OhioMHAS Announces Changes to Regional Psychiatric Hospital (RPH) Catchment Areas

The Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) has announced a realignment of Regional Psychiatric Hospital (RPH) catchment areas to better meet the needs of Ohioans faced with serious mental illness. Residents in Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison, and Monroe counties – who were previously served by Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare (ABH) in Athens – will now be served by Heartland Behavioral Healthcare (HBH) in Massilon. Those impacted by this change can view the NEW RPH Catchment Area Map here.

The realignment of the catchment areas is expected to increase bed availability at ABH by 18 percent for the remaining 14 counties in the ABH catchment area. Meanwhile, realignment of the HBH board catchment area will reduce transportation/visitor drive times as follows: Jefferson - 71 minutes, Harrison - 73 minutes, Belmont - 48 minutes and Monroe - 1 minute.

This change went into effect on November 13th, 2023. Affected county boards, judges and forensic centers were notified of the changes in October. Please note: the catchment area changes will not affect Community Support Networks (CSNs), or previously determined OhioMHAS funding and collaborative efforts. Also, patients from the four impacted counties who are currently admitted to ABH will continue to receive care in Athens. 

Those interested in learning more about Ohio’s Regional Psychiatric Hospitals can visit OhioMHAS’ Regional Psychiatric Hospital webpage.