For Immediate Release
ABHIN Featured in The Rural Monitor for Expanding Rural Behavioral Health Access in Arkansas
Eureka Springs, Arkansas – May 27, 2026
The Arkansas Behavioral Health Integration Network (ABHIN) and the Arkansas Rural Behavioral Health Access (ARBHA) Network were recently featured in The Rural Monitor, a publication of the Rural Health Information Hub, highlighting efforts to improve behavioral healthcare access in rural Arkansas.
The article, “A New Network of Rural Providers in Arkansas Looks to Take On the ‘Needs and Pain Points’ of Behavioral Healthcare,” explores how ABHIN and ARBHA are partnering with primary care providers across southern Arkansas to strengthen integrated behavioral healthcare services and expand access to mental health resources close to home.
The feature highlights ABHIN’s work supporting rural clinics through education, workforce development, behavioral health integration training, and the placement of Master of Social Work interns in primary care settings. It also shares perspectives from rural healthcare providers who are working to reduce stigma, improve care coordination, and create more seamless access to behavioral health services for their communities.
“We want to bring awareness and we want to bring resources,” said ABHIN CEO and Co-Founder Kim Shuler in the article. “I definitely see a ripple effect.”
The article also recognizes the growing collaboration among rural providers and the importance of ensuring their voices are represented in conversations around healthcare policy, training, and service delivery. Read the full article from The Rural Monitor, linked here.
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Contact:
Kim Shuler, LCSW
Chief Executive Officer, ABHIN
Email: kim.shuler@abhinetwork.org
Phone: (479) 871-3611
About ABHIN
ABHIN is a nonprofit organization founded in 2019 with the mission of integrating behavioral healthcare into the healthcare continuum to improve accessibility, especially in underserved rural areas. Through partnerships, education, and innovative programming, ABHIN is leading the charge to create healthier communities across Arkansas.
