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: giving mental healthcare the brightest possible future. 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
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.
Jun 10, 2024
ReportThe Path to National Leadership: The First Business-Led Statewide Mental Health Initiative
The first business-led statewide mental health initiative is here! Launched at the 2024 Leadership Conference on Safety and Sustainability, headlined by Michael Phelps, the initiative focuses on making Florida a top-five state for overall well-being and, ultimately, the healthiest state in America.
Jun 4, 2024
ReportThe Importance of Measurement-Based Care in Treating Medication-Induced Disorders
Measurement-based care (MBC) is an essential strategy for early screening, intervention, and mitigating medication adverse effects, ultimately improving mental health outcomes.
May 28, 2024
ReportNCQA Report Evaluates the Current Evidence for Behavioral Health Network Adequacy Standards
Funded by the Sozosei Foundation, this white paper report presents the NCQA’s findings and highlights models that have successfully improved access to care. These models have the potential to influence the future design of behavioral health networks and adequacy standards.
May 18, 2024
EventRecap: Mid-Atlantic Path Forward Webinar on the Collaborative Care Model
This webinar delved into the intricate implementation of the Collaborative Care Model within primary care settings. Attendees gained valuable insights into how these programs are being integrated, the progress they have made, and their current status.
Feb 27, 2024
ArticleMeadows Mental Health Policy Institute Shares Results of its Novel Study on the Collaborative Care Model
This report explains how the Collaborative Care Model can potentially mitigate mental healthcare accessibility and the healthcare workforce shortage by providing effective and financially sustainable care to patients on a large scale.
Jan 17, 2024
ResourceEngaging Insurers on Behavioral Health – An Employer Resource
The issues of mental health access and quality have become increasingly recognized as foundational to employer health strategy.
Key Focus Areas: Network Access, Other Access, Quality of Care Management, Integration into Primary Care and Workplace Mental Health.
Dec 14, 2023
BriefingPath Forward Applauds Inseparable for Their Focus on High-Impact Actions
A new set of recommendations from Inseparable identifies a number of policies to improve access to mental health care.
Nov 1, 2023
EventAPA’s 2023 Mental Health Conference Features Discussion of Pediatric Collaborative Care Model
The 2023 Mental Health Services Conference of the American Psychiatric Association featured a discussion of the pediatric Collaborative Care Model that was led by a team from the Meadows Institute.
Oct 10, 2023
ReportImproving Network Adequacy for Mental Health Care and Substance Use Disorders
The Path Forward Coalition has released a new report: “Equitable Access to Care for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: Standards, Measures, and Enforcement of Network Adequacy.”
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
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.