MA Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform Announced - Updated!

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Updated! Register here for an April 27, 2021, 2:30pm webinar providing the Community Behavioral Health Centers Program Review. Community Behavioral Health Centers will be implemented as part of the MA Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)'s recently announced Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform, a multi-year blueprint to: 

  • Redesign the ambulatory behavioral health system
  • Respond to needs identified by stakeholders for expanded access to treatment
  • Provide more effective treatment
  • Improve health equity

The initiative, focused on ensuring "the right treatment when and where people need it,” will include the creation of a centralized “front door” for behavioral health services to help people learn about and access available services, such as:

  • 24-hour access to triage and emergency services, expanded-service Community Behavioral Health Centers, 
  • Workforce investments to support competency and culturally competent care, 
  • Easier insurer credentialing processes for providers, 
  • Increased MassHealth coverage for certain services (including peer services), and others.

An initial webinar was held on February 24, 2021, with two question and answer (Q&A) sessions following. Both Q&aA sessions are available in recordings on the main Roadmap page.