News Release
Posted by The MolinaCares Accord

The MolinaCares Accord Grants $100,000 to Roya Health to Launch a Behavioral Health Clinic in Albuquerque


Media Contact: Caroline Zubieta, Caroline.Zubieta@molinahealthcare.com, (562) 951-1588

Albuquerque, N.M., Sept. 25, 2024 The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of New Mexico (“Molina”), has announced a $100,000 grant to Roya Health, an organization providing high-quality integrated behavioral health services to traditionally underserved populations, to support the launch of an outpatient behavioral health clinic in Albuquerque. Roya Health’s state-of-the-art, ADA-accessible facility will provide a comfortable, professional environment to increase a family-centered approach to adolescent mental health and behavioral health services for New Mexicans.

According to the New Mexico Department of Health, 28 counties across the state have mental health provider shortage areas, leaving approximately 845,000 residents, or 40% of New Mexico’s population, without the mental health care services they need. Molina and Roya Health are collaborating to build upon the state’s existing behavioral health infrastructure to help address this shortage, particularly for those who have historically faced barriers accessing this support.

“Improving access to behavioral health care and bridging care gaps in New Mexico is a top priority for Molina,” said Carolyn Ingram, plan president for Molina Healthcare of New Mexico. “Molina is thrilled to partner with Roya Health and support its holistic, integrated care approach to care for New Mexicans.”

With Molina’s funding, Roya Health will build capacity for individual, group and family therapy sessions, workshops and telehealth sessions. Funding will also be used to develop a therapeutic garden used for nature-based interventions and a waiting area equipped with information on mental health services. Sensory-friendly accommodations will be supplied throughout, as well as safety and security technology.

“We are grateful to partner with Molina towards this common goal to expand quality behavioral health in New Mexico,” said Dr. Shar Najafi-Piper, co-founder of Roya Health. “We are implementing a robust system to track outcomes with metrics like hospital readmission rates, average length of stay and improvements in patient-reported outcomes to ensure that we are constantly meeting the needs of the community.” 

About The MolinaCares Accord: 

Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc. 

About Molina Healthcare of New Mexico:

Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care to members through Medicaid and health insurance marketplace programs throughout New Mexico. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.

About Roya Health:  

Roya strives to provide comprehensive and coordinated mental health care services that address the diverse needs of individuals across all populations. We aim to ensure everyone has access to high-quality, holistic mental health care, regardless of their background or circumstances. For more information, visit https://www.roya.health.

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