The Wright Center for Community Health Earns the NCQA Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration

Jermyn, Pennsylvania | September 13, 2019 — The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley was recently recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) with a Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration. “Many times behavioral health conditions are first identified by a primary care provider,” said Margaret E. O’Kane, NCQA President. “So adding behavioral health care services in a primary care setting is a real opportunity for patients. It knocks down barriers to behavioral care and improves overall health.” Based on the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) care model, practices that follow medical evidence to deliver high-quality, coordinated care and are committed to continuous improvement over time are eligible for a variety of NCQA distinctions. According to the NCQA, the Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration “helps practices provide comprehensive whole person care that acknowledges the behavioral health needs of the individual beyond the core requirements of NCQA PCMH Recognition. The Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration calls for a primary care setting to have a care team (care managers, psychiatrists, or other practitioners) in place to manage the broad needs of patients with conditions related to behavioral health, focusing on the use of evidence-based protocols and ongoing quality measurement and improvement. Integrating behavioral health into primary care can improve access, clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.” The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley integrates a variety of healthcare services — including behavioral health, addiction/recovery, oral health, nutrition counseling and more — into primary care for a whole-patient approach to wellness. Its full-service, on-site behavioral health suite consists of licensed social workers, case managers, certified recovery specialists, psychiatrists, psychiatry resident physicians and a certified registered nurse practitioner. The team continues to expand and add new roles to meet patient needs. Click here to learn more about The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley. Click here to learn more about NCQA’s Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration.