Health Expansion and Access with LECOM Behavioral Health

About HEAL-BH

The Health Expansion and Access with LECOM Behavioral Health (HEAL-BH) Project is a five-year initiative led by LECOM Health to improve access to behavioral health care in underserved rural communities across the tri-state region (PA, NY, OH).

Through this project, we are expanding the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) within primary care settings to better connect patients to behavioral health support as part of their routine medical care. This evidence-based model enhances communication between primary care providers, behavioral health specialists, and consulting psychiatrists — ensuring that behavioral and physical health are addressed together.

While the model may include telebehavioral health consultation when specialty expertise is needed, the project’s focus is on building integrated systems of care, strengthening provider collaboration, and improving overall access to behavioral health support in rural communities.

Where We’re Working 

HEAL-BH focuses on two rural areas with high need:

• Ashtabula County, Ohio – served by the Rural Health Clinic of Ashtabula 

• Chautauqua County, New York – served by the Clymer Rural Health Clinic, part of Corry Memorial Hospital

Both counties face provider shortages, high rates of poor health outcomes, and significant socioeconomic challenges. Many residents must travel long distances for mental health care — or go without it entirely.

Rural Health Clinic of Ashtabula

Clymer Rural Health Clinic

How It Works 

Using the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM), each clinic site will have:

• A Behavioral Health Care Manager (BHCM) who coordinates patient care and offers brief, evidence-based interventions
• Telepsychiatry consultations between primary care providers and our psychiatrists
• Direct patient appointments with a psychiatrist via secure video when more advanced care is needed

The program is powered by Medical Associates of Erie, LECOM Health’s multispecialty physician group and the largest psychiatric provider network in the region, serving the full continuum of behavioral health care.

A Built-In Research Component 

HEAL-BH also includes a research component. Over five years, we will measure the impact of collaborative care on patient outcomes, provider confidence, and system efficiency. Two other LECOM Health primary care sites will serve as control sites, allowing us to compare results between patients.

Our Goals 

1. Expand Access – Bring behavioral health services to where patients already receive primary care.
2. Improve Outcomes – Reduce wait times, help patients feel better faster, and decrease emergency visits.
3. Strengthen Rural Health Systems – Give primary care providers more tools, training, and specialist support.
4. Reduce Stigma – Make mental health care a routine, accepted part of overall health.
5. Build a Model for the Future – Create a scalable, sustainable approach that can be replicated in other rural communities.

By meeting people where they are, HEAL-BH is breaking down barriers to care — so more individuals in rural communities can get the mental health support they need, when they need it.

Downloadable Resources – Coming Soon 

We’re creating a library of ready-to-use, patient-facing materials to support the HEAL-BH Project at participating sites. From informational handouts to conversation starters about behavioral health, these resources will help patients better understand available services and feel comfortable seeking care. Check back soon to explore and download materials tailored for our communities.

News & Research 

Stay up to date on the latest HEAL-BH news, milestones, and research. We’ll share updates on the project’s progress, important announcements, and findings from our work. To start, you can read our press release announcing the grant — and check back for more as the project develops.

Read the Press Release