First Step, Coastal Behavioral Healthcare Officially Merge

(Sarasota Herald-Tribune) – After a nine-month consolidation process, First Step of Sarasota and Coastal Behavioral Healthcare have officially – as of July 1 – begun operations under the First Step name and brand. The core services and programs will still be available to community members in need but organizational leaders assert that the merger will result in stronger, more comprehensive solutions for those with mental health and addiction disorders. The merger enables the organization to further the “no wrong door” approach to social services, whereby any point of entry results in a client receiving direct services or linkage and case coordination, rather than being bounced from one agency to another. First Step of Sarasota is now the largest nonprofit behavioral health care agency in Sarasota County, with a long-term goal of further collaboration with area private and public entities. Full Article