Blog

When Middle Managers Thrive, Organizations Thrive

Across the country, behavioral health organizations are navigating extraordinary change — shifting policies, rising demand, workforce strain and evolving expectations for leadership. At the center of it all are middle managers.

Partner Perspectives: Escaping the Workforce Treadmill — 5 Strategies Behavioral Health Organizations Can Use Today

The good news: There is a way off the treadmill. But it requires a shift from reacting to problems to understanding their root causes and building solutions that truly match the needs of our teams and communities. Why Behavioral Health Feels More Stretched Than Ever The uncomfortable truth: Part of…

Building the Workforce the Future Depends On

Across the country, organizations are struggling to keep up with the rising demand for mental health and substance use care. In addition to the high level of need, there aren’t enough people. Too few clinicians are entering the field, too many are burning out, and the pipeline isn’t varied or…

AI for Behavioral Health: 5 Essential Insights for Providers

Artificial intelligence is transforming behavioral health care at a pace that’s both exciting and daunting. In just one year, the number of National Council webinar attendees who reported using AI in their organization’s daily activities nearly doubled — jumping from 15% in 2024 to 29% in 2025. To help the…

This Giving Tuesday, Let’s Close the Gap Between Need and Help

Finding mental health care is harder than it should be. And for nearly 30 million people across the country, it’s not just hard — it’s impossible. Behind that number, real lives are quietly unraveling: A mom refreshing her inbox, hoping today is the day a therapist has an opening for…

Healing Through Trust: Inside VIP’s Peer Support Approach

Peers play a vital role in building trust, reducing stigma, and helping people navigate life-changing care with dignity and compassion.

One Parent’s Mission To Help Families Win Insurance Appeals

The crisis in mental health and substance use care isn’t just about rising need — it’s also about families having to fight for treatment their loved ones are legally owed. Every year, millions run into the same devastating barrier: an insurance denial declaring essential care “not medically necessary.” And too…

Which Behavioral Health Conference Is Right for You?

We’ve curated a list of the most impactful conferences across the country — gatherings focused on clinical excellence, policy reform, recovery, leadership, community wellbeing and more.

Compass Health: Charting a Course for Whole-person Care

Across northwest Washington, individuals and families rely on National Council member Compass Health for care that supports the whole person, not just a diagnosis or crisis. From crisis response to youth services, Compass Health is meeting rising behavioral health needs. We sat…

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…