Wright State Physicians (WSP) has announced a strategic collaboration with Integrated Services for Behavioral Health (ISBH) in Nelsonville, Ohio. ISBH is a leading provider of comprehensive behavioral health services in Southeast and Central Ohio, offering a range of therapeutic approaches to address mental health and emotional well-being.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing the quality and scope of behavioral healthcare. Utilizing ISBH’s extensive experience in delivering comprehensive behavioral health solutions and the expert medical care provided by WSP this collaboration is set to redefine the standards of psychiatric care.
A primary component of the partnership is the appointment of Brian Merrill, MD, MBA (pictured) with WSP Psychiatry, and Director of the Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine (BSOM) Psychiatry Residency Training Program, as ISBH psychiatric services medical director.
“Wright State Physicians is excited to be partnering with ISBH in an effort to expand access to services in Southeastern Ohio. Dr. Merrill is an expert in his field, and we are lucky to have his services available to southern Ohioans”, said WSP CEO Kimberly Rex, MHA.
Merrill is a distinguished psychiatrist and board-certified in adult, adolescent, and child psychiatry, and addiction medicine, as well as being a member of the faculty with BSOM’s Department of Psychiatry. His wealth of clinical insight and leadership will play a critical leadership role in enhancing psychiatric services, particularly the treatment of co-occurring behavioral health and substance use disorders.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Wright State Physicians to elevate our psychiatric services. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our commitment to providing comprehensive care that encompasses an individual’s entire well-being,” said Samantha Shafer, CEO of ISBH. “With Dr. Brian Merrill at the helm, we anticipate groundbreaking innovations that will significantly enhance the quality of care provided to our patients.”
The WSP-ISBH partnership core objectives include:
Enhanced Patient Care: The collaboration aims to strengthen psychiatric services in the region, offering patients comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs.
Innovative Treatment Approaches: Merrill’s deep experience with cutting-edge initiatives includes integration of behavioral health with primary care, first episode psychosis, and assertive community treatment teams for seriously mentally ill adults. This experience will allow for the development of innovative treatment approaches.
Research and Education: The collaboration opens avenues for collaborative research initiatives and educational opportunities, ensuring that the latest advancements in behavioral health are accessible to patients and the wider medical community.
Merrill shared his excitement about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration will allow many opportunities to improve and expand services for ISBH and will create venues for learners from Wright State University, including undergraduates, BSOM medical students and residents from many specialties, particularly psychiatry.”
Both ISBH and WSP are deeply committed to the well-being of their communities and are dedicated to reshaping the landscape of behavioral healthcare through this strategic partnership. Together, they aim to establish new benchmarks for integrated care that prioritize holistic healing and improved patient outcome.
