Our allies in behavioral health
Through national, state and local collaborations, UK HealthCare strives to transform mental health services and resources, reduce barriers to care and improve the emotional and mental wellbeing of all Kentuckians.
We collaborate with several organizations in our community to provide mental health services to our patients. We are grateful for these relationships that allow us to provide the highest level of care. Meet some of our collaborators below.
State and local agencies
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services is the state agency that administers programs to promote the mental and physical health of Kentuckians and support Kentucky's families.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health strives to improve the health and safety of people in Kentucky through prevention, promotion and protection. The state has oversight of the 120 county local health departments and programs designed to improve the lives of Kentuckians and visitors through prevention of negative health outcomes, promotion of healthy lifestyles and protection from diseases, injury and environmental health impacts.
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) allocates, directs and guides resources to ensure our city is a place where residents of all ages have opportunities to work, grow and thrive. Services extend equitable mental health care and social determinants of health support in our community.
Community Mental Health Centers
The Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities is the primary state agency for developing and administering mental health programs. The state has oversight of and offers support to the publicly funded Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC full list) across the state that provide mental health care for people in the counties they serve, with a special focus on people who lack the means to access outpatient mental health services in the private sector.
Centers manage a crisis line and can help determine the appropriate level of care and support you or your loved one needs.
UK HealthCare works closely with many CMHCs across the state. The below CMHCs serve Eastern State Hospital’s catchment area:
Local and national organizations
Mental wellbeing affects how we handle our emotions, make decisions and relate socially. This can in turn affect daily living and access to care. Local and national organizations offer free and reduced-cost mental health care along with many educational, wellbeing, personal care and basic needs support options in our community.
- Catholic Action Center
- Fayette Mental Health Court
- HealthFirst Bluegrass
- Hope Center
- Mental Health of America (MHA Kentucky)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Lexington
- Salvation Army
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
UK HealthCare's 2025 strategic plan provides a road map for achieving our vision: One community committed to creating a healthier Kentucky. We are committed to positively impacting our community and our Commonwealth by understanding and responding to health needs through engagement, outreach and collaboration.