The Arkansas Council for Behavioral Health is a newly formed coalition of provider organizations that serve Arkansans with a mental health and/or substance use disorder. Created by a partnership between two longstanding advocacy organizations, the Council is now comprised of 26 members that include Arkansas’ designated Community Mental Health Centers, several certified Behavioral Health Agencies and Substance Abuse Treatment Centers, and a wide range of other specialized treatment providers that represent a comprehensive system of care covering all 75 counties in the state. The Mental Health Council of Arkansas recently approved a restructuring that incorporates members from the dissolved Behavioral Health Providers Association under the new name of the Arkansas Council for Behavioral Health. Combined, member organizations employ a workforce of 5,000 people who provide outpatient and school-based counseling, community outreach, medication management, structured day treatment, and residential care to over 150,000 children, adolescents, and adults in Arkansas who experience a mental health and/or substance use disorder. As one in every five people will experience a diagnosable behavioral health condition in a given year, it is critical to the quality of life and overall health of Arkansas communities that this broad network of high quality and accessible behavioral health care is readily available to all in need.
Joel Landreneau, JD, is the new Executive Director of the Arkansas Council for Behavioral Health after many years as an advocate and attorney for several local healthcare related companies and the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Carol Moore, LCSW, former Board President of the Providers Association stated, “There are many issues that face behavioral health and substance use treatment providers. The joining of the two provider associations will allow a strengthened approach to address the needs, not only of the beneficiaries served, but the actual providers themselves. In order to have a healthier Arkansas, providers need to have the ability to make this happen”. Brian Davis, LCSW, former Board President of the Mental Health Council added “These two associations joining forces is about one thing – better meeting the needs of those we serve so they can live happier and healthier lives”.
The administrative offices of the newly formed Council are located at 3601 Richards Road in North Little Rock (72117) and the phone number is (501) 372-7062.
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