For over five decades, Zepf Center has been the leader for hope and recovery throughout Northwest Ohio. Focused on providing trauma-informed, person-centered care for the whole family, Zepf Center’s new Primary Care services provide high-quality healthcare, regardless of a client’s income or insurance.  

Although Zepf Center is known for its mental health and addiction treatment, the agency has taken steps to offer integrated care options tailored to the individual needs of a client. By introducing primary care services into its already robust service offering, Zepf Center stands out in the healthcare landscape as a one-stop shop for wellness. 

“We are bridging the critical gap between physical and mental health services,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “These services not only support our commitment to the well-being of our clients but will benefit the community as a whole.” 

Primary Care services officially launched in December 2022, and continued to evolve in the years following. Services currently include medical care for the whole family, treatment for illness and injury, women’s health, adult and youth well visits, chronic care management, vaccines, Hepatitis C treatment, specialist referrals, and more. 

Due to increased funding through Zepf Center’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) designation, the primary care team grew as the program continued to develop. Zeba Haydar joined the Zepf Center Primary Care staff in 2023 and currently serves as the Health Center Director of Operations. 

"Our mission with Primary Care is to elevate the standard of care for our clients," Haydar explained. "By seamlessly integrating physical health services with our existing mental health and substance use treatment, clients are able to address all of their health concerns in one place.”

By expanding its services and treating the whole person, Zepf Center reaffirms its commitment to integrated care and provides those in the surrounding community with additional support. Zepf Center clients not only experience fewer barriers to care but can also enjoy the convenience of coming to one agency to have all their health concerns addressed.

Zepf Center’s Primary Care expansion does not simply enhance current service offerings but also embraces a holistic approach to healthcare. The combination of mental and physical healthcare provides clients and community members with an option for accessible, affordable care and enables them to experience improved health outcomes as a result.

Accessibility is a major part of Zepf Center’s Primary Care model. Primary Care services are available for current Zepf Center clients, Zepf Center employees, and anyone from the community. They offer same-day appointments, walk-ins, and will see anyone regardless of their residency or ability to pay.

Another important advantage for clients enrolled in Primary Care at Zepf Center is continuity of care and familiarity with staff. Clients receive the same level of treatment, care, and respect that they have been getting with their other providers and staff throughout the agency. 

“Many of our clients have trauma history and seeing a new clinician can be intimidating,” Haydar shared. “By allowing their current provider to introduce primary care and walking them through the internal referral process, we reframe a potentially stressful situation for the client.”

For clients who receive care at Zepf Center’s Nebraska location, staff or providers even have the opportunity to walk the client over to the Primary Care location and introduce them to staff, which is a great way to overcome any reservations a client might have.

For prospective clients curious about what to expect for their first visit, Haydar paints a reassuring picture. One of the Primary Care team’s main goals is to ensure clients always feel welcome. Providers get to know clients by name and go to great lengths to make it easy for clients to communicate their needs with clinicians.

“These clients will have their needs and concerns addressed and understand that our clinic is part of an agency that they know and trust,” Haydar said. “We can see clients for any type of physical health issue and refer them to a specialist if needed, while still checking in and being involved in their care.”

Zepf Center Primary Care is open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The clinic accepts all patients regardless of income or insurance but accepts most insurance plans including Medicaid and Medicare. Assistance on a sliding fee schedule is also available for those who qualify based on family size and income.

For more information about Primary Care services, visit zepfcenter.org/primary-care-your-health-matters/ or call 419-841-7701, option 7.