CINCINNATI (May 21, 2026) – In the United States, 1 in 5 U.S. Adults experience a metal health condition each year while more than half of them do not receive treatment. That’s why The Christ Hospital Health Network is making mental health a priority for patients.
All primary care offices in The Christ Hospital Health Network have been resourced with behavioral health consultants to better address mental health needs helping both patients and other healthcare providers. While the demand for mental health resources increases the behavioral health services provide guidance, navigations and individualized outpatient care.
“Many times, primary care providers are serving as both doctor and therapist due to access gaps,” said Michelle Box, DSW, LISW-S, behavioral health specialist at The Christ Hospital Health Network. “By having our licensed and state-approved behavioral health specialists by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, we can gain access to patients looking for quality mental health treatment.”
Each behavioral health specialist is assigned to five primary care offices within the network while also staffing cardiology, joint & spine, pain management and women’s services. This model has been a part of The Christ Hospital Health Network for more than seven years and has seen a 30% increase in referral rates of patients.
“Patients with chronic medical conditions are more likely to have a behavioral health and our team can help address this. We want our patients to know that they don’t have to wait until it gets bad for treatment for a number of mental health issues.”
Box says the specialists treat those with anxiety, depression, grief (particularly in the beginning of the year) and other mental health disorders. Most providers have same day availability with many offering telehealth. For more information on behavioral health services at The Christ Hospital Health Network, contact your primary care provider.
About The Christ Hospital Health Network
The Christ Hospital Health Network consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, eight ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For 137 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up of more than 1,300 physicians and 7,800 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outcomes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 hospital in the Cincinnati Region and named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list in 2026.