Landmark Children's Agency Combines Mental & Physical Health Services Under One Roof

December 2, 2022

Access to health care will improve significantly for some of the region's most vulnerable families with the opening of the Conyngham Primary Health Care Center by Children's Service Center of Wyoming Valley (CSC) and its adult care affiliate, Robinson Counseling Center (RCC), at 335 South Franklin Street. A dedication ceremony was held to honor the Conyngham family, which has served the organization continuously for more than 150 years, and to thank the many generous supporters whose contributions funded the new, 12,500-sq.-ft. construction houses a full-time primary care team to serve children and adults of all ages. Designed to serve both current clients of CSC/RCC and others in the community, the Conyngham Center integrates services under a single medical record to address mental health concerns, preventive medicine, disease diagnosis & management, physicals, and wellness services with an on-site pharmacy.

The $5.5 million project was funded by a capital campaign that drew major support from AllOne Foundation & Charities, the Harry & Jeannette Weinberg Foundation, M&T Charitable Foundation, Moses Taylor Foundation, PNC Foundation, the McCole Foundation, The Black Horse Foundation, Martha Bennet Trust, the Children’s Home, and Children's Service Center, as well as funding from corporate and private donors.

CSC President and CEO Michael P. Hopkins said the organization's plan for integrated care is based on the knowledge that people with mental health concerns who also have regular primary care have better outcomes. "We have fulfilled a goal to improve care access with the help of like-minded partners who want to have a positive impact on the region's health. Almost 85 percent of our clients receive some form of public assistance and many face a higher level of risk in their daily lives due to disparities in income, education, housing, access to care, and social isolation. These families deserve a more seamless experience to get the care they need."

"Children with emotional and mental health disorders often improve when their physical health is treated," Hopkins said, "and parents often have difficulty finding services for their families, which impacts growth and development, while putting off care for themselves. The Conyngham Primary Health Care Center will deliver care comprehensively to address general health, mental health, and the social support needs of our clients in a continuous and family-centered manner."

CSC and RCC collectively served more than 13,000 clients in 2022 across locations in Wilkes-Barre, Tunkhannock, Honesdale, Hazleton, and Danville, providing individual and family support for mental health, substance use and autism spectrum disorders. Throughout its 160-year history, CSC has expanded to meet the growing need for behavioral health services (including crisis intervention) in Northeastern Pennsylvania, experiencing a near doubling of clients between 2017 and 2021. Despite many changes in the regional healthcare landscape, CSC and RCC have maintained continuous operations due to the guidance of a dedicated Board of Directors, a strong workforce, and longstanding partnerships with funders, municipalities, school districts, and individual donors who are committed to meeting the needs of underserved populations.

For appointments at the Conyngham Primary Health Care Center, call 570-301-0924.