ARBHA Network

Arkansas Rural Behavioral Health Access

ABOUT ARBHA

The Arkansas Rural Behavioral Health Access (ARBHA) Network is a project supported by the HRSA Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant, aiming to overcome the fragmentation and workforce shortages, improve access, coordination and outcomes for rural Arkansans facing behavioral health challenges.

The Goal:

To develop an integrated, collaborative healthcare network in rural Arkansas that enhances access to high-quality mental and behavioral health (MH/BH) services by strategically planning an integrated care network that increases availability, efficiency, and patient-centered coordination between primary and specialty care providers by August 2029.

Primary Driver 1: Increased Workforce Capacity and Development
  • Recruit and retain MH/BH professionals in rural regions
  • Provide targeted training for primary care providers (PCPs) in MH/BH integration
  • Expand child and adolescent psychiatric services
  • Develop continuing education and mentorship programs
Primary Driver 2: Adequate Policy, Financing, and Sustainability
  • Leverage Arkansas Code 23-99-422 for CoCM reimbursement
  • Expand Medicaid access to CoCM billing codes
  • Align payer incentives with integrated care delivery
  • Support sustainability through HRSA and state-level policy engagement
Primary Driver 3: Improved Infrastructure and Technology Access
  • Expand broadband and telehealth capabilities across rural counties
  • Launch a regional telepsychiatry CoCM network
  • Implement shared referral and data coordination platforms
  • Invest in technology to support secure communication and documentation
Primary Driver 4: Adequate Care Integration and Collaboration
  • Formalize collaboration agreements among MH/BH and primary care providers
  • Develop shared communication and data systems
  • Establish regional CoCM leadership and governance structures
  • Facilitate cross-sector partnerships (health, schools, social services)

Why is it Important? 

Approximately 19.7% of Arkansans’ diagnosed with a mental illness lack health insurance, which is higher than the US average (17%) (Mental Health America, 2017). This is in state with an already significant mental health burden across all populations. In fact, according to the most recent NAMI Report Card (NAMI, 2024):

  • 457,000 adults in Arkansas have a mental health condition (2x the population of Little Rock)
  • 35,000 Arkansans age 12-17 have depression
  • In 2023, 145,000 adults in Arkansas did not receive needed MH care, 49% of those not receiving care due to cost
  • 1% of state residents are uninsured with significantly higher rates of uninsured residents in rural communities
  • When insured, AR residents are 3x more likely to be forced out of network for MH care than compared to primary care
  • 1,426,349 people in Arkansas live in a community that does not have enough mental health providers as defined by HRSA (just under 50% of the total population)

Network Partners

The ARBHA Network partners include Dr. Lofton Family Clinic in Sevier County, River Valley Medical Wellness in Pope County, and Dr. Ladonna George’s practice in Bradley County. These providers offer complementary strengths such as family medicine, chronic disease management, and integrated behavioral health services.

All three of these partners have participated in the BHI MSW Integration program and accepted a social work student to be trained in integrated care. Dr. Lofton’s clinic is actively working toward a collaborative/integrated care model and has strong relationships with regional providers. River Valley Medical Wellness provides comprehensive services, including mental health and addiction care, and is committed to integrated care models that address all aspects of patient health. Dr. George’s practice brings expertise in family medicine and chronic disease management, along with deep knowledge of local resources and strong community ties. Together, these partners contribute critical local assets and firsthand experience addressing rural health challenges.