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Behavioral Health Advisory Council (BHAC)

Overview

The Montana’s Behavioral Health Advisory Council (BHAC) is required in Federal and State statutes related to the Mental Health Block Grant, consisting of 51% consumer participation, providers, advocates, and other stakeholders. The Council is responsible for collaborating with the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division, to advise, review, and recommend Behavioral Health services in Montana.

Executive Committee:

Will consist of the Chair, the Vice-Chair, the Secretary, and the chairs of the Standing Committees. Chairs of Special Committees may participate in meetings of the Executive Committee when appropriate business is involved. The Executive Committee is responsible for conducting any business that is necessary between meetings of the full Council and will report such business at the next meeting of the Council. The Executive Committee will develop the proposed agenda for the regular and special meetings. The committee will evaluate and make recommendations to the Council regarding the budget.

Crisis Subcommittee:

Will identify and provide recommendations for the development and implementation of evidenced-based crisis services. Utilization of evidence-based accessible services to include all individuals, adults, children, and seniors at the community level, will be a priority.

Youth and Families Subcommittee:

Will look at the major developmental crossroads in the life span where a person's support needs and service requirements are likely to change. The priority of this subcommittee will be to examine the transition needs of the youth with mental health service needs moving into the adult world of support services and personal responsibility. This subcommittee will also address other transition needs, including children's transitions inside the school and treatment systems, and the transitions that occur because of the consumer's involvement with the law and justice system and the Department of Corrections.

Peer Recovery Subcommittee:

The purpose of the Peer Recovery Sub-Committee is for consumers to engage with stakeholders, and ensure SAMHSA's definition of recovery is fulfilled through Montana's peer recovery services across the state. The definition of recovery: is a process of change in which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed, and strive to reach their full potential.

Criminal Justice Subcommittee:

Will learn and discuss past and current methods, policies/practices, strengths, and weaknesses of mental health care of individuals who are involved with the justice system and have a mental health or co occurring disorder. The subcommittee will advocate for evidence-based practices pre-post entrance into the justice system.

Indigenous Subcommittee:

In support of the unique lens, beliefs, and models of healing interventions that may not fit the typical or standard Western approaches, and fill gaps where there is a lack of representation of American Indians. Our goal is to partner with the state of Montana in modifying requirements to fit the relevant traditional American Indian paradigm. While supporting the development of opportunities focused on American Indians by American Indians.

BHAC Meetings: First Thursday of each month at 1:30 pm