LYNN — Lynn Community Health Center was one of 400 community health centers across the country to receive $240 million in federal Behavioral Health Service Expansion Awards last week, the Office of U.S. Rep Seth Moulton Announced.
LCHC was awarded $600,000 to strengthen its mental health and substance use programs, particularly its Behavioral Health Training Program.
“LCHC is a pillar of this community. Without it, fewer patients in need would have access to the quality care they deserve. Especially at a time when more people are struggling with mental health challenges, I’m thrilled LCHC will receive this new federal funding so that it can treat more patients,” Moulton said.
Director of Behavioral Health Training Dr. Diana Westerberg said the Behavioral Health Training Program trains professionals on evidence-based, culturally responsive interventions. She added the main interventions the center is working on include short-term therapy and group therapy.
“Short-term therapy really shifts from the traditional model and has patients focus on a specific concern and making concrete changes in their day-to-day life. And so this should address their needs at a faster pace than traditional models,” she said.
Westerberg said group therapy would address a specific concern, such as depression, but would provide social interaction.
“Not only does it provide the intervention, but it also provides social connection, which reduces isolation, which is a concern for many of our patients,” she said.
Westerberg said the mission of the training department is to encourage “lifelong professional curiosity among behavioral health staff and students” that result in “dignified, culturally-responsive care to patients.”
The award will also allow LCHC to provide additional support to nurse case managers working with those with substance use disorders, and expand its telehealth services, Westerberg said.
The grant will also support improvements to LCHC’s IT infrastructure, allowing the center to integrate new technologies and systems to improve efficiency and patient access, according to a press release from U.S. Rep Moulton’s Office.
“This funding will allow us to strengthen our commitment to health equity by growing our diverse, multilingual workforce and enhance access to mental health, substance use and telehealth services,” Chief Behavioral Health Officer Carlos Cappas said. “Our focus is on ensuring that every member of our community, regardless of language or background, can receive the high-quality care they deserve.”
CEO Brenda Rodriguez said the award comes at a critical time for the community.
“With this funding, we can expand our Behavioral Health services and reach more individuals struggling with mental health and substance use challenges,” Rodriguez said.
