LifeSkills receives certification to expand mental health services across Kentucky

New designation allows organization to offer evening and weekend hours, walk-in crisis services

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) — LifeSkills has earned certification as a community behavioral health clinic, a designation aimed at improving access to mental health and substance use services by making care more coordinated, timely, and available to those who need it most.

The certification allows LifeSkills to expand operating hours and provide immediate, walk-in crisis services.

“We’re going to be offering evening hours, weekend hours for parents with kids who need therapy and don’t want to pull them out of school. It’s more access to quicker services. So, if you’re in a crisis, you can walk in and you can get services. You’re not going to have to wait a week for a therapist to see you. It’s immediate and it’s wonderful,” said Regional Executive Director Melanie Watts.

Expanded service area

With this certification, LifeSkills and its partner, the Pennyroyal Center, will serve 18 counties across south-central and western Kentucky, reaching both rural and urban communities with expanded behavioral health care options.

The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model emphasizes high-quality services for people of all ages. Care will continue to be available regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay.

“Doesn’t matter if you can pay or not. We’re going to service you. We’re going to help you. We’re going to wrap our arms around you and we’re going to do what’s needed for you. Because a lot of people, we still have stigma with mental health issues, and we need to get rid of that. Everybody’s got something or everyone knows someone who suffers,” Watts said.

For communities across south-central and western Kentucky, the certification marks a long-term commitment to accessible and dependable mental health care.