LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Horizon Behavioral Health recently received a nearly half-million-dollar state grant to bring the program to Lynchburg.
For the past 57 years, Horizon has provided substance use, mental health, and disability services to Lynchburg and surrounding communities. Now, the organization is adding another critical resource to its list of services: coordinated specialty care.
Virginia Commissioner Daryl Washington says the program is designed to help individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis by connecting them with treatment as early as possible.
“Coordinated specialty care is a program that’s done across the nation. And what it’s shown is that when you’re intervening with someone who’s having their first episode of psychosis, the trajectory for them is significantly improved, not just at that point in time, but across their lifespan,” Washington said.
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Research shows early intervention can increase the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes. Horizon says there are no limitations on who can receive an assessment.
“Anybody in need can come in for an assessment, or we can meet them where they’re at in the community through our crisis team or through our mobile crisis services as well,” Melissa Lucy said. “Then we’ll assess if they’re appropriate for the services, and if they are, we’ll start services immediately.”
Horizon Behavioral Health says the grant will help expand access to care and strengthen support for people across the community.
The organization says its crisis center is expected to officially open in the coming weeks.