Our Story Unfolds
Since 1997, our founders and faculty have been steadfast in one mission:
Behavioral Health Associates empowers students by providing comprehensive educational and mental health resources for all students, regardless of their circumstances.
How we approach this incredible task changes constantly. At the heart of every decision we make is each student that comes to BHA. We strive to give each of them exactly what he or she needs to become a confident, happy, lifelong learner and a cherished member of society. They are what drives our choices for how we design curriculum, how we train our teachers, how we strengthen the brain, how we hire employees, and so much more.
Welcome to the History of Behavioral Health Associates
Two visionary individuals founded Behavioral Health Associates with a shared dream in 1998.
Rick Caffrey and Joseph Trimmel recognized the need for more comprehensive mental health support in educational settings. Fueled by their determination to address this need, they embarked on the journey to establish their own agency.
Starting from a modest office on 1st Street in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, Behavioral Health Associates initially focused on providing behavioral specialists and therapeutic staff for in-home services. As demand grew, the agency expanded to a building in Weissport, where the vision shifted towards an education-based program. The humble beginnings saw the enrollment of 14 students across two classrooms.
Over the years, the organization, originally known as Clinical Innovations, steadily expanded its services. It forged partnerships with local school districts to provide mental health support to students while continuing its commitment to in-home services for families in Carbon County and beyond. As the scope broadened to include medical services the foundational principles remained unchanged – addressing the educational, biological, and emotional needs of clients comprehensively.
In the early 2000s, the educational arm of the organization absorbed the Carbon County programs of Wordsworth Academy at the iconic Alum Street location in Lehighton. This strategic move facilitated further growth and the establishment of distinct programs tailored to various needs. In 2003, Clinical Innovations officially became Behavioral Health Associates, marking a significant milestone in its evolution.
With the historic Packer Ridge Academy building renovation project, Trimmel and Caffrey spearheaded the expansion efforts, enabling the agency to offer a wider range of services. Acquiring additional buildings in the area paved the way for the development of various programs, including Mahoning Valley Academy, Willow Academy, and the PRIDE program at Ashfield Academy.
Today, Behavioral Health Associates is a beacon of support, serving 31 school districts across eight counties through its myriad of comprehensive programs. Regardless of background or diagnosis, the goal remains steadfast – equipping students with the emotional and educational tools for lifelong success.
Join us as we continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities we serve.