If we want a brighter future for mental healthcare and substance use treatment, we have to work together.
To get the results we want, we need the right people, plan, and resources to come together. That’s where Path Forward comes in. We’re a coalition of healthcare purchasers, clinician associations, health systems, philanthropists, and health-related nonprofits united by one goal: ensuring equitable access to mental health and substance use care for all Americans. And we could use your help.
Equitable Access: Our Action Plan
By restructuring how leading health purchasers, health systems, regulators, and other partners approach their mental healthcare and substance use treatment offerings, we are driving structural changes in these areas:
Specialty Access
Increasing access in-network for the full range of behavioral health needs with specialty care that is timely, accessible, equitable, and adequately reimbursed by insurers. This includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other counselors, as well as mental health and substance use treatment facilities. Achieved through: Network Adequacy Standards and Parity Compliance.
Integration
Accelerating integration of mental health into the general medical system–and through it early detection and intervention–by equipping the primary care providers who already identify and treat the most mental health cases and prescribe the most psychotropic medication. This includes pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics-gynecology, and other clinicians who are among America’s most beloved and trusted confidants. Achieved with the most evidence-based model that exists: Collaborative Care.
Quality
Promoting national standards and accelerating adoption of precision medicine and person-centered care across specialty mental health and primary care settings–just like we do now for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other common chronic conditions. Achieved through Measurement-Based Care.
Recent Progress
Apr 7, 2025
PolicyThe Reintroduction of the Complete Care Act: A Vital Step Forward for Integrated Care
The landscape of mental health and substance use disorder care in the United States is poised for a significant transformation with the recent reintroduction of the Complete Care Act on Capitol Hill. The COMPLETE (Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective) Care Act aims to enhance access and integration of mental […]
Dec 3, 2024
FundingMeadows Institute partners with West Health and Northwestern Medicine to expand Collaborative Care
With 1 in 5 Americans struggling with mental health needs, there has never been a more critical time to embrace innovative solutions. Backed by a $1.9 million investment from West Health, the Meadows Institute is working to expand mental health care for more than 350,000 individuals in the Northwestern Medicine system.
Oct 18, 2024
FundingPath Forward member, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, awarded 5-year grant from SAMHSA
Path Forward member, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, has been awarded a five-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This funding, set at $2.7 million per year, for a total of approximately $13.5 million over the five-year span (with annual renewals), enables the continued administration of the National Center […]
Oct 8, 2024
LetterNew Guidance From CMS prioritizes Integrated Care, CoCM and Measurement-Based Care as Best Practices
The collective work of our partners has been instrumental in advocating for Integrated Care, the Collaborative Care Model and Measurement-Based Care as a way to resolve the mental health crisis in the US. Federal support of these evidence-based approaches will have a profound impact, particularly in Medicaid programs, and will help accelerate the adoption of these models nationwide.
Oct 2, 2024
ResourceMental Health Initiative Guidebook: Employer Mental Health Strategies—An Essential Investment
To help employers, the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions has developed the Mental Health Initiative Guidebook: Employer Mental Health Strategies—An Essential Investment. This step-by-step guidebook provides actionable steps for implementing comprehensive mental health strategies.
Sep 10, 2024
PolicyPath Forward Responds to the Final Parity Rule
The Path Forward, a coalition of health care purchasers, clinician associations, health systems, philanthropists, and health-related nonprofits, appreciates the Administration for its focus on ensuring improved access to quality mental health and substance use disorder care. While this rule may prove challenging for employers and health plans in the near term, it is the responsibility […]
Sep 7, 2024
Press ReleaseNAMI Joins Path Forward
We are honored to announce that NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, has joined Path Forward in our mission to ensure equitable access to quality mental health and substance use care. NAMI’s leadership in advocating for individuals with mental health conditions and their families has had a profound impact on communities across the nation.
Aug 8, 2024
EventCreating a Harmonious Workplace: Navigating the Political Divide
Election Anxiety is spilling over into the workplace, affecting mental health and creating challenges for employers and HR leaders alike. The HR Policy Association tackled this pressing issue head-on with a webinar that provided valuable insights into fostering a respectful and productive work environment amidst a divided nation.
Jul 17, 2024
Press ReleaseNational Council for Mental Wellbeing Joins Path Forward
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has joined Path Forward, a coalition that brings together stakeholders from across the health care ecosystem, to advance targeted policies and practices that will expand equitable access to quality mental health care.
Jul 17, 2024
ResourceIntegrating Behavioral Health Care into Primary Care Settings: The Collaborative Care Model
The Collaborative Care Model: How it works, how it can be integrated into primary and specialty care settings, and its many benefits.
Jul 3, 2024
EventEmpowering Healthcare Providers: Insights from the Collaborative Care Model Residency Training Education Conference
Over 100 faculty members and residents from residency programs across the United States convened in Washington, D.C., for the 3rd Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) Residency Training Education Conference.
Measurement-Based Care in the Treatment of Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders
Mental health treatment is most effective when symptoms are identified and addressed early, similar to all health conditions. By implementing Measurement-based Care into mental health and substance use treatment—which involves the use of validated metrics to regularly monitor symptoms and outcomes— clinicians can tailor treatment to individual needs, adjusting care at key decision points throughout the treatment plan.
Our Resources For Many
Find tools, presentations and more to ensure your practice has everything it needs to provide quality care for all those who seek it.
Clinicians ResourcesGet information on early detection methods, Collaborative Care Model practices, and more to ensure the health of our nation’s future.
Health Systems ResourcesReceive Employer Action Plan, sample contract language, and detailed data requests you can use to shape your organization’s benefits offerings and develop smart contracts with insurers.
Employers ResourcesDownload metrics, measures, and standards you can use to align your company’s policies with the Federal parity law and ensure those insured have adequate access and coverage.
Insurer ResourcesNational Policy Platform
Sep 10, 2024
PolicyPath Forward Responds to the Final Parity Rule
The Path Forward, a coalition of health care purchasers, clinician associations, health systems, philanthropists, and health-related nonprofits, appreciates the Administration for its focus on ensuring improved access to quality mental health and substance use disorder care. While this rule may prove challenging for employers and health plans in the near term, it is the responsibility […]
May 25, 2022
LetterAPA Expresses Concerns About Lack of Parity Enforcement in Letter to DOL Secretary
Letter to Department of Labor Secretary urging more dedicated parity enforcement
Mar 30, 2022
TestimonyBehavioral Health Care When Americans Need It: Ensuring Parity and Care
Testimony to Senate Finance Committee by Meadows President Andy Keller, Ph. D
Mar 20, 2022
TestimonyUS Senate, Finance Committee Hearing on Behavioral Health Care When Americans Need It
HR Policy statement to the Senate Finance Committee recommending any legislation include funding for integrated care, specifically the Collaborative Care Model, and remove barriers employers face in expanding telehealth offerings to employees.
Who’s Currently On Our Roster
We are made up of results-drive experts who represent a majority of the mental healthcare ecosystem.
Representing more than 38,000 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses.
Representing more than 38,000 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses.
The philanthropic and educational arm of APA, the importance of early intervention, access to care, and the need for high-quality services and treatment.
The philanthropic and educational arm of APA, the importance of early intervention, access to care, and the need for high-quality services and treatment.
Representing mental health philanthropy and the family members and loved ones who have been harmed by the current flawed mental health system.
Representing mental health philanthropy and the family members and loved ones who have been harmed by the current flawed mental health system.
Connecting a diverse community of result-oriented donors and partners who pool their resources and expertise to accelerate the most promising mental health initiatives to improve lives.
Connecting a diverse community of result-oriented donors and partners who pool their resources and expertise to accelerate the most promising mental health initiatives to improve lives.
Representing 380 Fortune 500 Chief Human Resource Officers making decisions on health insurance for 10 percent of the workforce.
Representing 380 Fortune 500 Chief Human Resource Officers making decisions on health insurance for 10 percent of the workforce.
Serving 4 million college students, 1,500 high schools and school districts.
Serving 4 million college students, 1,500 high schools and school districts.
Helping legislators, state officials, members of the judiciary, and local, state, and national leaders identify equitable systemic solutions to mental health needs.
Helping legislators, state officials, members of the judiciary, and local, state, and national leaders identify equitable systemic solutions to mental health needs.
Mobilizing government payers, unions and employers purchasing health care for 45 million Americans.
Mobilizing government payers, unions and employers purchasing health care for 45 million Americans.
Making mental wellbeing, including recovery from substance use challenges, a reality for everyone.
Making mental wellbeing, including recovery from substance use challenges, a reality for everyone.
The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.