May was National Mental Health Awareness Month. The topic of mental health has been top of mind for many as families continue to quarantine and essential workers perform their job duties with the added risk of exposure. Others are feeling the stress of losing their jobs or trying to care for loved ones with limited resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

La Comunidad Hispana, which serves nearly 10 percent of the southern Chester County community through its three health centers, has recently added new staff to its behavioral health team to better address mental health needs during the pandemic and beyond.

“LCH has a rich history in the southern Chester County community as a health center that is here for everyone,” said CEO Dr. Mariana Izraelson, “and our behavioral health team plays a vital role in our ability to provide care. It is so timely and so important that these services are growing.”

The bilingual team is led by Abner Santiago, Behavioral Health Manager, who oversees Behavioral Health Consultants (BHCs) Anna Roosevelt, Courtney Erroa, Meredith Sullivan, and Marykate McShane. BHCs provide both integrated behavioral health and outpatient therapy. Daisy Lara, Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, provides psychiatric medication management.

Watch the above video on how the different types of BHC services work at LCH.

“In addition to common hurdles like insurance, transportation, and language, there is a stigma that surrounds mental health and wellness, which is a barrier in itself.,” said Santiago.

The behavioral health team at LCH works to address stigmas through patient health education and community awareness. Most recently, the team started to provide behavioral health services through Telehealth.

“This has been a great way to reach our patients, especially during the pandemic,” Santiago said. “Patients that may otherwise be completely isolated are connecting with us and getting the support that they need.”

Behavioral Health at LCH is available to all members of the community without being an established patient. Click here to learn more or call 610-444-7550.

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