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Partner Perspectives: Up to the Test? Examining Alternate Pathways to Licensure

We are experiencing a severe and sustained mental health workforce shortage in the United States. (“Shortage” probably doesn’t carry enough of a negative connotation, frankly; the Health Resources and Services Administration [HRSA] prefers the word “crisis.”) And on the current trajectory, it’s likely to get worse,…

NatCon25 Award Winner Spotlight: Miracle Akortha

Each year at NatCon, we recognize and celebrate individuals who are making a positive and permanent impact in their community. This year, we are proud to present a Peer Specialist of the Year Award to Miracle Akortha, PSS, MHPS, CFP, a peer specialist supervisor…

NatCon25 Award Winner Spotlight: Virna Little

Each year at NatCon, we recognize and celebrate individuals whose passion and purpose are creating a lasting impact in their community. This year, we are proud to present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Virna Little, PsyD, LCSW-R, SAP, CCM, cofounder of…

NatCon25 Award Winner Spotlight: Anthony Kohl

Each year at NatCon, we recognize and celebrate individuals who go above and beyond to help people in their community heal. This year, we are proud to present a Peer Specialist of the Year Award to Anthony Kohl, a peer coordinator for…

Perspectives Blog: Choosing the Right EHR Connection Type for Your Behavioral Health AI Solution: Integrated, Embedded or Built-In?

From what we hear in the market, one of the biggest barriers to artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in behavioral health is making the solution work in tandem with existing tech workflows — especially when it comes to your electronic health records (EHR).We get it. One of the most compelling AI…

Unseen Battles, Unmatched Resolve: Addressing Substance Use Disorder in Law Enforcement

Behind the badge, many officers are quietly navigating the realities of substance use disorder (SUD) — a deeply human response to prolonged exposure to danger, high-stakes decision-making, and a culture that discourages vulnerability as a form of strength.The bullet proof vest most officers wear will save their life, but not…

NatCon25 Award Winner Spotlight: Topher Hansen, JD

At NatCon, we recognize and celebrate individuals whose work creates meaningful impact in their communities. This year, we are proud to present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Topher Hansen, JD, president and CEO of CenterPointe. We sat down…

NatCon25 Behind the Scenes: Helping Attendees Achieve Higher Education

As the biggest event in behavioral health care, NatCon offers a unique mix of learning opportunities — from smaller workshops on treatment trends to larger sessions on health care innovations. Did you know NatCon also offers the most continuing education (CE) and continuing medical education (CME) credits in our field?…

Filling the Gaps in SUD Care Coordination

A critical truth: We are not failing patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) because we lack effective treatments. We are failing them because long-term, sustained recovery often depends on what happens between and after treatment. That’s where care coordination comes in.SUD care coordination is unique because it requires navigating both…

Conference Colleague Spotlight: Juan Gonzalez

Meet Master Sergeant Juan Gonzalez, a first-time NatCon25 attendee and veteran navigator for Integrated Services of Kalamazoo (ISK), a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Gonzalez retired from the U.S. Air Force after 27 years of honorable service. Today, he dedicates his career…