A Collaborative Approach to a Multi-Organizational Community Behavioral Health Needs Assessment

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) provide comprehensive mental health and substance use services. A key requirement for CCBHC certification is the community needs assessment (CNA), which gathers input from individuals with lived experiences and community organizations. This process can be demanding, especially when multiple CCBHCs conduct CNAs simultaneously. This article presents a collaborative approach to a multi-organizational CNA in a Midwest urban setting. Partnering with four CCBHCs in Indianapolis, the collaboration involved regular meetings to align objectives and facilitate data exchange. Stakeholders, including individuals with lived experiences, CCBHC staff, and community representatives from community and state organizations and agencies, participated in focus groups and interviews. Five major themes emerged that significantly impact the community's behavioral health system: inadequate funding, workforce shortages, limited access to services, complex systems, and stigma. CNAs play a vital role in identifying the physical, mental/behavioral, and social needs of a population, as well as any gaps in resources and services. However, conducting CNAs is both time- and resource-intensive. Collaborative efforts in the CNA process allow participating organizations to conserve resources while ensuring that community members benefit without being overburdened.