DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Craig Strickland, PhD

 

Since the summer of 1996, the Behavioral Health Training and Education Network (BHTEN) has planned, implemented and supported quality training and educational opportunities for the behavioral health system in Philadelphia. Change continues to be constant and BHTEN is proud to support System Transformation Initiatives as outlined by the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health/Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). The educational events listed on our website support this transformation with an emphasis on behavioral health recovery and resilience, trauma-informed practice and our continued work toward cultural competence. Throughout this change process, many individuals and organizations within the Philadelphia DBHIDS, providers of service, family members and people in recovery have supported us. We thank them. In addition, the Consumer Satisfaction Team has shown unwavering support and continues to be an important part of our growth and success. Indeed, without their help we would not be able to continue to fulfill our mission.

BHTEN HISTORY/MISSION STATEMENT

In the 1990’s, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania began a process to restructure the management and payment of health care services for those receiving Medical Assistance.  In this initiative, behavioral health services (Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs [ATOD] services and Mental Health services) were “carved out”, allowing individual counties to determine the best way to provide and pay for these services.

Philadelphia seized this opportunity to revise the delivery of behavioral health services in the city.  Consequently, the Philadelphia Behavioral Health System (BHS) was created.  This new entity was comprised of the already existing Office of Mental Health/Mental Retardation (OMH/MR, the Coordinating Office for Drug & Alcohol Abuse Programs (CODAAP), and the newly created agency, Community Behavioral Health (CBH).  CBH oversees the managed care component of Philadelphia’s behavioral health care for Medical Assistance recipients.

It was within this context that BHTEN was created in September 1996.  We were established by the then referred to OMH/MR to provide educational support to the developing CBH and its providers.  

In this unique Philadelphia model, the principles of the Community Support Program and the protocols of the ATOD treatment community were integrated with the standards of quality managed care provided by CBH.  This structure has allowed for the continued growth and development that has characterized the behavioral health system in Philadelphia.  Since 1996, the BHS has become the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health/Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS).  Further, in its commitment to respond to the evolving needs of Persons-in-Recovery, a process of System Transformation is currently underway whereby the DBHIDS is implementing service-enhancing strategies based on several interrelated principles and goals.  Among these are a recovery-oriented and trauma-focused system of care, promotion of self-determination, culturally competent services and the reduction/elimination of behavioral health disparities.  Additionally, the DBHIDS is attempting to bring evidenced-based practices into the behavioral health arena to enhance the quality of services offered to Philadelphia residents.

Over the years, BHTEN has been able to support this growth by offering quality educational opportunities to an ever-growing number of participants.  Originally, servicing only CBH providers, participants in BHTEN activities now include providers from other systems (DHS, School District, etc.), private providers, Persons-in-Recovery, Family Members, the Faith Community and other interested constituents.  BHTEN anticipates continued growth and expansion of our offerings as System Transformation continues and new initiatives develop.

 

Throughout all this activity BHTEN has sought, and continues to seek, creative ways of being faithful to its mission….

“To support the Philadelphia DBHIDS and other human service systems by planning, coordinating and providing quality learning experiences for all members of these systems including persons in recovery, family members, DBHIDS staff members and staff from the providers of service”.