Turquoise to discontinue behavioral health services

Turquoise Health and Wellness will discontinue behavioral health services March 31 in Clovis and several other New Mexico cities, according to an Associated Press report.

Turquoise, a subsidiary of Lifewell Behavioral Wellness Inc. out of Arizona, was contracted to take over behavioral health services in Clovis in 2013 after TeamBuilders Counseling Services was accused of Medicaid fraud.

New Mexico Human Services Department spokesman Matt Kennicott said in the AP report private contractors paid by the state to administer Medicaid behavioral health programs are responsible for finding providers to take over the clients dropped by Turquoise.

Clovis’ Turquoise Clinic and the New Mexico Human Services Department spokesman could not be reached Monday.