Making the Case for Engaging People with Lived Experience and Expertise in State Behavioral Health Reforms

CHCS November 20, 2024
Vanessa Finisse, Center for Health Care Strategies

Across the nation, state policymakers are seeking solutions to address the persistent challenges within behavioral health delivery systems. There are high rates of overdose and overdose deaths, high suicide rates, unmet care needs, and an increase in homelessness among individuals with serious mental illness.¹ Many states face significant disparities in behavioral health access and outcomes for people of color and other historically marginalized groups.²

Current state efforts to address systemic issues and promote behavioral health equity are often overseen by system leaders, but they typically do not prioritize engagement with individuals directly affected by these issues. Involving people with lived experience³ in policy and program development allows states to hear directly from community members about their experiences with the behavioral...

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