Behavioral Healthcare Providers Demand Continually Increases, Especially in Pandemic
John Talbot, PhD, OPEN MINDS, to Share Expertise and
Strategies at Conference October 30, 2020
October 5, 2020
Only 28.2 percent of youth experiencing severe major depressive
episodes received some consistent treatment, and more than 10
million adults reported unmet mental healthcare needs, which
represents no change since 2011, according to Mental Health
America's 2020 State of Mental Health in America Report. The
COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significantly further increased
demand for mental health care, as well as substance use disorder
(SUD) treatment, among individuals who have had these needs prior
to the public health emergency. Many others have developed
depression and anxiety and, in many cases, turned to substance
use to cope, during the pandemic. To help mental healthcare and
SUD treatment providers develop strategies to increase access
through new business models, John Talbot, PhD, Senior Associate
at OPEN MINDS, will share his expertise and insights
during the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction
Agencies' (NJAMHAA's) Annual Conference, Reimagining Health Care,
on October 30, 2020.
Since long before the pandemic, providers have been contending
with several trends that compounded the obstacles to meet the
increasing demand, according to Dr. Talbot. There has been a
heightened focus on integrated care (treating each person
holistically, addressing physical and mental health issues and
substance use); a growing trend toward value-based reimbursement
(providers being paid based on health outcomes achieved, rather
than the volume of services they deliver); the use of new
technologies, especially telehealth; more emphasis on consumer
choice; and increased competition. "COVID exacerbated these
challenges and introduced others," he said.
"Prior to COVID, many behavioral healthcare providers were not
prepared to address these issues. Now, we're in a crisis and for
providers on the edge of any margin, this can be brutal," Dr.
Talbot stated. "Providers need sophisticated systems to track
outcomes. Many providers wait until they have data from payers to
see how they're doing. That's too late," he stressed.
Behavioral healthcare providers need new strategies and tools to
reinforce their long-term viability so they can continue to be a
vital resource for children and adults with mental illnesses and
SUDs. This is especially true for small organizations, which
continually struggle with limited resources. "There is much more
pressure on smaller organizations, which led to consolidations,"
Dr. Talbot noted.
"The challenge for leadership is that they need crisis plans
while also doing strategic planning," he added.
"On the bright side, opportunity is massive. Those who can
maximize the opportunities will do really well," Dr. Talbot
stated. During his keynote presentation, he will describe the
changing behavioral healthcare environment, define
operationalizing strategies and identify the steps provider
organizations need to take.
"Considering Dr. Talbot's expertise on every aspect of behavioral
health from an operational standpoint, as well as how to take
businesses through transformative times, he is an excellent
choice for our keynote presentation as we need to reimagine
health care like never before. He will provide both the big
picture and the on-the-ground practicality to help participants
implement changes," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO
of NJAMHAA.
In a workshop later in the day, Dr. Talbot will guide attendees
in a deep dive into how the rapidly changing behavioral
healthcare environment will impact provider organizations and
elaborate on strategies for achieving long-term
sustainability.
Please visit www.njamhaa.org/events for links to details on the
conference program and registration, as well as information on
sponsorship, exhibiting and advertising opportunities.