At the recent Behavioral Health Business (BHB) Value Conference, industry leaders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of value-based care in behavioral health. One of the standout sessions, Regulatory Changes and Policy Updates Shaping Value-Based Behavioral Health Care-featured Chris Santarsiero, Vice President of Government Affairs at Connections, alongside Peter Delia from the National Council of Mental Wellbeing and Daniel Patten from Holland & Knight. Together, they offered valuable insights on how providers, payers, and policymakers can work together to build a more sustainable, outcomes-driven behavioral health system.
Here are five key takeaways from the session that highlight where the industry is heading and how organizations like Connections are helping to shape the future of behavioral health care:
1. Crisis care revolution: proving value through innovative models
Connections demonstrated a groundbreaking approach in Arizona, reducing behavioral health spending by 40% through a comprehensive crisis response system. This remarkable achievement wasn't just about cost saving; it represented a fundamental shift in how crisis care is delivered and a powerful example of value-based care in action.
The Arizona model integrates multiple components into a seamless system:
The model has become a national best practice, showcasing how innovative care can dramatically reduce systemic costs while improving patient outcomes.
2. The critical role of peer support in behavioral health
A major highlight was the growing recognition of peer support specialists. These professionals, who bring lived experience, offer unique perspectives that compliment clinical approaches.
Chris highlighted several positive effects of integrating peer support into crisis centers:
The panel emphasized the need to elevate peer support, removing barriers to entry and gaining more recognition from payers.
3. Navigating uncertain policy landscapes
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the increasingly complex policy environment facing behavioral health providers. With potential Medicaid cuts and evolving regulatory frameworks, organizations must be more strategic than ever.
The panel outlined several approaches for effective navigation:
The panelists stressed that passive reaction to policy changes is no longer viable. Instead, forward-thinking organizations are becoming more proactive in shaping the conversation. The overarching theme: Be prepared, be innovative, and tell your story compellingly.
4. Telehealth and technology: transforming mental health access
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption, breaking down traditional barriers and allowing for:
The legal and regulatory environment is still catching up, but panelists noted encouraging signs that policymakers recognize telehealth's value. Several states have made permanent the temporary telehealth allowances implemented during the pandemic.
5. The future of value-based care in behavioral health
Looking ahead, the panel emphasized that value-based care represents the future of behavioral health, but implementation requires careful consideration of the field's unique challenges. Key elements of successful value-based behavioral health programs include:
The panelists acknowledged that the transition to value-based care presents challenges, particularly for smaller providers. However, they emphasized that collaborative approaches—including provider networks and partnerships with larger organizations—can create pathways for organizations of all sizes.
Charting the path forward:
As the behavioral health landscape continues to evolve, the insights shared at the BHB Value Conference underscore a pivotal moment for our industry. The transition to value-based care isn't just a regulatory shift—it represents a fundamental reimagining of how we deliver, measure, and fund behavioral health services.
Organizations like Connections are leading this transformation through innovative crisis care models, peer support integration, and adaptive policy engagement. By embracing technology, prioritizing prevention, and building collaborative stakeholder relationships, behavioral health providers can navigate the challenges ahead while delivering improved outcomes for the communities they serve.