The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation released a report titled Massachusetts Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform: Overview and Implementation Update, which examines the state’s implementation of the Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform (the Roadmap). The Roadmap is a sweeping set of changes aimed at improving access to the outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment system for all Massachusetts residents. Researchers found both successes and challenges since the Roadmap’s launch in early 2023 and identified opportunities to strengthen the multiyear strategy to close critical gaps in community-based care.
The report highlights last year’s rollout of the statewide Behavioral Health Help Line, providing 24/7 access to individuals and families seeking crisis and other services, along with the opening of 27 Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) to serve as “one-stop locations” for treatment across the state. A third major component of the Roadmap, community-based Behavioral Health Urgent Care sites providing same-day or next-day outpatient appointments, is also reviewed. The report, prepared by research partner Manatt Health, is based on input from key stakeholders and early implementation data.