| The Department of Human Services’ divisions focused on mental health and substance use disorder have formally merged under a single division.
The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, which began on July 1, was ordered by Gov. JB Pritzker earlier this year in an effort to improve outcomes and access to behavioral healthcare, as well as streamline and reduce administrative burdens for providers.
The proposal combines the former divisions of mental health and substance use prevention and recovery.
David Albert, who previously led the previous Division on Mental Health, will oversee the new office. Dr. Rafael Rivera, who served as interim director of the Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, will serve as assistant director.
All previous employees of the two divisions are now a part of the new office.
“This integration will improve outcomes for residents of Illinois, especially those with complex needs,” said DHS Secretary Dulce Quintero. “It will improve access to treatment and provide improved quality of care.”
Specifically, the Pritzker administration said the focus is to streamline care for patients who have complex and co-occurring needs. They noted that 32 percent of people receiving inpatient psychiatric care also have a substance use disorder.
Half of those who receive inpatient care for substance use disorder also have a psychiatric disorder.
“Ensuring Illinois has the best behavioral health system in the country is our priority, and this is another substantial step towards that goal,” said Illinois Chief Behavioral Health Officer Dr. Inger Burnett-Zeigler.
The Pritzker administration has discussed the plan with stakeholders and how it may streamline licensing, certification, reimbursement and other regulatory requirements.
“We at Rosecrance are excited for the launch of the new… Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery,” said Rosecrance Behavioral Health CEO Dave Gomel. “This is a key step to coordinating care and improving access to behavioral health care. We look forward to streamlined processes and to improving the experience for those who seek lifesaving care.” |
