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Behavioral Health

Compassionate Support for Every Age — Mind, Body, and Spirit

Your health is more than just physical — it’s emotional, mental, and deeply personal. At HealthFirst Bluegrass, we provide integrated behavioral health services for both pediatric and adult primary care patients, working alongside your medical providers to care for the whole person.

Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child or an adult navigating stress, depression, anxiety, or addiction, we’re here to help — without judgment, and with hope.

Our licensed behavioral health team partners closely with you to understand your needs, support your goals, and create a personalized care plan that fits your life.

Because true wellness means feeling better, thinking clearly, and living fully — at every age.

Behavioral Health Services

Breaking Barriers. Supporting Whole-Person Wellness.

Many people never get the chance to talk with a behavioral health specialist. Fear, cost, time, and stigma can often get in the way. At HealthFirst Bluegrass, we remove these barriers by embedding behavioral health specialists directly into our primary care teams — so support is always within reach.

If you’re a HealthFirst primary care patient, you’re eligible to receive behavioral health services. You can call (859) 288-2425 to schedule an appointment or ask your provider to connect you during your visit.

Integrated Health Services

Our behavioral health specialists are part of your care team. They offer:

  • Wellness services for our pediatric and adult primary care patients
  • Assessments for emotional or behavioral concerns
  • Talk therapy
  • On-site support
  • Personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs
Outpatient Behavioral Health

All primary care patients can access outpatient services through our Wellness Center. These services include:

  • Individual therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Telehealth therapy (virtual visits)
  • Medication assessment and management

Our team will provide a thorough assessment and build a plan that supports your mental and emotional health.

Addiction + Recovery Support

For those experiencing addiction, substance abuse can feel overwhelming and like the only way to live, but recovery is possible. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, you can speak safely and confidentially with your HealthFirst care team.

Our approach may include:

  • Talk therapy focused on recovery
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
  • Referrals to more intensive recovery programs

We’ve seen many patients take back control of their lives — and we’re here to help you take that first step.

Therapy Your Way — In Person or via Telehealth

We understand life gets busy. That’s why we offer telehealth visits for many behavioral health services. Whether you're at home, at school, or in a private space, you can still access the support you need — no matter where you are.

Behavioral Health Support for Kids + Teens

Understanding Feelings. Building Resilience.

From school stress and bullying to anxiety and identity, kids and teens face real challenges. Our behavioral health team is here year-round, even when school is out, to offer:

  • Individual therapy in our School-Based Clinics and at our Southland location
  • Medication management
  • LGBTQ+ safe space conversations and support
  • Education for parents or guardians on warning signs and when to seek help

Not sure what’s normal behavior? Ask us. We’re here to help families navigate those questions with confidence.

Reducing Stigma. Creating Safe Spaces.

Mental Health is Health — Let's Talk About It.

We understand that seeking mental health care can feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable, especially in communities where there are strong cultural values around privacy and self-reliance. For many of our immigrant or refugee patients and families, there can be hesitation — and even fear — about asking for help.

At HealthFirst Bluegrass, we want you to know: You are not alone and you deserve support.

Common Concerns We Hear — and How We Help

“I’m afraid to talk about personal issues.”
We respect your privacy and your boundaries. Our therapists offer a safe, judgment-free space where you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. We listen first, and we build trust over time.

“I don’t feel comfortable taking medication.”
Medication is just one tool — and it’s never required. If it’s recommended, we’ll talk with you about the options, explain how it works, and always respect your decision. You’ll never be pushed into something that doesn’t feel right.

“I don’t understand how therapy or the pharmacy works.”
That’s okay — you’re not alone. Many of our patients are new to therapy or have never used a pharmacy before. Our team takes the time to explain how everything works, step by step, in the language you’re most comfortable with.

“In our culture, we don’t talk about these things.”
We hear this often, but mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health. We’re here to offer support, not judgment. Many patients who’ve taken that first step tell us it changed their lives for the better.

Your Voice Matters.

Word of mouth is powerful. When someone from your community shares a positive experience, it helps others feel safe to seek care. If you’ve had a good experience at HealthFirst, consider sharing your story — it could help someone else take their first step toward healing.

Culturally Responsive, Bilingual Care

Our providers and behavioral health specialists are trained to provide respectful, culturally informed care. We offer bilingual support at many of our clinics and school-based sites — so you or your child can feel heard and supported in your preferred language.

If you’d like to learn more about our behavioral health services or speak with someone in your preferred language, please call us at (859) 288-2425 — we’re here for you!

Find Behavioral Health Services Near You

*Telehealth options available

HealthFirst @ The MET

Address

570 Midland Avenue #170
Lexington, Kentucky 40508

Hours

Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sunday Closed

Call

(859) 288-2425 Get Directions

Southland Wellness Center

Address

496 Southland Drive
Lexington, Kentucky 40503

Hours

Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday Closed

Sunday Closed

Call

(859) 288-2425 Get Directions
Lexington Traditional HealthFirst Bluegrass School Based Clinic

SBC – Lexington Traditional Magnet School Clinic

Address

350 N. Limestone
Lexington, Kentucky 40508

Hours

-

Call

859-422-1708 Get Directions
William Wells Brown Elementary HealthFirst Bluegrass School Based Clinic

SBC – William Wells Brown Elementary

Address

555 East 5th Street
Lexington, Kentucky 40508

Hours

-

Call

859-422-1392 Get Directions
Tates Creek Elementary HealthFirst Bluegrass School Based Clinic

SBC – Tates Creek Elementary

Address

1113 Centre Parkway
Lexington, Kentucky 40517

Hours

-

Call

859-422-1462 Get Directions
Tates Creek High School HealthFirst Bluegrass School Based Clinic

SBC – Tates Creek High School

Address

1111 Centre Parkway
Lexington, Kentucky 40517

Hours

-

Call

859-422-1757 Get Directions

Behavioral Health Providers

LaRue, Gentry

Gentry LaRue, MD

Psychiatry
Kanga, Fareesh

Fareesh Kanga, MD

Psychiatry
Bowling, Kayla

Kayla Bowling, APRN

Psychiatry
Berrones, Audrea

Audrea Berrones, LCSW

Behavioral Health
Reid, Lora

Lora Reid, LCSW

Behavioral Health
Gee, Meagan

Meagan Gee, LCSW

Behavioral Health
Hering, Nahtanha

Nahtanha Hering, LCSW

Behavioral Health
Martin, James

James Martin, LMFT

Behavioral Health
Brown, Kimberly

Kimberly Brown, LCSW

Behavioral Health
Vincent, Kayla

Kayla Vincent, LCSW

Behavioral Health
Marr, Ida

Ida Marr, LPP

Behavioral Health
Lear, Helena

Helena Lear, LCSW

Behavioral Health