New Wellfleet Behavioral Health Facility Opens This Week

News release from Outer Cape Health Services.

WELLFLEET, MA — Outer Cape Health Services (OCHS), a federally qualified community health center with locations in Harwich Port, Provincetown, and Wellfleet, is announcing the opening of its new behavioral health facility – the A.I.M. Wellness Center, on Friday, September 27, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new facility, located at 2700 Route 6 in Wellfleet, adjacent to the OCHS Wellfleet Pharmacy, will provide year-round in-person behavioral health and substance use counseling.

“At OCHS, we believe in treating all individuals affected by substance use with dignity and respect,” said OCHS CEO, Dr. Damian Archer. Funded through federal and state grants and a major donation from the Association for Improved Medical Resources on the Outer Cape (A.I.M.), the A.I.M. Wellness Center will play an essential role in providing recovery services for the communities of the Outer Cape.

Staffed by licensed behavioral health staff, the 1,900-square-foot space will offer both individual and group counseling for patients living with substance use disorder.

“The A.I.M. Wellness Center will offer dedicated in-person counseling services,” said Brianne Smith, a licensed clinical social worker and the Director of Behavioral Health at OCHS. “Its design fosters an atmosphere that supports recovery through both individual and group therapy, which are vital components of supporting people who live with substance use challenges. Our counselors will take a holistic approach to treatment, incorporating workshops, yoga, and movement therapy to offer multiple pathways to managing their health and wellness.”

The center will complement the existing Structured Outpatient Addiction Program (SOAP), which OCHS launched in 2021; currently providing online group counseling, individual therapy sessions, and ongoing case management. In addition, OCHS works with partner agencies to provide patients with information on additional community resources including employment assistance, housing, education, and legal advice.

“The opioid crisis continues to impact the Outer Cape,” said Dr. Archer, “The A.I.M. Wellness Center will enhance treatment efforts by focusing on the benefits of face-to-face counseling. Substance use disorder is often linked to other social and behavioral health conditions, and hands-on support is critical for addressing both.”

“I applaud the opening of the A.I.M. Wellness Center to provide innovative behavioral health and substance use disorder counseling and congratulate Outer Cape Health Services for diligently working to expand health access,” said Massachusetts State Senator Julian Cyr. “Outer Cape exemplifies the critical and unique role community health centers play in the Commonwealth’s health care system. I continue to push for adequate funding and sorely needed resources for community health centers on Beacon Hill so they can provide ongoing quality care to underserved populations and advance health equity.”

Patients can be referred to OCHS recovery services by primary care providers, behavioral health clinicians, or self-referral. Referrals are also accepted from treatment facilities, court officers, and other community health organizations.

For additional information on OCHS recovery services, click here.