Mental health touches almost every part of our lives. Stress, mood, habits, and emotional well-being often shape how we manage our own health. In fact, most primary care appointments with the medical clinic include some mental or behavioral health component.

What is integrated behavioral health? Integrated behavioral health brings medical care and mental health care together in one setting. Providers work as a team to support the whole patient, rather than treating physical and emotional health separately. This care may include support for long-term health conditions, emotional challenges, substance use, tobacco use, and other daily habits. It also considers how stress, nutrition, and movement affect overall well-being. The goal is to make mental health support easier to access and part of routine care, especially for our patients who are often left out of traditional access opportunities.

 

“Working together at Good Neighbor Health Clinic has allowed me to witness firsthand the vital role that community health centers play in providing care to individuals with limited or no insurance coverage. I have seen the life-changing impact of the care and compassion that our providers and staff bring to the clinic each day. As a psychiatrist, I am just one piece of a much larger puzzle in delivering comprehensive mental health services to our community. We are fortunate to offer counseling services through highly skilled and insightful psychotherapists who work collaboratively to support our patients. Our nursing staff serve as the frontline for patient care—fielding and triaging calls, coordinating care, and providing essential ancillary support. I regularly rely on their expertise and dedication to enhance the quality of care I provide to my patients.” -Dr. Eileen McGarry, MD

Studies show that integrated behavioral health can lead to meaningful improvements. Many patients experience reduced symptoms of depression, and both patients and providers report better care experiences. Some smaller studies also suggest lower emergency room use when mental health support is part of primary care, reflecting that better care coordination can lead to better health outcomes. This approach is even widely considered the standard for high-quality care. Inside the medical clinic, we have several volunteer providers able to provide mental and behavioral healthcare. The team includes psychiatrists, psychiatry residents, licensed clinical social workers, and mental health counselors who all contribute their time and expertise week after week. They work alongside primary care providers and staff members to ensure that care for patients remains coordinated to meet their ongoing health needs and identify continued areas for improvement.

The need for mental health care remains a major concern in our community. In the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, mental health care was identified as a continuing and top priority for community health improvement in community discussion groups.

 

Last year alone, the medical clinic scheduled 574 appointments focused on behavioral health services.

 

By strengthening our approach to integrated behavioral health, our clinic continues to respond directly to these needs. With upcoming changes to insurance and increasing costs of living, we know that the demand for care will continue to grow. We look forward to welcoming even more volunteer providers to assist in care for our neighbors in need.

If you’re interested in making a difference -either through clinical volunteer efforts or a direct contribution, visit our Get Involved page.

 

 

Sources:

Staab, Erin M et al. “Integration of primary care and behavioral health services in midwestern community health centers: A mixed methods study.” Families, systems & health : the journal of collaborative family healthcare vol. 40,2 (2022): 182-209. doi:10.1037/fsh0000660

Schrager, Sarina B. “Integrating Behavioral Health Into Primary Care.” Family practice management vol. 28,3 (2021): 3-4.

Community Health Needs Assessment Fiscal Year 2025

With many individuals preparing themselves for another year of increased costs of living, there remains a growing pressure on community nonprofits. Our CEO & Executive Director recently shared her thoughts on this in an article with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, emphasizing the role organizations like ours play to keep resources accessible during times of uncertainty.

 

To read the full excerpt, click here.

 

There has always been a steady demand for the services provided by Good Neighbor Health Clinic and Red Logan Dental Clinic due to the cost-free, low-barrier nature of care. But with the changing landscape ahead, we know that the need in 2026 and beyond will continue to increase. For some, we remain the only accessible and dependable point of care.

 

Since January 2025, we’ve recorded 5,250 total patient interactions, including:

• 1,117 medical appointments
• 1,656 dental appointments
• 629 referrals for our patients to connect with other social service organizations for social determinants of health-related needs

 

“There is power in our communities to be able to think forward,” said Elizabeth, of the Good Neighbor Health Clinic. “It is so powerful to know that you have the authority to make a difference.”

 

Research continues to show that limited access to care lowers overall community health and weakens economies because people are unable to stay well enough to learn, work, and participate to their full potential. Illnesses that could have been treated early become far more serious – and more expensive – when care is delayed. Now, with the upcoming changes to Medicaid, rising premiums for insurance through the Insurance Marketplace, closures of Federally Qualified Health Centers, and coverage losses across some Medicare plans, the impacts could be catastrophic. More individuals needing care will add additional pressure to organizations like ours in order to fill the widening care gap.

 

As thousands of Vermonters and Granite Staters face an unknown year ahead, know that we will be here, because our belief is simple: everyone deserves access to care.

 

Our ability to meet the needs of our community depends on the support we receive. If you are able, we invite you to make a gift and change the life of a neighbor here in the Upper Valley who is struggling to access the care they need and deserve. A gift, no matter the size, can save a life.

www.goodneighborhealthclinic.org/donate

I pledge to make a difference!

 

What: Giving Tuesday

When: All Day, December 2, 2025

Why?: Giving Tuesday is a global movement that celebrates generosity. After the rush of Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, people around the world take a day to give back, supporting the causes and communities they care about.

And this year, your support is needed now more than ever! Many nonprofits have seen decreases in grant funding while more people are asking for help. The cost of living continues to rise, and health insurance premiums expected to skyrocket in 2026,  we know even more of our neighbors will be turning to us for care.

Every act of generosity– whether it’s a gift, sharing the work that we’re doing, or volunteering to care for your neighbors–helps someone right here in the Upper Valley access the medical, dental, or mental health care they need.

 

I pledge to make a difference!

Our newsletter has a fresh new look this month. Inside, you’ll find a post about the value of dental externs, insights from a recent patient conversation, upcoming community events, and more.

Take a look at the August Clinic Chronicle here!

To learn about more vaccine opportunities near you, visit: https://uvpublichealth.org/2025-free-community-flu-vaccine-clinics/