Process Strategies is eliminating nearly 40 jobs as part of a restructuring decision.
Highland Hospital spokesman James Strawn said employees were notified during a meeting early Tuesday evening. The decision eliminates 26 full-time positions and 11 PRN, or "as-needed," employees.
"We have experienced some increasing financial losses over the last couple of years. And we just can't sustain these losses any longer for our organization," Strawn said.
Highland Hospital's website calls Process Strategies "the outpatient division of Highland Hospital." Strawn said that's not right, and Process Strategies is a private practice under the same holding company, HHA Inc.
Employees were also given letters about the layoffs that outline their particular situations and letters related to unemployment, Strawn said. Some employees were affected immediately, while others will finish their time at Process Strategies over the next 60 days.
Highland Behavioral Health Services Inc. purchased Process Strategies Institute -- then, a private Charleston-based psychology practice -- in 2001 to provide outpatient services.
Strawn said those employees affected by the layoff would get preference if they apply for jobs at other Highland divisions. The organization also plans to hold an internal job fair in October during which time outside employers will meet with former Process Strategies employees for potential hiring.
"We're doing everything we can do. We're bending over backwards to help these staff members find other employment," Strawn said.
Patient services are not affected by the layoffs, Strawn said. While he couldn't provide specifics on which positions have been eliminated, Strawn said they were "support staff."
Process Strategies has been part of the Highland company since 2011. It provides mental health screenings, therapy and substance abuse counseling, among other services, to 4,000 patients each month and between 6,000 and 7,000 patients each year.
"None of that is changing," Strawn said.
Reach Rachel Molenda at rachel.molenda@wvgazette.com, 304-348-5102 or follow @rachelmolenda on Twitter.