Behavioral Health Associates

Behavioral Health Associates (BHA) is a Pennsylvania-based non-profit that provides educational and mental health resources within educational settings. Founded in 1998 by Rick Caffrey and Joseph Trimmel - originally as Clinical Innovations, in a modest office in Lehighton, Pennsylvania - the organisation has since expanded across the Anthracite Coal Region and beyond. It serves 8 counties through partnerships with 31 school districts and operates 6 physical locations.

BHA runs several sites, among them Mahoning Valley Academy and Willow Academy, which deliver individualized education alongside mental health support, and a number of PRIDE program locations that form part of its educational and behavioural health offering. Its work spans education, behavioural and mental health services, and special education.

The organisation is built around small learning environments. Average class size is 7 students and the student-to-staff ratio is 4:1, with teams comprising doctors, educators and therapists who address students' educational, biological and emotional needs. The stated approach is to meet students where they are and to create settings in which they feel safe, valued and empowered.

Staff work toward the goal of helping students become resilient, independent learners and self-advocates. BHA describes itself as a trusted partner for families across the region and maintains a mission-driven focus on comprehensive mental health support in schools.