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Florida Behavioral Health Association Highlights Critical Resources and Innovations in Mental Health

As Mental Health Awareness Month kicks off this May, the Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) is urging the residents of Florida to take a moment to reflect on their mental health and to learn about the critical services accessible in their communities. This initiative aims to elevate awareness around mental health and underscore the importance of available support systems.

Across Florida, community behavioral health providers play a pivotal role in local healthcare frameworks, assisting individuals and families as they navigate challenging phases of life. These dedicated professionals offer a gamut of essential services, including outpatient and inpatient treatments tailored to meet diverse needs. One of the standout features of this system is its commitment to ensuring no one is turned away due to financial constraints, as help is accessible around the clock.

At the forefront of this endeavor is the expansion of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), which represent a significant shift in how behavioral health services are delivered in the state. This innovative model is designed to unify previously fragmented services into a cohesive, person-centered system of care. Melanie Brown-Woofter, President and CEO of FBHA, emphasized the transformative impact of CCBHCs, stating, "These clinics are not just improving how we deliver and fund care; they are fundamentally reshaping the accessibility of mental health services in Florida. By ensuring timely access to the right care, we’re strengthening the overall behavioral health system to better serve the needs of Floridians."

Under the CCBHC approach, the delivery of mental health care is responsive to individuals' requirements based on urgency.

• - Immediate support for crises is available via call, text, or chat, or an in-person visit within an hour through a dedicated Mobile Response Team.
• - Urgent needs are addressed within one business day, ensuring that individuals receive the care they need without unnecessary delays.
• - For those experiencing milder symptoms, appointments are arranged within ten days.

The positive outcomes of this model are evident: over 127,600 Floridians received assistance from CCBHCs in a brief timeframe. Notably, these clinics have increased their outreach, with nearly half expanding services for children and youth. Additionally, 25% of the clinics have initiated essential crisis services, including mobile response teams and crisis stabilization units, while 75% have partnered with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to enhance accessibility.

The FBHA is keen to remind Floridians that support is consistently available. Whether through the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or by reaching out to one of FBHA's community providers, help from trained mental health professionals is just a contact away. For immediate counseling, Florida's Mobile Response Teams stand ready to offer emergency behavioral healthcare for those in crisis.

For those interested in exploring their options for mental health and substance use treatment, FBHA invites residents to visit Floridabha.org to access a directory of community providers.

Representation is key for FBHA, which encompasses over 70 community mental health and substance use treatment providers from across the state, stretching from Pensacola to Key West. Collectively, these facilities serve upwards of 604,000 individuals annually, focusing on uninsured, underinsured, and those within Medicaid demographics. The range of services available underscores the commitment to making mental health care universally accessible. Everyone deserves to have their mental health needs met, and the resources in Florida are here to support that goal.

By amplifying awareness and ensuring accessible care, the FBHA is championing the message that mental health is just as crucial as physical health.

Let us all take the time this month to reflect on our mental well-being and the resources available to us in these challenging times.