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Trends in State Strategies to Improve the Behavioral Health Workforce
State behavioral health system reforms are facing many longstanding challenges. Among the most notable are chronic shortages and maldistribution of behavioral health providers. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the demand for mental health services, intensifying the strain on an already under resourced system. To address these challenges, states are adopting approaches to bolster recruitment, retention, and training of professionals to foster a culturally competent workforce that can deliver evidence-based care tailored to diverse consumer needs. In this report, NASHP explores diverse strategies states have implemented over the past several years to build a skilled and sustainable behavioral health workforce. Read more here.
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We Need Better Data to Combat Homelessness
The federal government recently released data showing that the U.S. homeless population has exceeded 770,000 — a record high. That figure, based on the annual point-in-time count required by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and conducted by volunteers nationwide on a single night in January, is staggering. But the actual number of people experiencing homelessness is much higher. In my hometown of San Diego, for example, we know that the annual number of individuals experiencing homelessness is roughly three times what the federal data shows. These inaccuracies hinder efforts to aid homeless populations, because HUD uses point-in-time counts to determine how much federal money municipalities receive for their homelessness services. Read more here.
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Funding Gaps, Training Shortages Create Barriers for Dual Diagnosis SUD, SMI Treatment
Almost 50% of patients with serious mental illnesses (SMI) also have a substance use disorder (SUD). Yet few providers offer specialized care for patients with co-occurring SUD and SMI. Clinical challenges and problems with training and reimbursement make providing much-needed care for this population difficult, resulting in too few high-quality, specialized care programs. “In order to get high-quality care for [co-occurring SUD and SMI], you need somebody that is specialized in substance use disorder and in these more severe forms,” Caroline Fenkel, co-founder and chief clinical officer of Charlie Health, told Addiction Treatment Business. “Even if you do have the luck to get into care, is it going to be high-quality care? Because this population is difficult to treat, and you need much more training to treat it. … It’s very inaccessible in a lot of ways, and it’s why we started Charlie Health.” Read more here.
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EMS, Pioneering Solutions in the Opioid Crisis
The opioid crisis in the United States has become a tough challenge for healthcare systems, with paramedics and EMS workers often serving as the initial responders to its devastating impacts. According to the “What Paramedics Want in 2024" report, a substantial 36% of paramedics report that the opioid overdose epidemic has a high-to-very high impact on their communities. Alarmingly, despite this pressing issue, only 16% of these communities have developed specialized responses beyond traditional ambulance services [1]. This critical shortfall underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to support EMS workers who are at the forefront of addressing this epidemic. Read more here.
Related: Fentanyl Deaths Drop in 2024, But New Drug Use Patterns Raise Red Flags
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OMH News - Winter 2025: Expanding Mental Health Care Access is a Key Part of The State of State
In the latest OMH News, Governor Hochul’s State of the State highlights major mental health reforms, including expanded housing, crisis services, and Kendra’s Law updates. Discover new youth programs, rural mental health initiatives, and the Be Well wellness campaign. Plus, get updates on Daniel’s Law Task Force, NIMRS 2.0, and OMH’s new CFO. Click here to read!
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Financing Mechanisms for Street Medicine and Other Low-Barrier Models of Care
Health care providers have adopted innovative care models to better serve people experiencing homelessness, including those at risk for or living with HIV. Street medicine, harm reduction, and other low-barrier approaches have proven effective by meeting individuals where they are, resulting in higher engagement and better health outcomes. However, these models often rely on short-term funding, limiting their sustainability and growth. Medicaid financing offers a path to secure long-term support for these community-based services. This brief, based on research and interviews from April to November 2024, provides guidance for developing street medicine programs. It outlines key Medicaid funding options, strategies to maximize resources, actionable steps for program success, and examples from early innovators, with a focus on serving individuals vulnerable to or living with HIV.
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National Caregivers Day is Feb. 21. Here's How to Offer Support.
Nearly 66 million Americans serve as a caregiver for a sick or disabled loved one, putting almost 29% of adults in a position where they're juggling constant care with all the usual stressors of life. With that, caregiving is a serious challenge. Caregivers are faced with numerous mental, physical and emotional health challenges, raising the risk they'll develop depression, burnout and other health issues. Unfortunately, many people aren't aware of these struggles — and caregivers end up suffering in silence as a result. "These individuals tend to make their personal needs a lower priority than those they are caring for," Hillary Ammon, a psychologist at the Center for Anxiety & Women's Emotional Wellness, tells Yahoo Life. That usually means skipping routine exercise, quality sleep and home-cooked meals. Read more here.
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Children’s SPOA Coordinators Highlighted in NYSAC News Magazine
The Centennial issue of NYSAC News Magazine includes an article by CLMHD about the vital role of Children's Single Point of Access (C-SPOA) Coordinators in supporting youth with complex mental health needs and their families. The article, "Unlocking Opportunities for Youth: The Benefit Impact of Children’s SPOA Coordinators," featured on pages 28-29, explores how these coordinators bridge gaps between services, provide vital advocacy, and connect families to essential mental health supports. Despite their critical contributions, many county C-SPOA programs face significant funding and workforce challenges. The article underscores the need for sustainable resources to ensure that every child and family can access the care they deserve. Read more here.
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As Sports Betting Has Soared, More People Search Online For Help With Gambling Addiction
More and more people are looking for help managing gambling addiction. That's a finding from a new study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine on Monday. The study looks at the impact of a Supreme Court decision in 2018 that loosened restrictions around online sports betting. Before 2018's Murphy v National Collegiate Athletic Association, only Nevada allowed betting on sports. In 2024, 38 states allowed it. Sports wagers went from $4.9 billion in 2017 to more than $121 billion in 2023, according to the study. Read more here.
Related: NY Launches “Take a Pause” Mobile Sports Betting Campaign
Suicide and gambling addiction: Access to betting accounts seen as key to prevention
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Substance Use Disorder Increases Risk of Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts
Each year, more than 200,000 lives are lost to suicide and substance-related deaths, with significant economic and societal costs. Research shows that individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) face a much higher risk of suicide, and the risk increases further when multiple substances are involved. In 2022, for every suicide death, 32 people attempted suicide, and over 250 seriously considered it. Understanding these connections can help improve screening and intervention efforts. A new study by Dr. Hillary Samples and The Pew Charitable Trusts explores these trends and disparities in greater detail. Read more here.
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UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS
Improving Health Care Outcomes for Individuals with Profound Autism
February 20, 2 - 3 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Building Trust and Buy-In with Multi-Disciplinary Deflection Teams
February 20, 2 - 3:30 pm, COSSUP
OASAS Treatment Update (PAS26) Transactions
February 25, 10 - 11 am, OASAS
Innovative Solutions for SUD Care in Rural Communities
February 25, 1 - 2 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Adults and Childhood Trauma
February 25, 1 - 2:15 pm, Justice Clearinghouse
Advancing Integration: Launching the Comprehensive Health Integration Framework
February 25, 2 - 3:30 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Overcoming Workforce Challenges in Behavioral Health Care
February 26, 1 - 2 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Justice Center Code of Conduct Train-the-Trainer Session
February 26, 1 - 4 pm, Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs
Conducting Cultural Assessments: Engaging and Providing Treatment for Justice-Involved Individuals from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Communities
February 26, 3 - 4:30 pm, NAADAC
Forging Partnerships Between Schools and the Crisis-Coordinated System of Care
February 27, 2 - 3 pm, SAMHSA
Creating Well-Being: An Introduction to Mental Health and Wellness Initiatives shared by Schools & Mental Health Organizations in New York State
February 27, 3:30 - 4:15 pm, School Mental Health Resource Training Center
Transforming Efforts to Prevent Firearm Suicide
March 5, 1 - 2 pm, NY Health Foundation
Supporting the Uptake of Behavioral Health Apps and Technology
March 6, 2 - 3 pm, College for Behavioral Health Leadership
Building a Peer Support Team That Your People Will Actually Talk To
March 6, 3 - 4:15 pm, Justice Clearinghouse
Leveraging Leadership to Develop and Deliver a Plan for Transformative Care Design and Delivery
March 11, 2 - 3 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Youth and the Legalization of Marijuana
March 12, 3 - 4:30 pm, NAADAC
Mental Health Care in Crisis: What Clinicians and Leaders Need to Know
March 13, 12 - 1:45 pm, NEJM Group
Equity as a Foundation for Leadership
March 13, 3 - 4 pm, College for Behavioral Health Leadership
Professional Boundaries Training
March 19, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs
Comics for the Brain, the Mind, and Everything Else
March 20, 12 - 1 pm, NYSPHA
Building Digital Trust: The Role of Healthcare Professionals on Social Media
March 20, 5:30 - 7 pm, NYAM
Justice Center Code of Conduct Train-the-Trainer Session
March 26, 1 - 4 pm, Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs
Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) of Peer Support in Criminal Justice
March 26, 3 - 4:30 pm, NAADAC
New York State Behavioral Health Tobacco Summit
April 2, 9 - 4:30 pm, NYSOMH/NAMI-NYS
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CLMHD CALENDAR
FEBRUARY
Developmental Disabilities Committee Meeting
February 20: 1 - 2 pm
MARCH
CLMHD Executive Committee Meeting
March 5: 8 - 9 am
LGU Clinic Operators Call
March 11: 10 - 11 am
Addiction Services & Supports (ASR) Committee Meeting
March 13: 11 am - 12 pm
Mental Health Committee Meeting
March 13: 3 - 4 pm
Children & Families Committee Meeting
March 18: 11:30 am - 1 pm
Membership Call
March 19: 9 - 10:30 am
Mental Hygiene Planning Committee Meeting
March 20: 1 - 3 pm
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