Owensboro, KY – March 25, 2026 – RiverValley Behavioral Health has launched Co-Occurring Capability in Kentucky, a new systemwide initiative designed to strengthen how behavioral health services support individuals and families experiencing both mental health and substance use needs.
This initiative aligns with a statewide effort led by the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities to advance integrated, person-centered care. Co-Occurring Capability is grounded in the understanding that mental health and substance use needs frequently occur together, and that behavioral health systems must be prepared to address both seamlessly, rather than treating them in separate or siloed tracks.
Individuals with co-occurring needs often encounter barriers to care not because of complexity, but because systems were not intentionally designed to support them. Through this work, RVBH is enhancing its programs to ensure services are consistently welcoming, accessible, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented so individuals and families feel supported and understood no matter where they enter care.
“When we strengthen our co-occurring capability, the impact on our clients is profound. They don’t have to separate parts of their story or decide which struggle matters most. They can show up as they are, and be seen as a whole person, with their overall behavioral health needs addressed” said Cate Gaddis, RVBH Vice President of Operations. “This approach reduces frustration, builds trust more quickly, and helps individuals feel truly understood. When care is delivered in this way, it becomes more connected, more compassionate, and ultimately more effective.”
While co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders have been treated for many years, the initiative has prompted meaningful reflection across participating agencies statewide. For many, including RVBH, the process has highlighted that strong intentions alone are not enough. True co-occurring capability requires intentional structure, alignment, and visibility across systems and programs.
Over the coming months, teams across RVBH will participate in trainings and utilize assessment tools to evaluate current practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and take concrete steps to strengthen care across service areas.
“While RiverValley has long been committed to serving individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs, this initiative allows us to take that commitment to the next level,” said Marsha Lowery, LPP, Senior Director of Clinical Services and Training. “Our goal is to ensure co-occurring capable practices are not only embedded in our work, but clearly visible and evident to everyone we serve.”
Through Co-Occurring Capability in Kentucky, RVBH is moving forward with clarity and purpose to ensure the core components of co-occurring capability are reflected throughout every aspect of care. These include being welcoming and accessible; recovery- and resiliency-oriented; trauma-informed; culturally responsive and equity-focused; and fully integrated across mental health, substance use, and other complex needs.
Comments