Blog

Breaking Barriers: Reflections From NatCon

Attending a national conference as an associate clinical social worker was an incredible experience. In a challenging field like behavioral health, the opportunity to meet peers and share experiences can be deeply rejuvenating and, for me, necessary. As I zipped up my suitcase, I smiled. I was about to fly…

Funder Spotlight: Advancing Mental Wellbeing with KPMG

The National Council proudly partners with organizations that share its mission to build healthier, more resilient communities. One such partner, the KPMG U.S. Foundation, is helping expand access to mental health education and support nationwide. Through Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and the AI…

Providing Patient-Centered Suicide Care in Primary Care Settings

Recent surveys suggest that the country is getting more comfortable talking openly about suicide. A 2024 Public Perception of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Poll showed that nine out of 10 people in the U.S. believe that suicide can be prevented at least sometimes, showing an…

Putting Trauma-informed Care Into Action

Trauma affects nearly everyone, shaping mental health, relationships and overall wellbeing. At Frontier Behavioral Health (FBH), a National Council member in Washington, that understanding drives action. We spoke with CEO Kelli Miller, MPA, about how the organization applies Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) through evidence-based practices, meets urgent…

Supporting the Clinicians Who Support Us All

The mental health crisis in the U.S. isn’t just about rising demand — it’s also about shrinking supply. Even as more people seek support, many communities simply don’t have enough licensed mental health professionals to meet the need. That’s the challenge our National Mental Health Workforce…

Partner Perspectives: Transforming Behavioral Health Care Through Client Feedback

In behavioral health, building client trust and satisfaction is vital for effective treatment. Client feedback is the best way to gauge trust and satisfaction. Still, many organizations face obstacles when gathering and using client feedback. There’s often concern, discomfort or even stigma. Some providers and administrators worry that negative feedback…

When Everybody Knows Everybody: Mental Health in Rural Communities

I am approaching two years in my current role as a behavioral health provider in a community health setting. Having also grown up in a rural area, I have developed an understanding of the strengths and challenges of practicing in these communities. Rural areas carry rich traditions and are home…

World Mental Health Day 2025: Talk, Share, Support!

Every year on Oct. 10, people and organizations around the world observe World Mental Health Day by raising awareness, starting conversations and inspiring action. It’s a moment to reflect on the importance of mental health and how supporting it benefits us all. Mental health challenges touch everyone, directly or…

A Workforce Under Pressure: Preparing the Behavioral Health Workforce for Today and Tomorrow

The behavioral health field is facing a critical workforce shortage, one that affects both the present and the future. Currently, more than 122 million Americans live in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas. By 2037, the Health Resources and Services Administration projects shortages of…

Youth Recovery: Why Early Intervention Can Change Everything

This Recovery Month, I celebrate my journey. I celebrate the millions of other Americans in recovery today. I also commit to helping young people find their footing on a healthier path, before substance use becomes disorder.