Careers of Substance: Supporting the Massachusetts Substance Use and Addictions Workforce

The MA Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) has announced a multi-year blueprint to: 

• Redesign the ambulatory behavioral health system
• Respond to needs identified by stakeholders for expanded access to treatment
• Provide more effective treatment
• Improve health equity

The initiative, entitled “Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform: Ensuring the right treatment when and where people need it,” will include the creation of a centralized “front door” for behavioral health services to help people learn about and access available services, such as:

• 24-hour access to triage and emergency services, expanded-service Community Behavioral Health Centers, 
• Workforce investments to support competency and culturally competent care, 
• Easier insurer credentialing processes for providers, 
• Increased MassHealth coverage for certain services (including peer services), and others.

An initial webinar was held on February 24, 2021, with two question and answer (Q&A) sessions following. Both Q&aA sessions will be available in recordings on the main ...