Peregrine Health and Arcare Enhance Behavioral Health Access in Rural Areas

Enhancing Behavioral Health Access in Rural Communities

In a significant development for underserved communities, Peregrine Health, a well-established provider of behavioral health solutions, has announced an expansion of its partnership with Arcare, one of the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) networks in the country. The collaboration aims to significantly increase access to vital behavioral health services in rural areas of Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi. This initiative is set to provide critical support to populations that have historically faced barriers to mental health care.

Peregrine Health has been making strides in delivering behavioral health services tailored to the needs of communities that lack adequate access. The partnership will now extend to over 70 Arcare clinics, allowing them to provide necessary mental health and substance abuse treatment options. This expansion is crucial in addressing the growing shortage of behavioral health providers and the urgent need for accessible care in rural healthcare settings.

Adam Peebles, CEO of Peregrine Health, expressed the organization's commitment by stating, "Together with Arcare, we are bringing vital behavioral health services to tens of thousands of people who likely would go untreated otherwise. Our expanded partnership creates access where it has not existed before, and that directly aligns with our mission to empower communities through improved care."

The collaboration originally took shape in 2024 when Peregrine Health partnered with Arcare to meet the needs of a single location in Kentucky. The success of this pilot program informed the decision to expand services across four states. The organizations' shared vision of providing health equity to underserved populations has paved the way for a transformative approach in delivering mental health services. Next year, Peregrine Health is projected to facilitate over 50,000 patient visits at Arcare locations, a significant increase in service provision.

Dr. Steven Collier, CEO of Arcare, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, "Health for all has always been our guiding principle at Arcare, and this collaboration brings that vision to life for behavioral health. By expanding our partnership with Peregrine Health, we can rapidly scale mental health services across the communities we serve. Thousands of patients, many in very rural areas, will now be able to see a counselor or psychiatric provider in their own community."

This endeavor addresses a crucial gap in behavioral health access, as millions of Americans, especially in rural areas, face significant challenges in receiving treatment. The integration of Peregrine Health's advanced technology platform and clinical support services aims to improve coordination and continuity of care, ensuring every patient receives the treatment they need, irrespective of their location or financial situation.

As these organizations move forward, the impact of their partnership will resonate throughout the communities they serve. By leveraging technology and clinical expertise, they are setting a new standard for behavioral health service delivery and transforming lives in underserved areas. With the growing recognition of mental health as a vital component of overall health, the partnership between Peregrine Health and Arcare marks a crucial step towards fostering healthier, more resilient communities across the nation.

For more information on Peregrine Health and their mission to enhance behavioral health access, please visit Peregrine Health. For information on Arcare and their commitment to community health, visit Arcare.