St. Luke’s opens expanded behavioral health clinic supported by community donors

Generous donations from the Idaho Elks Association and Union Pacific Foundation have helped St. Luke’s Health System expand behavioral health services for adults in the Treasure Valley.

The new Behavioral Health Clinic at Capitol Gateway Plaza, near downtown Boise, aims to reduce appointment wait times and will introduce new, on-site programs and services.

The clinic consolidates care providers from the former Americana Blvd. behavioral health clinic with newly hired staff. The expanded physical space has enabled a 33% increase in staffing, which is expected to boost access to care for adult patients by 75%.

“With more than 600 behavioral health patient referrals received each month across St. Luke’s Boise-based behavioral health clinics, some initial appointment times ranged from three to twelve or more months,” said Dr. Michael Walton, St. Luke’s system medical director for behavioral health care. “This new clinic helps us close the gap between when people seek help and when they receive it, in an environment built to support both safety and healing.”

The clinic serves patients 18 and older by appointment, offering intermediary care options such as an intensive outpatient program and diverse group therapy options. Virtual care is also available – an important option, particularly for those living in rural communities where travel may be a barrier.

The new clinic will also feature Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an FDA-approved, noninvasive treatment for depression and other disorders, especially for patients who haven’t responded to traditional therapies.

Additionally, the clinic will host Psychiatry Residency and Addiction Fellowship Training programs in partnership with the University of Washington, helping to grow Idaho’s behavioral health workforce.

Community support

Idaho continues to struggle to meet the needs of access for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, spending the least amount in the nation on mental health services per capita.

As long-standing supporters of rehabilitative health care, the Idaho Elks Association also recognizes the behavioral health crisis impacting local communities. Keith Mills of the Idaho Elks Association shared, “Rehab is not only physical but it’s mental, and many of us can think of people in our own lives who have been impacted by behavioral health challenges and could benefit because of services like the ones being offered in St. Luke’s new clinic.”

For the Union Pacific Foundation, the expansion of behavioral health care aligns with its objectives to ensure residents’ needs are met. “Union Pacific invests in the health of communities where our employees live and work,” said Aaron Hunt, senior director of public affairs with Union Pacific. “We are proud to be a part of the opening of this clinic, which will serve as a vital community resource for people in the Treasure Valley.”

Looking ahead

The Idaho Elks’ donation also supports future expansion of St. Luke’s Rehabilitative Clinics in Meridian and McCall, which will increase patient capacity and reduce wait times in those communities. Fundraising is ongoing for these projects.

"The care being provided in this new clinic is all because of a mutual belief that we can impact people by philanthropic support, and through this clinic we can provide tools that would otherwise not be available to the professionals who know how to use them," said Travis Bradburn, vice president and chief philanthropy officer for St. Luke’s Health Foundation. “These generous gifts showcase the power of community partnerships and philanthropy to transform lives,” added Bradburn.

For more information or to donate, contact St. Luke’s Health Foundation at (208) 381-2123.