Barber National Institute and LECOM Behavioral Health announced on April 13 a coordinated realignment of behavioral health services, with Barber National Institute integrating select behavioral health programs into its existing offerings and LECOM Behavioral Health expanding community-based services previously provided by Barber. The transition aims to provide individuals and families with a clear path to care.
The move comes as both organizations seek to strengthen their mission-aligned services while ensuring continued access to behavioral health support in the region. The change is intended to address evolving community needs, maintain service continuity, and support workforce stability amid industry-wide pressures.
Robert Barber, senior vice president at Barber National Institute, said, “Our work has consistently been guided by our mission, sense of responsibility, and the legacy established by our founder, Dr. Gertrude Barber. As stewards of that legacy, we are responsible for making decisions that strengthen our future and ensure we remain focused on the children, adults, and families at the heart of our mission. This realignment allows us to focus on services where we have the greatest expertise.”
Patrick Barber added that integrated programming will help coordinate care for those requiring comprehensive support: “This approach reflects our roots as an educational institution… Community-based services including intensive behavioral health services… will continue at LECOM Behavioral Health.” Dr. Danielle Hansen, regional president of LECOM Health said: “We are honored by the trust placed in us to continue supporting patients… We are committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care.”
LECOM Behavioral Health leaders confirmed their readiness to welcome new team members as part of this transition. All affected staff will have opportunities for continued employment based on alignment with roles across both organizations.
Barber emphasized prioritizing employment continuity: “Behavioral health staff whose skills… align with supports that will remain at Barber National Institute will continue within the organization. Others will have the opportunity to seamlessly move into a comparable role at LECOM Behavioral Health.”
The realignment was also planned with patient experience in mind; transitions aim for stability and ongoing access to care for families choosing either provider moving forward.
According to the official website, LECOM Health promotes social well-being through its behavioral health programs alongside senior services and community outreach efforts throughout northwest Pennsylvania. The organization operates multiple facilities including LECOM Medical Center, Behavioral Health Pavilion and Corry Memorial Hospital while offering inpatient/outpatient medical care as well as senior living programs.LECOM’s integrated healthcare model delivers comprehensive medical education alongside expanded access through collaborations across communities in northwest Pennsylvania.Founded in 1950 as Erie Osteopathic Hospital, it now provides educational training for healthcare professionals while extending quality healthcare throughout the region.
The transition between organizations is expected to be completed by June 30.
