Embedded Behavioral Health Clinic opens, reduces barriers to care

By U.S. ArmyAugust 5, 2015

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Womack Army Medical Center opened the new West Bragg Embedded Behavioral Health Clinic after the ribbon-cutting ceremony here, June 30.

Embedded behavioral health is an early treatment and intervention model of behavioral health care that promotes Soldier readiness and continuity of care for Soldiers in close proximity to their units work areas. Embedded clinics are provided to help reduce barriers to seeking care.

Brig. Gen. Simon Hetherington, deputy commander-operations of XVIII Airborne Corps, was the guest speaker at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"It is really my honor to be here today presiding over this ribbon-cutting ceremony. The greatest responsibility with which we are entrusted by our government, is the care of our most precious resource and that is the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and special operators of our armed services.

EBH facilities streamline the number of behavioral health providers involved in the treatment process; integrate those providers in a consultative role with unit chaplains, surgeons and physician assistants to decrease stigma, and offers evidence-based, time-limited treatments for Soldiers. EHB teams also provide expert consultations for leaders of operational units to increase Soldier resilience, enhance unit function and maximize mission readiness.

"What we see today by the opening of this facility in embedded behavioral health is a closer bond between professional health care providers and the chain of command, not to mention those that are being served by EBH," said Hetherington.

Col. Jay Earles, chief of the Department of Behavioral Health and Installation Directorate of Psychological Health, said he is confident in the future of the behavioral health clinic.

"I think this is an excellent kick-off for the building and great representation from across post and from the units that are supported by the embedded behavioral health team working out of this clinic," he said. "I see a bright future for the teams and the units they support.

"It is the nicest behavioral health clinic on post," Earls added.

The original West Bragg clinic was located above the Robinson Health Clinic serving 82nd Airborne Division Soldiers, but has now moved to the newly renovated building and expanded to serve units within U. S. Special Operations Command.

Dr. Heather Corkins, clinic officer in charge, commented on the opening of the new clinic.

"This is exciting! Now that the building is complete, we can be where the Soldiers are, so that the surrounding units can have quicker access to the clinic," said Corkins.

To make an appointment at the new West Bragg Embedded Behavioral Health Clinic, please call 907-2778.

For more information, visit http://www.wamc.amedd.army.mil/HealthcareServices/SitePages/BehavioralHealth.aspx.