OYEN Emotional Wellness Center Announces Partnership In Mental Health Services With Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center

WOODBURN, Ore.- OYEN Emotional Wellness Center is thrilled to announce a partnership with Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center. This collaboration entails OYEN offering on-site therapists at Virginia Garcia’s School-Based Health Center (SBHC) and Primary Care Clinics to provide mental health services. This initiative aims to meet the pressing need for behavioral health services in areas with insufficient mental health resources. The collaboration went into effect on Monday, January 22, 2024. 

OYEN is a bilingual and bicultural health clinic in Woodburn, Oregon providing an array of mental health services. Virginia Garcia, a non-profit federally qualified community health center, offers primary health care in Washington and Yamhill counties. As part of the collaboration, OYEN will deploy two therapists to Virginia Garcia's primary care clinics, one in Beaverton and the other in Cornelius, and one therapist to their SBHC within the Beaverton School District.

“We are so honored to partner with a respected innovative leader in healthcare who has a positive reputation in offering access to high-quality healthcare,” says Melinda Avila, CEO of OYEN. “Virginia Garcia is a leader in providing culturally appropriate care to the Latino community.”

This partnership stems from a shared vision to improve behavioral health care access in Oregon, especially in communities facing challenges in accessing licensed behavioral health specialists, like schools. According to the Mental Health Services in School-Based Health Centers: Systematic Review, mental health issues affect 20–25% of children and adolescents, with a limited number receiving services, especially in marginalized communities. SBHCs play a crucial role in granting students access to mental health services within their schools. Avila emphasizes that these centers positively influence students by eliminating barriers such as transportation, insurance, and confidentiality concerns—allowing some students to seek services discreetly.

OYEN distinguishes itself as one of only four female-owned, person-of-color-led clinics in the nation serving the entire state of Oregon. With a team of highly qualified licensed professionals, 90% of whom are bicultural and bilingual, OYEN is committed to providing quality behavioral health services. While OYEN specializes in culturally appropriate services for the Latino community, the clinic is inclusive, serving all communities and accommodating individuals even in the face of financial constraints.

“Virginia Garcia is excited to expand our community partners to include OYEN,” said Kimberly Wilcox, Behavioral - Mental Health Services Director at Virginia Garcia. “Our shared mission and dedication to providing culturally and linguistically responsive services to our community is a natural fit. This will allow us to work together to increase access for our patients and community who are struggling with mental health and wellness. We believe this is only the beginning of what our partnership can bring to our community.”  

OYEN provides appointments either in person or through telehealth. With no waitlist, availability is tailored to accommodate a patient’s schedule. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please call 503-395-4224 or you can fill out a self-referral form online. 

About OYEN: OYEN Emotional Wellness Center is a bilingual and bicultural clinic that offers an array of mental health support for all ages. OYEN consists of a group of highly qualified English and Spanish-speaking Licensed Professionals who meet the mental health needs of our communities. For more information on OYEN, visit the website at www.oyenwellness.com.

About Virginia Garcia: Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center provides high-quality, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate primary health care with a special emphasis on those with barriers to receiving health care. Since its founding 49 years ago, Virginia Garcia has grown from a single, grassroots clinic into a comprehensive healthcare home serving Washington and Yamhill counties. Today, Virginia Garcia employs nearly 600 people, has a budget of more than $65 million, and serves more than 52,000 patients at six primary care clinics, six dental clinics, five school-based health centers, a reproductive health clinic, and a mobile outreach clinic. Visit virginiagarcia.org for more information on the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center.

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