education at HCA LewisGale

Education has been an important part of Twigg's journey. After receiving an associate’s degree, she went on to earn a BS in Psychology and in 1985 received a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. After taking additional graduate level courses and completing a two-year residency, Twigg became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2001.

“I was very fortunate to receive help from HCA's tuition assistance when I was in graduate school,” said Twigg. “I am so very grateful for that financial help.”