The demand for behavioral health services continues to increase given the degree of substance use, depression and other mental health issues afflicting the population served at the Health Center.

The behavioral health program, which combines mental health and substance abuse treatment, integrates with primary care clinics, case management, homeless outreach, preventive health, chronic disease management, integrated health and fitness, Native Hawaiian healing and emergency services.  Behavioral health services also have a wide network among other social service and health providers throughout the community and beyond.  The network includes other mental health and substance abuse outpatient and inpatient services, transitional shelters and other agencies/organizations that assist with advocacy, outreach and case management. 

Blessing of Mawaena Clinic at the main campus

Behavioral health services are provided by psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers, certified substance abuse counselors, and psychology residents. 

The Health Center utilizes a unique model of care that places psychology residents (under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist) directly into the primary care and substance abuse treatment setting.  These residents provide a series of short behavioral assessments and interventions in conjunction with the primary care or substance abuse treatment visit. A psychologist is also located in the emergency department to assist with patients who have important behavioral health issues such as a family crisis, substance abuse or suicide attempts.  Upon identification of a serious mental illness, substance abuse or the need for further mental health assessment, patients are referred for more extensive intervention to Behavioral Health (mental health treatment) or Malama Recovery (substance treatment) to be established with a provider (psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed clinical social worker or certified substance abuse counselor).

To see a list of currently active behavioral health specialists, select a behavioral health specialty
(Select Specialty) Clinical Social Worker Psychiatry Psychology Substance Abuse