Expanding Behavioral Health Services in Belington: What You Need to Know

A Major Milestone for Behavioral Health in Belington

The Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking expansion for behavioral health services in Belington, West Virginia. This significant development, initiated on April 16, 2024, marks a new chapter in the ongoing commitment to enhancing mental healthcare for our community. The new facility, which will be part of the Belington Medical Clinic & Wellness Center, is set to transform how we deliver comprehensive behavioral healthcare services, making them more accessible, integrated, and patient-friendly.

Why This Expansion Matters

Behavioral health is a critical component of overall well-being, yet accessing these services can often be challenging. Eric Ruf, CEO of BCHA, highlights the significance of the new facility in addressing these challenges.

“Our goal with this expansion is to create a more welcoming and efficient environment for our patients. By placing the new behavioral health space on the same level as our medical team, we are streamlining access and making it easier for patients to receive the care they need,” Ruf explained.

Building a Facility with the Community in Mind

Dr. Aaron Williams, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, underscores the community-centered approach of the new building. “Our focus has always been on providing accessible, confidential, and high-quality care. The new facility will incorporate soundproof rooms and sound machines to ensure patient confidentiality, which is a cornerstone of our service philosophy,” Dr. Williams said.

In addition to enhanced privacy measures, the facility will be fully ADA compliant. This means that individuals with disabilities or special needs will find the space easily accessible, aligning with our commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive care.

A Collaborative Effort for Greater Impact

The expansion project is a testament to the power of community support and collaboration. The project has been made possible by a generous financial contribution from the William Kester estate, which was matched by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration.

“Mr. Kester’s vision for expanding medical facilities in Belington is truly inspiring,” Ruf noted. “His generosity allows us to build a facility that is larger and more capable than we initially envisioned, enabling us to meet the diverse needs of our community more effectively.”

Envisioning a Better Future

Scheduled for completion by the fall of 2024, the new behavioral health facility promises to significantly enhance the capacity and quality of mental healthcare available in Belington. Here’s a closer look at what the community can expect from this exciting development:

1. Enhanced Patient Care: The new building will facilitate better synergy between medical and behavioral health services, making it easier for patients to transition between different types of care. This seamless integration is designed to improve overall health outcomes by addressing both physical and mental health needs in a coordinated manner.
2. Advanced Treatment Spaces: By providing larger therapy rooms and specialized areas for group therapy and psychological testing, the facility aims to create an environment that supports various therapeutic approaches and accommodates the specific needs of different patient groups.
3. Community Engagement and Education: BCHA plans to use the new space as a hub for community engagement, offering educational programs to raise awareness about mental health and reduce stigma. This initiative will include partnerships with local organizations to promote mental health literacy and encourage open discussions about mental health challenges.
4. Commitment to Privacy and Confidentiality: The design of the new building includes advanced soundproofing and privacy measures to ensure that all interactions and treatments remain confidential. This commitment to privacy is intended to make patients feel more comfortable and secure when seeking care.
5. Accessibility and Inclusivity: The facility’s ADA compliance ensures that it will be accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. This focus on accessibility reflects BCHA’s broader commitment to providing equitable healthcare services to all members of the community.

What This Means for the Community

The expansion of the behavioral health services in Belington is more than just a new building—it’s a crucial step toward better mental healthcare for our entire community. By increasing the availability and quality of behavioral health services, we are taking a proactive approach to addressing mental health needs and supporting the well-being of our residents.

Here’s what you need to know about accessing our enhanced services:

• Location: The new behavioral health building will be part of the Belington Medical Clinic & Wellness Center, conveniently located at 70 North Sturmer Street.
• Services Offered: Patients can continue to access all the current behavioral health services, including individual therapy, medication management, and counseling, in a more spacious and supportive environment.
• Operating Hours: The clinic will remain open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, ensuring that services are available at convenient times.
• Contact Information: For more details or to schedule an appointment, you can visit barbourhealth.org or call Barbour Behavioral Health at 304-823-4000.

Looking Ahead

We are excited about the potential of this new facility to improve mental healthcare in Belington. By expanding our services and creating a more integrated approach to health care, we aim to better serve our community and support the well-being of all residents. As construction progresses, we will keep the community informed about developments and look forward to welcoming you to our new space in the fall of 2024.

Stay tuned for more updates as we build a healthier future together!