Behavioral Health Partners of MetroWest, a new entity aimed at improving health outcomes through better access and coordination of care, has officially launched today.
The partnership draws on the clinical capabilities and mutual respect of four long-standing human service agencies in the region: Advocates, South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC), Spectrum Health Systems and Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.
Behavioral Health Partners of MetroWest provides individuals, families, and healthcare providers a single point of entry to the broad range of behavioral health and social services available in the region, with the goal of expanding access to these services for individuals and families.
The partnership serves 25 communities across MetroWest with expertise in mental health, substance use and addiction, housing, and social supports for people of all ages.
Care coordinators on staff match individuals in need to the appropriate service provided by the partner agencies or other community resources. A toll-free referral line has been set up at 1-844-528-6800, and more information is available at the website www.bhpmw.info.
“For many seeking behavioral health services for themselves or a loved one, the system of care is complicated and unclear as to how to access the help they need,” said Eric Masi, Ed.D., President and CEO of Wayside and Chair of the Board of Behavioral Health Partners of MetroWest. “This partnership allows people in MetroWest to make just a single phone call to open the door to a comprehensive array of services provided by Wayside and our partners.”
Behavioral Health Partners of MetroWest is led by Executive Director Anne Pelletier Parker, a licensed social worker who is the senior vice president of health systems integration at Advocates.
“In addition to helping individuals and families, the creation of Behavioral Health Partners of MetroWest enhances care coordination with health plans, primary care practices, accountable care organizations (ACOs), and other new entities in the evolving healthcare landscape,” said Pelletier Parker. “Our provider partners in the health care system will also have access to our referral and care coordination services, providing a streamlined connection to the full range of behavioral health and social services offered by our partner agencies.”
The entity is funded in part by the MetroWest Health Foundation, CHNA 7 MetroWest, MutualOne Charitable Foundation, The Parmenter Foundation, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation.
The following communities are served: Ashland, Bellingham, Dover, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, and Westborough.
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Behavioral Health Partners of MetroWest will make it easier for individuals, families, and healthcare providers to access a continuum of high-quality behavioral health, community development, and social services across MetroWest. The partner agencies encompass expertise in mental health, substance use, housing, and other social supports for people of all ages.
Susan Petroni
Framingham Source
