The Effects of Behavioral Health Policy on County Government: Implications for County Health, Human Service, & Workforce Programs

OPEN MINDS, The Behavioral Health & Social Service Industry Analyst Industry Analysis Changes in state and federal policy regarding the treatment and financing of mental health issues and addictions are affecting the budgets of county government both directly and indirectly. In counties that manage and/or deliver mental health or addiction services, budgets are stressed from a combination of decreased funding and increased demand for subsidized service. Across the board, lack of citizen access to behavioral health treatment (caused by lack of parity, changing Medicaid eligibility rules, etc.) causes cost shifting to other county programs, including child protective services, services . . .