Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) has received endorsement from Glens Falls Hospital and the Warren/Washington Community Service Board to move forward with becoming the provider for outpatient substance abuse, mental health treatment and child and family services for the Glens Falls region.
Based out of Plattsburgh, BHSN operates 23 programs ranging from behavioral health for adults and children, residential services, care management, and various social programs and is also a certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) designee through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
CCBHCs provide a comprehensive collection of services that create access, stabilize people in crisis, and provide the needed treatment and recovery support services for those with mental and substance use disorders. In harmony with the CCBHC model, BHSN’s care approach focuses on access, care coordination, quantified health outcomes, and treating the whole person, officials said.
BHSN hopes to begin providing services in Warren and Washington County in early November.
The Center for Recovery in Hudson Falls will remain in the existing location. The Center for Recovery currently located at 101 Ridge St., the Child and Family Clinic (1 Lawrence St.), and the Adult Outpatient Clinic (100 Park St.) are all moving from their existing locations to the new BHSN Center for Well-Being and Center for Recovery at 25 Willowbrook Road, at the Corner of Bay and Willowbrook Road.
Due to the county’s expansive region, satellite clinic locations are currently being evaluated to ensure all residents have the resources they require, including the Cambridge satellite location, and partnerships with local school districts.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to partner with Glens Falls Hospital and Warren and Washington County CSB to bring the BHSN model for integrated care to the region,” said Mark Lukens, CEO, Behavioral Health Services North. “We believe our approach to care which is inclusive of care coordination, education and employment, social, housing, and physical health helps enrich the lives of our communities and those we serve.
“All of this is coupled with an intense focus on creating exceptional customer and client experiences. Transforming care and enriching life is more than just a tagline. It is who we are”
BHSN and Glens Falls Hospital have been collaborating closely to ensure services are seamlessly transitioned. All Glens Falls clinical staff have been offered employment with BHSN.
“BHSN is excited to be starting with a great team of professionals who are invested and dedicated to continue to support the community, and we look forward to expanding access of care to the Glens Falls region,” said Liz Cole, vice president of operations at Behavioral Health Services North.
According to Paul Scimeca, vice president and chief operating officer at Glens Falls Hospital, BHSN “shares our commitment to building a stronger community by providing local access to high-quality and compassionate care. We are confident in their ability to meet patients’ needs now and in the future. Glens Falls Hospital will continue to provide inpatient behavioral health care and crisis care in our Emergency Department. This is a win for everyone involved.”
“We share a vision for expansion of mental health and addiction services within the community, so I look forward to working with them to increase the availability of these critical services for our residents,” said Robert York, director of community services for Warren and Washington counties.
