Public Policy Advocacy

The District of Columbia Behavioral Health Association serves as a leading voice for organizations that provide mental health or addiction services for District residents. Our policy work includes active dialogue with officials and decision-makers in the executive branch of District government, advocacy to inform the Council of the District of Columbia as it carries out its legislative and oversight activities, and work with advisory councils, professional licensing boards, and others who shape the direction of District government.

We also maintain a close working relationship with federal behavioral health advocates through our role as the District's affiliate of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Work with the National Council keeps us up to date on the latest insights about changes to federal policy that have an impact on mental health or addiction services and about the activities of fellow associations working on State and municipal policy across the United States.

District of Columbia Behavioral Health Landscape and Opportunities - 2026

Election of a new Mayor and significant changes to the composition of the Council of the District of Columbia lead to significant changes to District government in 2027. The District of Columbia Behavioral Health Association offers an assessment of the District's behavioral health landscape and opportunities and offers recommendations for mental health and addiction services 2027 - 2030.

DCBHA Behavioral Health Landscape and Opportunities - July 2026.pdf

“We rely on the DCBHA to advocate on our behalf for policy change, for budgets and to keep client/consumer quality care at the forefront for the District’s systems of care. Without the DCBHA, many more behavioral health agencies would have likely closed because DCBHA is relentless to have providers’ needs met so that providers can meet clients’ needs. On our own, we would have a tiny advocacy voice if we had the time to have a public voice at all. DCBHA stays on top of all relevant information and feeds it to providers in a succinct and easy to understand way – we could never do that without them.

The DCBHA also provides a network for agencies to work together, develop relationships and build collaborative partnerships. Without it none of us would have the depth of understanding of services and potential to learn from each other.” – Ann Chauvin, Executive Director, Woodley House

Current Issues

As issues emerge, the District of Columbia Behavioral Health Association shares information and provides input to support District residents and community-based provider organizations. Please don't hesitate to contact us by phone at 202-929-3757 or by email at dcbehavioralhealth@gmail.com with any questions about current issues.

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