Sometimes it pays to be different.  But the fact that most behavioral health providers were excluded from the health information technology stimulus program only exacerbated an ongoing problem.  Increasingly the emphasis in health care is shifting to a more holistic and coordinated care model.  The establishment of pilot health home models and the pending regulations around accountable care organizations point to this change.  When it comes to providing services for those with behavioral health problems, it is clear that both the physical health and substance abuse and mental health providers …

On Thursday, June 2, Recovery Month hosted their first #RecoveryChat on Twitter focusing on the topic of prevention and early intervention. Fran Harding, SAMHSA’s Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, joined Recovery Month (@RecoveryMonth) to provide expertise and answer questions. Fran previously answered your questions about Alcohol Awareness Month as part of our Ask SAMHSA series.
The chat had a great turnout with more than 25 people contributing to the conversation and sharing comments with their followers. The conversation focused on parents talking to youth about alcohol and substance …

Guest Post:  Donald M. Berwick, M.D., Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator
On May 3, I had the welcome opportunity to speak to the 3,000 people attending the annual meeting of the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. They represent organizations that offer services in communities all over our nation for people with serious mental illnesses, behavioral health problems, and substance abuse. The visit reminded me both of how significant behavioral health problems are in our health care world and to our beneficiaries, and also how important …

Check out Kathryn Power’s, SAMHSA’s Director of the Center for Mental Health Services,  response to questions asked by the public via Facebook, Twitter, and SAMHSA’s blog about preventing mental illness and promoting behavioral wellness as part of SAMHSA’s Ask SAMHSA series.

For more information on mental illness prevention, please visit SAMHSA’s Prevention Strategic Initiative webpage and for more information on recovery please visit SAMHSA’s Recovery Support Initiative webpage.