AL / AK / AZ / AR / CA / CO / CT / DE / FL / GA / HI / ID / IL / IN / IA / KS / KY / LA / ME / MD / MA / MI / MN / MS / MO / MT / NE / NV / NH / NJ / NM / NY / NC / ND / OH / OK / OR / PA / RI / SC / SD / TN / TX / UT / VT / VA / WA / WV / WI / WY

Alabama
The Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation posted its 2005 Block Grant Application (including its State Plan), which is designated by a 54-member State Mental Health Planning Council consisting of consumers, family members, providers, state mental health employees, university employees and other stakeholders. The plan they outline calls for system-wide improvements, and the implementation of ACT teams, Supported Housing, Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders, Peer Support, and the establishment of Centers of Excellence for training.

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Alaska
Alaska's Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) has published its2006 Block Grant Application which describes the state's plan for the implementation of evidence-based practices. EBPs help make up one of three major focus areas for adults, and one of the four major focus areas for children for the current year.

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Arizona
The Arizona Department of Health Services, Divisionof Behavioral Health Services identifies the need for increased dissemination of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) throughout the state, as well as the expansion of other EBPs in its Fiscal Year 2006 Block Grant Application.

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Arkansas
Arkansas Department of Human Services has made the initiation and dispersal of EBPs throughout the state a high priority. The state has made available its 2006 Block Grant Application, which identifies the priorities and strategies the state will use to implement EBPs throughout the year.

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California
In October 2002, California Department of Mental Health (DMH) and of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) formed the Co-occurring Disorders Workgroup to recommend strategies to improve treatment outcomes for persons with co-occurring disorders. The 13-member Workgroup included a psychiatrist, several psychologists, county administrators, executive directors of treatment provider organizations, program directors and policy professionals, as well as nationally-recognized professionals with multiple expertise in the fields of behavioral health, treatment, housing, financing, and criminal justice. The result has been the publication of the Co-occurring Disorders Workgroup Final Report (March 2004), which provides 58 pages of comprehensive information on the start-to-finish implementation of a system of care for individuals with co-occurring disorders.

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Colorado
The Colorado Department of Human Services has posted its Implementation Report for Fiscal Year 2005, which describes the achievements the state has made over the past year. The document also addresses the priority areas that need more attention.

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Connecticut
Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) website provides information on the major initiativesthe state is taking to implement evidence-based practices.

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Delaware
In April 2001, the Delaware Health and Social Services Department launched “Healthy Delaware 2010,” which among many other things, urges the use of evidence-based practices to reduce violence and tobacco abuse among minor children. In 2003, the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health posted a Strategic Plan for Cultural Competence, which describes the rationale for cultural competence, and a strategic plan with four major goals and the objectives and methods to meet these goals. The purpose of the plan is to “describe and respond to the needs and differences of all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, religion, physical or mental status, age, sexual orientation, and ethnic or cultural background.”

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Florida
In June 2004, Florida's Department of Children and Families contracted with the University of South Florida to evaluate and report on its Community-Based Care programs throughout the state. They prepared and posted a Statewide Evaluation of Community-Based Care in June 2004. While examining the status of Community-Based Care (CBC) in Florida, this comprehensive report also recommends the integration of evidence-based practices in adoption permanency, child protective services, and preventive services to keep children home with their families.

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Georgia
As evidenced by the Georgia FY 2005 through 2007 Mental Health Block Grant Application, the Georgia Department of Human Resources, in collaboration with the Georgia Mental Health Advisory Council, have developed a comprehensive plan for the ongoing implementation of Assertive Community Treatment, Illness Self Management (Peer Support), Supported Employment, Supported Housing, New Generation Medications, Integrated Treatment for Co-occurring Disorders, and Family Psycho-education.

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Hawaii
The Hawaii Department of Health's Adult Mental Health Division, and the University of Hawaii have collaborated to create The Hawaii Center for Evidence-Based Practice (HI CEBP). The HI CEBP was established in August, 2003 to promote the wider use of evidence-based practices for adults in Hawaii's public mental health system.

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Idaho
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare / Children's Mental Health Division posted its Standards for Therapeutic Foster Care in July 2003, to provide a structure and set of standards and methods for the administration of Therapeutic Foster Care throughout the state.

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Illinois
The Illinois Department of Mental Health posted its "Implementation Report State Mental Health Block Grant" containing its goals, objectives and activities for the fiscal year 2005. In February 2004, the Illinois DHS announced the launch of a new pilot program called Maximizing Accountability and Excellence (MAX). This initiative is charged with three major goals: 1) To increase the number of service contracts open to a competitive selection process; 2) To increase the number of programs contracted on a fee-for-service basis to attract federal Medicaid match dollars; and 3) To introduce performance-based contracts. Of additional interest is the Illinois MISA Institute's Resource Library on evidence-based practices.

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Indiana
The Assertive Community Treatment Center of Indiana was created in collaboration between the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction, the Department of Psychology at the Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and the Adult and Child Center of Indianapolis. The Center provides research, training, and technical assistance resources for ACT and IDDT programs in Indiana, as well as support for other evidence-based programs.

This report regarding state mental health agency efforts in Indiana is based on a series of site visits sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation to document activities occurring in states involved in SAMHSA’s National EBP Demonstration Project. Staff of the NRI Center for Mental Health Quality and Accountability participated in the site visits and the development of these reports.

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Iowa
The State of Iowa's Department of Human Services is preparing a three year plan to "implement a range of children, youth, and adult EBPs through staff orientation and training." Information can be found on the Mental Health Systems Improvement: Evidence-Based Practices Workgroup page.

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Kansas
The goal and vision of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (DSRS) includes adopting strengths-based perspectives. Toward that end, on May 2, 2002, Kansas Mental Health Centers participated in an international study with Dartmouth University to find effective ways to implement EBPs. In March 2004, the DSRS posted a report entitled Kansas Evidence-Based Practices, which describes the Emerging and Best Practice Models of the State’s EBP programs.

This report regarding state mental health agency efforts in Kansas is based on a series of site visits sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation to document activities occurring in states involved in SAMHSA’s National EBP Demonstration Project. Staff of the NRI Center for Mental Health Quality and Accountability participated in the site visits and the development of these reports.

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Kentucky
The Kentucky Department for Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services is implementing the PATH Program, which serves adults with SMI or a co-occurring substance abuse disorder, and are homeless or in danger of becoming so. The state has also published its 2005 Strategic Plan for both adults and children. This plan outlines the state's current approach for implementing evidence-based practices.

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Louisiana
The Louisiana Office of Mental Health, in response to the challenges set forth in the President’s New Freedom Commission Report, has implemented Project Legacy: Transforming the Mental Health Services in Louisiana (August 2004) which provides strategies for improving performance outcomes using evidence-based practices. Most recently , Louisiana has published its 2006 Mental Health Block Grant Application (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 ) which outlines the "direction and implementation strategies for further development of the state's comprehensive community-based mental health system.

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Maine
Maine's Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services has posted information about its plans for implementing evidence-based practices in Adult Mental Health Services, including ACT and supported housing. Just recently, the State of Maine contracted with Kenneth Minkoff, M.D. to assist in the design of a two-year national pilot of a Best Practice model called Comprehensive, Continuous, Integrated System of Care (CCISC). Designed to improve service delivery and outcomes for patients with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders, CCISC will be implemented in four facilities at first, with the objective to expand services across the state. Source: “Maine pilots national program for co-occurring disorders:” Mental Health weekly. September 6, 2004. Volume 14, No. 34, pp. 3-5.

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Maryland
Drs. Anthony Lehman, Howard Goldman et al, have posted a report entitled, “Evidence-Based Mental Health Treatments and Services: Examples to Inform Public Policy” a request from the State of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in collaboration with the Milbank Memorial Fund. The University of Maryland has formed a Center for School Mental Health Assistance to establish best practices that will reduce risks and enhance protection of students.

This report regarding state mental health agency efforts in Maryland is based on a series of site visits sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation to document activities occurring in states involved in SAMHSA’s National EBP Demonstration Project. Staff of the NRI Center for Mental Health Quality and Accountability participated in the site visits and the development of these reports.

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Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health describes in its 2004 Annual Report, its plan to implement an increasing number of evidence-based practices, and it describes its existing programs such as Programs of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), Supported Housing, and Supported Employment. Also, the State is working to eliminate stigma issues through its Changing Minds and Eliminate Barriers initiatives.

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Michigan
On August 6, 2004, the Michigan Mental Health Commission posted on its Website its intention to review key issues and options relating to improving the delivery and effectiveness of Michigan’s public mental health system. Public feedback is invited, with particular attention given to cross-cutting issues and evidence-based practices.

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Minnesota
In July 2004, Minnesota offered ACT to all counties throughout the state, with an objective to reduce inpatient stays and improve outcomes. Toward that end, the Minnesota Department of Human Services has posted a very useful ACT Technical Assistance Resources page on its Website.

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Mississippi
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health has posted its Fiscal Year 2008 Mental Health State Plan that describes the state system in detail and lists objectives to implement new and improve upon current Evidence-Based Practices; including practices that aim to improve the lives of Hurricane Katrina victims.

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Missouri
In September 2002, the Missouri Department of Mental Health (MDMH) published and posted its Practice Guidelines For The Treatment Of Adults With Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders And Mental Illness. In addition, the MDMH has established seven goals for its Supported Employment Program, along with the action steps required to achieve them.

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Montana
Montana's 2008 State Plan for Children details its transformation goals that include the objective to "develop a strategy to implement evidence-based and promising practices" beyond the State's current implementation of Therapeutic Foster Care. The adult plan details the State's strategy to "increase the number of EBPs available for persons served in the adult mental health system over the next two years." This information and more can be found on the state's Performance Partnership Block Grant Application Web Page.

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Nebraska
Nebraska's Mental Health Block Grant Application for Fiscal Year 2008 highlights the State's goals to expand the range and availability of EBPs to children and adults. Nebraska is currently implementing Assertive Community Treatment, Supportive Housing, and Supported Employment.

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Nevada
The #1 Goal for the 2003-2007 MHDS Strategic Plan by the Nevada Division of Mental Health & Developmental Services is to “Develop and implement evidence-based treatment and interventions for adults and children.” Also of special interest is their booklet of Performance Indicators for 2004.

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New Hampshire
In 2003, the New Hampshire Department of Human Services published its Program Guide. In this document, the Division of Behavioral Health (page 16) outlines its EBP-related activities. As evidenced by its website, Peer Support Services is a major focus of the department of human services. For more information on these initiatives, click here.

This report regarding state mental health agency efforts in New Hampshire is based on a series of site visits sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation to document activities occurring in states involved in SAMHSA’s National EBP Demonstration Project. Staff of the NRI Center for Mental Health Quality and Accountability participated in the site visits and the development of these reports.

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New Jersey
New Jersey's Division of Mental Health Services has published its Fiscal Year 2006 Block Grant Application which identifies the current EBPs being implemented, as well as the priorities and strategies of the state for the current year.

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New Mexico
On July 7, 2004, Dr. Ken Martinez of New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department prepared a testimony for U.S. Congress entitled "The Mental Health Needs of Our Juvenile Justice Population: New Mexico's Approach to Solving the Problem.". This paper demonstrates the positive outcomes for the juvenile justice system in New Mexico when cross-system collaborations take place, while implementing such EBPs as Functional Family Therapy, Multi-Systemic Therapy, and the Chamberlain Model of Treatment Foster Care as well as a number of promising practices.

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New York
The New York State Office of Mental Health provides a web resource entitled, “Creating an Environment of Quality through EBPs,” which provides definitions, history and links to internal and external information. An additional Web Page linked to the first is “Implementing EBPs and Quality Care in New York State,” which provides implementation strategies and a list containing descriptive information about its ongoing EBP initiatives.

This report regarding state mental health agency efforts in New York is based on a series of site visits sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation to document activities occurring in states involved in SAMHSA’s National EBP Demonstration Project. Staff of the NRI Center for Mental Health Quality and Accountability participated in the site visits and the development of these reports.

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North Carolina
With funding from SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), North Carolina has been working to improve its substance abuse programs using evidence-based practices. CSAT’s Practice Improvement Collaborative Program and Strengthening Treatment Access and Retention Program have been instrumental in the development of a statewide substance abuse treatment agenda for quality improvement. The North Carolina Science to Service Project, a consortium of national experts, created the report "Bridging Science to Service: A Plan to Implement Evidence-Based Practices for Adults with Mental Illness in North Carolina's Public Mental Health System." The report outlines a comprehensive plan to guide and facilitate the implementation of EBPs in North Carolina.

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North Dakota
In November 2003, Clara Sue Price, Deputy Director of the Department of Human Services presented a report about the Regional Human Service Centers that have evolved into the mental health service delivery coordinators for each region of the state. Striving to include evidence-based practices in their service array, these centers provide over-arching care, contract for specialized services, and facilitate collaboration in what is truly a community-based care system.

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Ohio
The Ohio Department of Mental Health's Office of Clinical Best Practices promotes recovery and resiliency through workforce development activities focusing on the accelerated adoption of Evidence-Based mental health services.

This report regarding state mental health agency efforts in Ohio is based on a series of site visits sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation to document activities occurring in states involved in SAMHSA’s National EBP Demonstration Project. Staff of the NRI Center for Mental Health Quality and Accountability participated in the site visits and the development of these reports.

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Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has outlined a detailed plan for increasing the use of EBPs in its FY2005-2007 Mental Health Block Grant Plan. Also of interest is their September 2003 press release, “Oklahoma Moving Ahead In Treatment of Co-Occurring Mental Health/Substance Abuse Disorders.”

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Oregon
Oregon's Department of Health Services' Agency on Mental Health has created a webpage that displays information about the state's initiatives in EBPs.

This report regarding state mental health agency efforts in Oregon is based on a series of site visits sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation to document activities occurring in states involved in SAMHSA’s National EBP Demonstration Project. Staff of the NRI Center for Mental Health Quality and Accountability participated in the site visits and the development of these reports.

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Pennsylvania
An Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) initiative to serve Medicaid recipients with serious medical illnesses was launched in Pennsylvania’s Delaware County. With an expected caseload of 75 patients by next year, Magellan Health Services and Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health have contracted with Horizon House, Inc. to offer their Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT). (Source: “Magellan launches PACT initiative for Medicaid clients:” Mental Health Weekly. September 13, 2004; Volume 14, No. 35, pp. 1-3). To learn more about initiatives taking place across the state, visit Pennsylvania's Mental Health Services website.

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Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals provides on its Developmental Disabilities Page the description of many mental health services the state provides, including such EBPs as Supported Employment and Consumer Operated Services.

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South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health Division of Children, Adolescents, and Families utilizes a "best practices approach" in providing care for the children and families they serve. One example is the state's inclusion of Multisystemic Therapy in its Wraparound Program.

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South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health describes on its Adult Services Page its offerings of such evidence-based and emerging practices as Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Continuous Assistance, Rehabilitation and Education (CARE), and Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH). Under Mental Health Resources and Links, South Dakota offers a series of webcasts pertaining to key issues in mental health delivery.

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Tennessee
NIMH has partnered with the University of Tennessee Knoxville for the project, "Testing EBP and Organization Effects in Rural Appalaicha." this study examines a strategy for overcoming barriers to implementation of effective mental health treatment for children and adolescents in rural and poverty-stricken communities. Click here to view the abstract, or visit NIMH for more in-depth information.

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Texas
The Texas Department of State Health Services is one of seven states awarded a SAMHSA Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grant. The state now has the responsibility to build a solid foundation for delivering evidence-based practices.

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Utah
The Utah State Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health website has posted its 2003 Annual Report on Public Substance Abuse Services in Utah, which stresses evidence-based treatment, interventions, and outcomes. The Utah Frontiers Project is a federally funded project that provides wraparound services, a promising practice, for children and their families in six rural and frontier counties in the state.

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Vermont
Vermont's Strategic Prevention Framework describes the State's goals and strategies to improve effective implementaion of EBPs by focusing on areas such as workforce development, cultural competency, fidelity, and evaluation.

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Virginia
The Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services / Office of Substance Abuse Services posted an article in June 2004 entitled, "What Predicts Consumer Satisfaction with Treatment for Substance Abusers?" which describes some of the indicators of consumer satisfaction derived from their 2003 Consumer Satisfaction Survey for consumers of substance abuse services. Virginia Commission on Youth reviewed evidence-based treatment modalities for children and adolescents with mental health treatment needs and are encouraging providers to integrate these into their treatment planning.

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Washington
Washington’s State Department of Health and Human Services / Mental Health Division has posted on its Website a consumer network called SAFE WA. SAFE WA is a network of family organizations that work together to support parents and caregivers raising children with emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders. SAFE WA encourages partnerships between consumers and systems of care to provide training, morale support, and information to families of mentally ill children.

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West Virginia
The West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities (BHHF) has posted its 2005-2007 Block Grant Application online, which outlines its current activities and planned strategies to implement evidence-based practices across the state.

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Wisconsin
The State of Wisconsin's Community of Mental Health Services has four EBP-related reports available for providers of substance abuse treatment. Wisconsin’s Department of Health and Family Services has implemented the Wisconsin Brighter Futures Initiative (BFI) (Wis Stat s.46.99) which supports evidence-based strategies in youth development to promote healthy families and youth, school readiness, child safety and successful growth from childhood to adulthood. Wisconsin's Best Practices Model Implementation Guide includes information regarding the state's EBP initiatives.

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Wyoming
The Wyoming Legislature adopted the Wyoming Children and Families Initiative, which was signed by Governor Freudenthal in March 2004. Designed in response to the President’s New Freedom Commission Report, the initiative provides for the development of a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of life and service delivery for all Wyoming children and families. One significant step taken by the Wyoming Department of Family Services was a consumer survey, the results of which are offered in a PowerPoint presentation entitled Wyoming Family Photo. The Children and Families Initiative provides for the creation of new policy, a strategic plan, and ongoing legislative support, with all stakeholders (consumers, family members, caregivers, public and private leaders, legislators, judges, etc.) and the public invited for comment.

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