Behavioral Health Services Closing in Atlanta

A note from Gary Johnstone, Interim CEO of Lutheran Services of Georgia

It is with sadness and regret that I must inform the Lutheran Services of Georgia family that the Behavioral Health Services program will close on June 30, 2015. Since opening its doors, BHS has served individuals- and their families - who struggled with mental health and substance abuse issues.

The dedicated BHS staff members have faced numerous challenges in their efforts to become accredited and licensed, but through it all, Dr. Lucy Cannon, Dr. Gibson, Alice Camp, and Samantha Eberhardt have worked very hard to make this program a success. Due to unforeseen and insurmountable barriers, the decision has been made to close the program.

BHS has had many successes: they received a three-year CARF Accreditation and were approved to provide services by several third party insurance providers, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, Tri Care, Medicare, FEI Behavioral Health, EAP, and Amerigroup. In addition, they established a sliding-scale fee plan based on income so that they could serve all clients in need.

Dr. Cannon, Director of BHS, and her staff have expressed their pride in being able to serve people from numerous programs within LSG and have felt supported in their efforts. Vice President of Programs Dr. Alie Redd has provided guidance and support during this time and is continuing to support Dr. Cannon during this resolution process.

Thank you, Behavioral Health Services staff, for your dedication to bringing restored hope, transformed lives, and healthy tomorrows to individuals and families throughout Georgia.