SouthLight Expands to Provide Community-Based Services in Central NC

SouthLight Healthcare, a trusted provider of outpatient and community-based mental health and substance use services in the Triangle for over 50 years, has expanded access to provide community-based services in Central North Carolina.  

Three community-based services will be provided in Cumberland and Harnett counties: Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT), Community Support Team (CST) and Peer Support Services (PSS).  

The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and Alliance Health invited SouthLight to expand to Central North Carolina to address gaps in behavioral health services. Both communities have significant issues with drug overdose and unmet behavioral health service needs. Community-based services for people with severe mental health and substance use disorders have been identified as a need in both communities. 

Expanding Access Through the CCBHC Model  

SouthLight’s expansion is part of the scope of increasing access to care through the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) designation. SouthLight is on the path to becoming certified and will be the only clinic in Wake County and one of 7 CCBHC’s across the state.  

“SouthLight’s mission aligns with the intention of the CCBHC model to increase access to care. Our Wake County location will serve as the hub of the contiuum of services, and will expand services to other areas based on identified needs of the community.” 

—Kathryn Schley, SouthLight’s Chief Strategy Officer and Director of the CCBHC

SouthLight’s CEO Adam Hartzell says, “The extension of critical mental health and substance use services to Harnett and Cumberland Counties offers a rare opportunity to build upon SouthLight’s legacy and advance our mission to increasing access to care.” 

Hartzell continued: “We are excited to partner with existing service providers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to learn more about behavioral health needs in Central NC and how SouthLight can best serve both communities.” 

SouthLight’s 53-year history as a dependable nonprofit behavioral health service provider, combined with the recent expansion of its continuum of services, has the agency poised to restore more hope and rebuild more lives across neighboring communities.    

A team of Local Experts Hired  

SouthLight has recruited team members with local expertise who know the community and its needs. The team is made up of licensed counselors, substance use specialists, peer support specialists, medical providers, and other seasoned professionals.  

Learn more about the three community-based services here.