The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), as part of the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), has oversight responsibility for publicly-funded inpatient and outpatient (community) behavioral health services, which includes a comprehensive array of services and supports to help individuals with substance-related disorders, mental health disorders, co-occurring disorders, and problem-gambling disorders recover. Additionally, BHA is the entity responsible for regulating and licensing all behavioral health programs in Maryland’s Public Behavioral Health System and has oversight responsibility to ensure provider compliance with COMAR 10.63 and state policy.
MISSION
Through publicly-funded, culturally competent, quality-driven services and supports, BHA will promote equity, resiliency, recovery, health and wellness for individuals who have or are at risk of behavioral health disorders (including emotional, substance related, gambling and/or mental health disorders) to improve their ability to function effectively in their communities.
VISION
To achieve excellent health outcomes and decrease avoidable health disparities for individuals across the life span by advocating for equity in social determinants of health, which advances an equitable behavioral health system that is seamless and integrated throughout the continuum of care.
GOALS
Increasing access to care by expanding:
- capacity of 24/7 crisis services
- the workforce
- the use of telehealth and other information technology applications
Improving quality of care by:
- improved data collection and analysis capabilities
- moving to measurement-based care
- expanding cultural and linguistic competency trainings
- increasing support of evidence-based practices and promising practices
- increasing integration of care
Improving coordination of care by:
- developing and utilizing an integrated systems management approach
- expanding recovery services and supports
