FEATURES NEW MODELS OFCARE
“ We focus on quality care. The client can see as much of us as they need to see. We can take them to their appointments. We go above and beyond to provide quality and consistent care." — LARRAINE STEHLIK
OhioGuidestone is changing behavioral health. By Joanne Cahill
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26 COMMUNITY LEADER | FEBRUARY 2024
locations throughout the state. Founded in 1864 in Berea, it is the state’s leader in community behavioral health with 39 locations throughout Ohio. The agency also provides job training services and helps young people in the residential, foster care and juvenile justice systems. In fact, a significant number of OhioGuidestone clients are young people aging out of the foster care system. Now, the agency is rolling out a new federally funded CCBHC model of care designed to improve the way people receive mental health and substance use disorder services. The innovative national care model mandates that services are provided quickly and that no one can be turned away for any reason. In addition, patients receive help coordinating with other needed support like primary care or social services. Larraine Stehlik, regional director of OhioGuidestone’s Adult and Recovery Services, laid out the four key
components that set the CCBHC model apart. First, access to care is a priority. No one can be turned away for any reason. In addition, crisis services are available for those in need 24/7. The program delivers access to basic needs impacted by social drivers of health such as food, transportation, employment and housing. Finally, care coordination is a key component to helping organize all needed services. “We focus on quality care,” she explains. “The client can see as much of us as they need to see. We can take them to their appointments. We go above and beyond to provide quality and consistent care. “Poverty is a health epidemic,” she adds. “Sometimes people are just trying to stay warm.” CCBHCs are made possible through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, known as SAMHSA. OhioGuidestone was awarded grants in two areas in the state: Cuyahoga County and a rural four-county region in northwest Ohio
COURTESY OHIO GUIDESTONE
hile the stigma surrounding mental health illness is slowly abating, services are still difficult to access. Service availability is not meeting demand, and those who do get an appointment often have long wait times. What’s more, patients who are fortunate enough to get an appointment with a mental health professional often need additional health care or social services, which can be difficult to navigate. A workforce shortage in the behavioral health care space is another big part of the challenge. But a new model of care — Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics — or CCBHCs, provided by OhioGuidestone, aims to change this. OhioGuidestone is the leading behavioral health provider in Ohio, providing a full continuum of mental health and substance use disorder services for children and adults. It serves 26,000 people each year through community-based, telehealth and physical
Larraine Stehlik, regional director of OhioGuidestone’s Adult and Recovery Services