New Horizons Healthcare (NHH) has recently expanded their behavioral health services to include a dedicated Pediatric Behavioral Health Consultant. Funded in part by the Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF), this new position has been established to address the shortage of pediatric behavioral health services in Roanoke.
Recently hired Behavioral Health Consultant, Julia Scales will be working from the NHH main location on Melrose Avenue to provide evidence-based pediatric behavioral health screening and assessment; parenting education and coaching; and management of behavioral health issues with medical comorbidities. In response to the surge in mental health needs, the Peds Plus program is designed to proactively address the current and anticipated behavioral health concerns of our pediatric patients and their families. Through the VCHF grant, Julia has already become a valued member of the NHH pediatric healthcare team by working with NHHs most vulnerable members of our community. Located in the medical pod, Julia works closely with the pediatric medical provider, the pediatric psychiatric prescriber, and other members of the healthcare team to offer NHH patients timely access to individual, group, and family interventions, parent education, and provider consultation. Through a fully integrated model of care, the healthcare team works seamlessly with other NHH program staff and providers to identify and treat child and adolescent behavioral, emotional, and socio-development issues.
“We’re excited to be able to offer this important service to the community, especially during a time when our youth have faced so many recent challenges with virtual schooling due to COVID-19, economic changes, and social isolation,” explains Eileen Lepro, CEO of New Horizons Healthcare. “Receiving the $68,875 grant from VHCF to fund our Peds Plus Program is a great win for Roanoke.”
Those seeking pediatric behavioral services should complete and return our new patient enrollment form: http://newhorizonshealthcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/New-Pediatric-Patient-Packet1.pdf.
New Horizons Healthcare is a non-profit, community health center that is dedicated to providing quality primary care, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services on a sliding scale fee. New Horizons Healthcare provides culturally appropriate, affordable, high-quality, and comprehensive healthcare to the underserved people in the greater Roanoke area.
To learn more, call 540-362-0360 and choose option 1 or visit: www.newhorizonshealthcare.org.
