The BHIT is a part of 100% Bernalillo which is a county-wide initiative dedicated to ensuring that every resident has access to the ten vital services needed to survive and thrive — from food, housing, and healthcare to education, transportation, and job training. Rooted in collaboration and guided by community voice, the project works to identify and remove barriers to essential resources through data-driven surveys, local impact teams, and the development of “100% Family Centers” that connect families directly to support. As part of the statewide 100% New Mexico Initiative, 100% Bernalillo envisions a future where all families can live with dignity, security, and opportunity.

The ABC Prevent Coalition (ABCPC) brings together community partners, providers, and prevention professionals dedicated to preventing underage drinking, reducing alcohol misuse, and addressing prescription drug misuse. Through collaborative efforts, the coalition works to promote medication safety, increase community awareness, and implement evidence-based strategies that support healthy, substance-free communities across Bernalillo County.

Bernalillo County, through ATAB, aims to better align its approach to substance use disorder treatment and harm reduction by unifying medical services and delivery methods. A medical and addiction-focused advisory body will help guide policy, promote best practices, and bring consistency across County programs. The BernCo Addiction Treatment Advisory Board (ATAB) includes 15 appointed members recommended by the Behavioral Health Department and approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

The Bernalillo County Behavioral Health Advisory Board (BHAB) advocates for individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use disorders, including those experiencing housing insecurity, and supports the development of a comprehensive, integrated, community-based behavioral health system. The Board advises the Behavioral Health Administration on populations served, best practices, services, funding coordination, and program outcomes, and annually reviews progress through assessment of the strategic plan and selected program evaluations. BHAB is composed of diverse at-large members appointed by the County Commission, representing healthcare, public safety, courts, housing, youth, Indigenous communities, disability rights, LGBTQ++ communities, and lived experience, with the Department of County Management serving as a non-voting ex-officio member.

The Behavioral Health Coalition is a subgroup of the New Mexico Healthcare Workforce Committee at UNM (BH-NMHWC), which began in 2013. The coalition is composed of but not limited to a variety of behavioral health disciplines, clinicians, administrators, policy makers, educators, and licensing board members from frontier, rural and urban regions of the state that hear input regarding the behavioral health workforce. This coalition distills the input and provides recommendations to the legislature and other pertinent organizations within the state that have an impact on the behavioral health workforce. The coalition exchanges and researches behavioral health workforce information and strives toward building sustainable solutions. The four areas of focus for the coalition are: retention/supervision, recruitment, education, and systems issues such as legislative efforts and billing.

The primary mission of the Behavioral Health Education and Awareness Council (BHEAC) is to engage community members, providers, and affected populations in gathering input and feedback on programs, plans, and policy of Behavioral Health Authority (BHA) and associated areas of overlap. BHEAC aims to facilitate engagement between BHA, providers, and the broader community with the purpose of education, community listening, and creative problem-solving. The BHEAC’s findings will then be shared with the Behavioral Health Advisory Board in order to advance the mission of the BHA and the community it serves.

The BHPC is primarily volunteers from communities across the state bringing forward the voice of consumers, family members, advocates and providers to work on improving the quality and availability of effective mental health and substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery support services to help serve New Mexicans in every part of the state.

NMBHPA is a membership-based association of more than 70 publicly funded behavioral healthcare providers united by a shared vision of accessible, inclusive, and effective mental health services for all New Mexicans. Led by a volunteer Board of Directors and an Executive Director, the association provides a platform for providers to share information, access education, and advocate for system improvements. NMBHPA actively engages with state agencies including HCA and CYFD, and maintains working partnerships with the New Mexico State Legislature to advance behavioral health priorities across the state.

The Behavioral Health Technical Advisory Committee (BHTAC) helps guide the DCM and BCBHA staff on technical matters such as data collection, research, evaluation, system development, provider review, and other issues that support the mission of the Behavioral Health Authority. The BHTAC will be appointed by the DCM and include three members serving staggered two-year terms. Two members must be licensed behavioral health professionals (currently or within the past two years), and one must be qualified in research and evaluation.

The ASUM (BHPC Adult Substance Use and Mental Health Sub-Committee) is a behavioral health advisory body that develops policy recommendations addressing both substance use and adult mental health needs in New Mexico. ASUM promotes six recommendations covering a broad range of priorities including electronic health record privacy protections, medically assisted treatment access, public education on alcohol misuse, specialized housing, community needs assessment, and systemic discrimination. ASUM’s work reflects a dual focus on substance misuse and adult mental health, bringing both lenses together to advocate for more equitable and comprehensive behavioral health systems.

The CASC (BHPC Children and Adolescents Sub-Committee) is a behavioral health advisory body focused on improving systems and services for children, youth, and families across New Mexico. The CASC develops cross-agency policy recommendations directed at state entities including BHSD, CYFD, PED, and ECECD, with a strong emphasis on prevention, peer support integration, and qualitative data use to better understand how systems are functioning. Recent priorities include raising reimbursement rates for peer services, behavioral respite, and children’s day treatment programs, as well as advocating for youth-focused behavioral health solutions that keep children in their communities and out of residential treatment.

The NASC (Native American Subcommittee of the New Mexico Behavioral Health Planning Council), co-chaired by the NM Indian Affairs Department (IAD), with a mission to ensure excellence in behavioral health services for all Native American people in New Mexico — including Tribes, Nations, Pueblos, and urban Native communities. NASC members are drawn from active Native American local collaboratives and must represent lived experience, tribal programs, or Native families. Current priorities include expanding culturally specific mental health outreach, substance use disorder treatment and prevention, and youth suicide prevention, with a strong focus on reducing barriers to services in rural and tribal communities. NASC and IAD are actively working to build trust with tribal liaisons and local collaboratives to increase state representation in Indian Country and support recovery-oriented care for Native populations closer to home.

The Coalition for a Safer Albuquerque (CSA) was formed in 2020 by people with disabilities, individuals with lived experience in behavioral health or homelessness, and their families and advocates. The CSA works on behalf of the community’s most vulnerable members. Many of those involved have decades of experience improving local behavioral health and social service systems. Coalition members also helped establish the 1/8% gross receipts tax that now funds the County’s Behavioral Health Initiative. The Coalition continues to urge the City and County to strengthen strategic planning to make services more effective.

The Community Care Collective partners with young people to strengthen behavioral health ecosystems in schools and communities through mental health promotion, economic mobility, and paid behavioral health career pathways.

Purpose of Advisory Group: Provide strategic guidance, professional expertise, facilitate professional connections for the design, development and advancement of the goals of the Collective.

The Counseling and Therapy Practice Board is administratively attached to the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, and responsibility of day-to-day operations are managed by staff within the Department’s Boards and Commissions Division. The board is charged with the responsibility of protecting health, safety, and helping maintain public trust in the profession by adopting rules that regulate the practice, and by conducting disciplinary proceedings and taking action against individuals who violate these laws.

In order to practice the profession in New Mexico, individuals must meet eligibility criteria such as education, examination, and other experience required by law. Individuals licensed by the board must maintain professional competencies and continuing education in order to renew their license. Violations of statute or rules, including unprofessional conduct or practicing beyond the scope of licensure, may result in disciplinary action by the board, up to and including revocation of a license.

The CJCC (Second Judicial District Criminal Justice Coordinating Council) was established to improve public safety, justice, and the administration of law in Bernalillo County. Its 15 members work collaboratively to identify challenges, propose solutions, and coordinate efforts across the criminal justice system. The Council meets bi-monthly, with subcommittees engaging practitioners and community partners to enhance outcomes for both the public and those involved in the justice system.

The CSA Behavioral Health Reform Action Team is developing a larger behavioral health reform package covering SB3 implementation and legislative fixes, the statewide behavioral health strategic plan, Medicaid-supported living and intensive case management, workforce, non-police community response, supportive housing, and the administrative and legislative pathways to get it done.

The CSA Behavioral Health Workforce Action Team is building toward a statewide Behavioral Health Workforce convening and developing a workforce pathway to guide the work: early exposure, education and training, credentials, employment, and retention and career advancement. The team is identifying who needs to be at the table, the research and resources needed, and the concrete policy and administrative changes it wants to emerge with.

The main goal is to prevent and reduce drinking in Bernalillo County.

The Bernalillo County DWI Planning Council (DWI Coalition) serves at an advisory capacity to the Board of County Commission. Each member represents the following categories: Commission Districts 1-5, Community Substance Abuse, Public Schools, Liquor Industry, Public Health, Community Traffic Safety, Native American Community and Behavioral Health.

The vision of the LC2 (Local Behavioral Health Collaborative for the 2nd Judicial District) is to promote equity, inclusion, and advocacy in behavioral health by fostering a collaborative community that strengthens mental health resources, removes systemic barriers, and supports integrated care. Its mission is to build a sustainable, inclusive, and effective behavioral health collaborative that empowers members to advocate for healthy families and equitable access to services. It focuses on three main priorities: education and community awareness, access to resources, and advocacy.

The MAC (Medicaid Advisory Committee) is an advisory body on policy development and program administration for the health and medical care services provided by the New Mexico Medicaid program. The MAC represents and encourages the participation of health professionals, consumers and consumer associations or groups, advocates, public health entities and other stakeholders concerned or involved with New Mexico Medicaid.

NAMI supports families and individuals concerned about mental illness, offering understanding and resources for those affected by these biologically based brain disorders. Mental illnesses can cause severe disturbances in thinking, feeling, and relating that diminish capacity for daily life, can affect anyone at any age, and are not caused by bad parenting or character weakness. NAMI Albuquerque serves residents across the region with free mental health support, online groups, resources and education.

The NASW-NM (National Association of Social Workers – New Mexico Chapter) is the professional voice for social workers across the state, with approximately 1,000 members. The chapter is committed to advancing the social work profession through advocacy, professional development, and community engagement. NASW-NM actively promotes social justice by advocating for policies that reflect social work values and ethics, and by providing resources such as continuing education opportunities and a statewide conference. Through these efforts, NASW-NM aims to enhance the professional growth and development of its members and to create and maintain professional standards for social workers in New Mexico.

The New Mexico Association of Addiction Professionals (NMAAP) is a statewide professional network dedicated to supporting and uplifting those working in addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery. Through advocacy, continuing education, resource-sharing, and membership engagement, NMAAP strengthens the capacity of practitioners to deliver culturally responsive, evidence-based care—while also elevating public understanding of substance use challenges across the state.

Founded in 1997, the New Mexico Association of Drug Court Professionals (NMADCP) brings together judges, attorneys, treatment providers, law enforcement, and community leaders to strengthen and expand the state’s 45 active drug courts. New Mexico Treatment Courts use a collaborative, treatment-based model to help individuals whose criminal behavior stems from substance use or mental illness—providing an effective alternative to incarceration through intensive judicial oversight, treatment, drug testing, and community-based support. These Problem-Solving Courts include Adult, Juvenile, Family Dependency, DWI, and Mental Health (or “Treatment”) Courts.

NMADCP advances best practices through training, technical assistance, advocacy, and education—helping build safer, healthier communities across New Mexico.

New Mexico Behavioral Health Training Associates (NMBHTA)—affectionately known as “Nimta”—is a locally founded organization dedicated to strengthening behavioral health care across New Mexico through accessible, practical, and culturally relevant continuing education. Approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists, NMBHTA maintains full responsibility for the quality and integrity of its programs. Our mission is to improve the behavioral health of New Mexicans by providing science-based, evidence-informed training that reflects both national best practices and the unique cultural and geographic realities of our state. Founded by Evelyn Sandeen, Ph.D., ABPP, and Michelle Ball, LCSW, NMBHTA brings together a network of local clinicians and behavioral health experts who share a commitment to advancing care through education, collaboration, and consultation. We offer a wide range of live and on-demand courses—covering topics such as cultural competence, ethics, assessment, and intervention—developed and delivered by New Mexican professionals who understand the communities they serve. In addition to standard continuing education, NMBHTA provides customized trainings, consultation groups, and speaking engagements for individuals, organizations, and agencies seeking to deepen their clinical knowledge or strengthen behavioral health systems. At NMBHTA, we believe in building better behavioral health care for New Mexico—together, through learning, connection, and local expertise.

The NMBMHC is a non-profit organization created to improve the mental health and wellness of Black New Mexicans by assisting community members in their search for mental health care, providing educational programs, and conducting research on mental health.

The New Mexico Caregivers Coalition (NMCC) is a statewide organization dedicated to giving a voice to both family and professional direct care workers, supporting their development and advancing issues in the field of long-term and direct care. NMCC offers a range of services including caregiver training and certification, low-cost background checks, public assistance benefits testing, and legislative advocacy. Based in Bernalillo, the coalition serves as a hub for caregiving resources across New Mexico, connecting care recipients, families, and professional caregivers throughout the state.

The NMCSPA works to reduce suicide statewide through advocacy, collaboration, education, and resource sharing, partnering with the NM Department of Health and other agencies to promote connectedness and build communities of hope. The Coalition focuses on three strategic directions: building infrastructure and resources, expanding statewide capacity, and identifying and supporting high-risk individuals. Its work is carried out through diverse workgroups addressing specific populations and sectors, including communication/messaging, faith communities, firearm violence prevention, first responders, healthcare, legislative/policy, LGBTQ+, Native American communities, schools and youth, and veterans.

Founded in 1956 as a state branch of the American Counseling Association, the New Mexico Counseling Association (NMCA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) professional membership organization that facilitates networking, collaboration, and professional development for a broad spectrum of counseling professionals. The association is led by a volunteer Board and Executive Staff who meet monthly and follow a regularly revised strategic plan, with financial support coming from membership dues, training events, and an annual conference. NMCA thrives on the passion of volunteers, welcoming students and new, working, and retired professionals to participate in single events, task forces, or ongoing committees throughout the year.

NMHRC promotes health equity through reducing harm, overdose prevention, and helping our participants and community members to take an active role in creation of policies, procedures, and activities within our organization and others throughout the community.

Promoting an anti-stigma, community based, Mutual Aid approach to Supportive Access Services, Overdose Prevention, and Referrals to resources in our community.

The New Mexico Hospital Association (NMHA) represents 47 hospitals working together to strengthen behavioral and physical health systems across the state. We advocate for policies that improve access to quality, integrated care and support healthier communities.

As a trusted partner and resource, NMHA connects hospitals, policymakers, and organizations to drive innovation, collaboration, and lasting systems change in behavioral health and beyond.

A unique statewide space bringing together clinicians from urban, rural, frontier, tribal, agency, and private practice settings to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and learn from one another.

The New Mexico Peer Coalition supports certified peer support workers and their allies across the state through community, education, and professional development. Their team includes certified peer support workers, licensed therapists, social workers, and community members committed to wellness and recovery. NMPC offers trainings, support services, and a resource library of national peer support guidelines and standards. They also run the Soul Recovery Cafe, a recovery community space that accepts partner referrals, and “Ask A Peer,” an anonymous advice-column-style feature where experienced peer support workers answer questions about recovery and peer-based work. Organizations can request trainings or submit proposals through the site, and anyone can join the email list for updates on trainings and events related to peer certification in New Mexico.

The New Mexico Psychological Association advocates for its member interests at the state and national level, and enhances their ability to provide quality, evidence-based services to the public through robust continuing education programming.

Located in Silver City, NM, the NM Recover Coalition (NMRC) is a compassionate organization committed to assisting low-income, hungry, and unsheltered individuals in our local community and the surrounding areas. Our mission, while straightforward, carries profound impact: we strive to deliver crucial services, outreach, and advocacy to those in need.

NM Social Drivers of Health Collaborative (NMSDOH-C) is a collaborative of community-based groups, health care agencies, governments, businesses, and organizations working together to share data and resources to promote health equity for all New Mexicans. Addressing the Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) in communities and Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) of individuals is essential to building a stronger system of care.

The Social Work Workforce Consortium (NMSWWC) connects students, educators, current social work professionals, and employers to the compassionate and empowering field of social work. Its targeted purpose is to grow the state’s social work workforce practicing in New Mexico. It advances seamless education to social work career pathways. The consortium is for current professionals working in the field or looking for new opportunities, and for future social workers seeking resources and advice on getting started.

New Mexico Tribal Behavioral Health Providers Association (NMTBHPA) empowers and unites tribal behavioral health professionals across the state. Formed in 2021 under the leadership of Sindy Bolaños-Sacoman, NMTBHPA works to strengthen tribal capacity, improve access to quality care, support Medicaid billing, and amplify tribal voices in policy decisions. NMTBHPA is building a stronger, more equitable behavioral health system for New Mexico’s tribal communities. NMTBHPA is the only Tribal Association of its kind.

Opioid Remediation Collaborative of New Mexico (ORCNM) partners with several counties (Valencia, Sierra, Cibola, Hidalgo, Guadalupe, Socorro, Catron) to deliver smart, localized strategies that build resilience and restore lives. ORCNM advances community health through smart, data-driven strategies and inclusive tools to serve NM’s most vulnerable communities.

This work group is focused on two of the Consortium’s strategic priorities:
*PRIORITY 3: Advance Workforce Policy and Systems Change
Use the Consortium’s collective expertise to inform policies, practices, investments, and systems affecting the social work workforce.
*PRIORITY 4: Strengthen the Consortium’s Statewide Reach and Impact
Expand participation, representation, partnerships, and member engagement while making Consortium work manageable and meaningful for volunteers.

The Psychosocial Rehabilitation Association of New Mexico (PSRANM) is a nonprofit network of agencies, practitioners, and advocates committed to advancing community-based psychosocial rehabilitation for people with serious mental illness. Their mission centers on promoting and strengthening recovery-oriented services — such as case management, supported housing, vocational rehabilitation, and peer support — grounded in ethical standards, multicultural competence, and evidence-based practices. Through training, education, advocacy, and their annual conference, PSRANM works to foster greater community integration, empowerment, and quality of life for individuals navigating mental health challenges across New Mexico.

The overarching goal of SB3 Executive Committee is to create a more coordinated and effective behavioral health system by working with all three branches of government and community stakeholders to ensure access to timely, quality care. The committee includes members from the Health Care Authority, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and three behavioral health experts. Its responsibilities include regional designations, plan approval and oversight.

The SWBHIPA is a membership organization currently comprised of over 350 licensed professional behavioral health providers throughout New Mexico. We are social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, art therapists, nurse practitioners and psychologists who work in a variety of independent private practice settings and practice groups.
Providing behavioral services to New Mexicans is a top priority for our organization. Making ourselves accessible to those looking for behavioral health services is achieved by makng sure that providers have the opportunity to join the insurance networks and other grantors of service that New Mexicans use to access health care. We work together to standardize practices, contracts and business relationships, broadening the network of available providers and enhancing the continuum of health care for New Mexicans.
We develop mutually beneficial working relationships between practitioners and insurance companies, helping streamline the contracting and communication processes.
We provide networking and referral opportunities, including a searchable provider directory, allowing the public easy access to our highly qualified behavioral health care providers.
We assist providers in understanding the process and the tools that they need to build a successful practice, so providers can continue to thrive in our ever-changing health care environment.
We strive to keep our members and the public well informed about changes in the legislative arena, ongoing State and Federal healthcare mandates and the insurance companies requirements so optimal healthcare services can be offered and attained.
We promote continuing education programs, keeping providers up-to-date.
We enjoy professional camaraderie and support in our collegial behavioral health community.

New Mexico’s Behavioral Health Local Collaboratives (LCs) are community-based coalitions established in 2004 to ensure local voices inform state behavioral health planning and decision-making. Each of the 18 collaboratives represents a region or tribal area, bringing together consumers, families, providers, and community leaders to identify needs, coordinate services, and recommend priorities to the state. Together, they strengthen local capacity, promote collaboration, and help build a more responsive and cohesive behavioral health system across New Mexico.

The UNM Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center supports the implementation of the NM Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act (BHRIA) also known as Senate Bill 3 (SB3). SB3 was signed into law on February 27, 2025. This new law takes major steps to strengthen and rebuild New Mexico’s behavioral health system, including significant changes to how behavioral health and substance use treatment programs are managed statewide.

The BHRIA takes a regional approach to behavioral health care. Each region will identify up to five behavioral health priorities and request funding to implement a four-year plan. This new structure incorporates all three branches of government and brings stakeholders to the table to strengthen the state’s behavioral health care service system.

The UNM Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center (BHTAC) serves as a centralized, university-based resource to:
* Assist regional entities to build the capacity and accountability needed to execute their behavioral health plans.
* Support alignment with state-adopted standards, evaluation protocols, and workforce development efforts.
* Provide technical expertise to prioritize disproportionately impacted communities and meet identified funding gaps.
* Enhance collaboration between higher education, service providers, and state agencies to develop and retain a behavioral health workforce.

Are you a social worker that would like to actively be part of supporting the development of more social workers in our state, as well as cultivating caring communities for us to thrive? Join our work group!