By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – A new coalition of mental health care providers is officially open for business in the St. Louis area.
Five nonprofit agencies formed the Family Mental Health Collaborative two months ago when St. Louis County cut mental health clinics from its budget.
Patients can receive care at 24 sites that offer an around-the-clock crisis intervention services. Spokeswoman Mary Hoke says it's a unique arrangement that may serve as a national model.
"Now, all of these blend together with an incredible array of seamless services," Hoke said, "...and we're dovetailing it with the county for the medical services. And I think it could be a plan for other county governments and cities to take a look at."
St. Louis County is providing $200,000 to cover startup costs. Beyond that, the collaboration must actively solicit new revenue sources, which might include Medicare and Medicaid.