The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) administers alcohol and substance abuse disorder programs designed to support the Administration’s mission. More than 95 percent of this funding is currently contracted through county governments, tribes, nonprofit agencies, and other entities to provide a statewide network of prevention, public education, treatment, and intervention and support services to help people avoid and recover from alcoholism and drug addictions. BHA has a lead role in implementation of youth marijuana prevention and treatment activities under initiative I 502. Beginning in April 2016, substance use disorder treatment services were integrated into our mental health managed care contracting system, providing an opportunity to better meet the needs of the people that we serve, many of whom have both mental health and substance use disorders. With the (Affordable Care Act) ACA Medicaid expansion, our goal is to intervene earlier with appropriate, effective treatment for people with substance use disorders. Successful completion of substance use disorder treatment results in reduced medical expenditures and reduced criminal justice involvement. As a part of the second phase of behavioral health integration, all community mental health and substance use disorder programs are transferred from the Department of Social and Health Services to the Health Care Authority with the exception of the Licensing and Certification Program which is transferred to the Department of Health. These transfers are effective July 1, 2017.

To transform lives by supporting sustainable recovery, independence and wellness.