Advanced Behavioral Health, Inc. (ABH) has opened a new outpatient office in Hagerstown, marking its first expansion into Washington County, Maryland. The office, located at 265 Mill Street, Suite 800, began serving patients on September 1, 2026, bringing the organization's total service area to six counties.
This expansion is a significant step for the region, which has faced challenges in accessing timely mental health care. By establishing a physical presence in Washington County, ABH aims to reduce barriers to treatment and provide a continuum of services that were previously unavailable locally. The new office offers individual and family therapy, both onsite and offsite, as well as school-based therapy and telehealth counseling. Additionally, psychiatric evaluation and medication management are available, ensuring that clients can receive comprehensive care without traveling long distances.
Vera Kurdian, CEO of ABH, emphasized the organization's commitment to community partnership. "Serving families and supporting communities one individual at a time is what we do best," she said. "This expansion allows us to build a collaborative partnership in Washington County, where families can expect high-quality and timely mental health and psychiatric services. This expansion also provides job opportunities for mental health professionals, from an organization as committed to its employees as it is to its patients."
The opening also has economic implications for the area, as it creates new positions for mental health professionals. ABH has been recognized as a Top Workplace in 2024, 2025, and 2026, indicating a strong organizational culture that may attract talent to the region. This could help address workforce shortages in behavioral health, a critical issue across Maryland.
Looking ahead, ABH plans to introduce its Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP) to the Hagerstown office once Maryland's PRP moratorium lifts, expected in 2027. This will further expand the range of services available to Washington County residents, offering support for individuals with serious mental illness to develop skills for community integration.
The expansion is particularly timely given the rising demand for mental health services, exacerbated by the pandemic and ongoing societal stressors. By increasing access to care, ABH is helping to mitigate the public health impact of untreated mental health conditions, which can lead to improved outcomes for individuals and communities.
ABH's model emphasizes accessibility, accepting major insurance, Medicaid, and maintaining a discounted fee program to ensure no one is denied care due to inability to pay. This commitment to affordability is crucial in a county where financial constraints may have previously prevented residents from seeking help.
The new office can be reached at 301.345.1022, and referring providers can connect patients directly. For more information about ABH and its services, visit abhmaryland.com.
This strategic move not only addresses an immediate need but also positions ABH to grow its presence in Western Maryland, potentially serving as a model for other providers looking to expand into underserved areas. As the behavioral health landscape continues to evolve, such expansions are vital to ensuring that all Marylanders have access to the care they need.
