South Central Behavioral Health Network and Integrity Partners for Behavioral Health IPA, merge to unite two of New York State’s rural behavioral health alliances into a single, coordinated network of care that leverages a unique data and analytics infrastructure.
The combined network comprises 46 providers, with 22 from Integrity Partners and 24 from South Central, serving over 100,000 clients across rural New York. Supported by Integrity Partners’ statewide analytics infrastructure and data warehouse, the organization will encompass 150,000 individuals, offering unprecedented insights to aid clinical decision-making and quality improvement. The merger also unites primary care, behavioral health, and social care organizations, significantly strengthening integration across medical and community-based services.
The merged network will continue to elevate rural voices, strengthen sustainable partnerships, and ensure that every community, regardless of geography, has access to high-quality, data-driven, and equitable behavioral health care.
By integrating rural behavioral health providers into a unified analytics environment, Integrity’s analytics infrastructure and data warehouse will enhance quality, coordination, and shared learning throughout New York. It enables the merged organization to address longstanding service gaps and amplify rural voices in statewide policy and Medicaid modernization efforts.
Lisa W. Hoeschele, Board President of SCBHN and Executive Director and CEO of Family & Children’s Counseling Services, states, “This merger brings real strength to communities that too often operate with limited resources. The combination of local expertise, shared infrastructure, and statewide data capabilities will transform how behavioral health is delivered across our rural counties.”
Lynda Battaglia, LCSW, Board President of IPBH and Director of Mental Health & Community Services for Genesee County, comments: “This merger elevates the voices of rural communities and strengthens our ability to deliver coordinated, high-quality behavioral health care statewide.”