New Vista is now a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). This innovative model breaks down barriers to access for behavioral healthcare and allows for the mental and physical health of children and adults to be treated in tandem.
With this certification from the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, New Vista will integrate primary care with the mental health and substance use services the organization has provided in Central Kentucky since 1966.
Studies confirm the link between mental and physical wellbeing. To achieve the best outcomes, it is vital to treat the whole person. Plus, an estimated 54 percent of adult Kentuckians with a mental illness did not receive services in the past year, according to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration published in 2020.
This new program, made possible by federal and state funding, allows New Vista to expand services into previously underserved rural areas throughout its 17-county service area, regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. As a CCBHC, New Vista will also add staff and enhance clinical space.
“The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model allows New Vista to further our mission to deliver high quality behavioral healthcare to the communities we serve and increase our ability to make a difference in the lives of Kentuckians,” said Dee Werline, LPP, New Vista President & CEO.
In May of 2020, New Vista was awarded a $2 million grant from the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration to pilot the CCBHC program in Clark, Estill, Fayette, Madison and Powell counties. The pilot program included, among other new programs, the creation of a rural Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team to offer 24/7 assistance to those experiencing serious mental illness.
“Our calling to help our communities and serve their behavioral healthcare needs has never been more vital. At New Vista, we are leading the way, providing whole person care to children, adults and families in Central Kentucky,” said David Hudson, M.D., Chief Medical Officer.
The CCBHC program has now expanded to include Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Mercer, Nicholas, Scott and Woodford counties.
Kentucky was the first state in the United States to implement a state-wide system of Community Mental Health Centers in 1966. For more than 50 years, New Vista has been working to make sure Kentuckians live full, productive, happy lives. The adoption of the CCBHC model is yet another way Kentucky is leading the nation by focusing on the mental health of the Commonwealth as a whole.
For support, questions and to make an appointment, New Vista is here to help 24/7 at 1.800.928.8000.
