Closing the science and service gap for behavioral health

One of America’s greatest strengths is its racial and cultural diversity, and with this brings a need to provide behavioral health care that meets the needs of the nation’s growing and ever-changing population. ¹ Research that supports the development of treatment services for behavioral health disorders (mental and substance use disorders) is critical to improving quality of care. Evidence-based practices (EBPs) include strategies that research has shown to be effective for treating behavioral health issues.. However, there is a persistent gap in the availability of EBPs tailored to diverse communities.

Partnership research models that integrate EBPs can improve the experiences and effectiveness of behavioral health care. These models strengthen partnerships between behavioral health professionals and community members to develop interventions that are considered both effective and culturally relevant.² They also recognize the benefit of promising practices that emerge from communities. Communities have an important role in helping researchers with understanding how traditions, health beliefs, and cultural practices can help bridge gaps of accessibility and cultural acceptance.³

To support these types of partnerships and better understanding of the concept of science to service, the Office of Minority Health (OMH) developed a Strategic Framework as a guide for minority health efforts within OMH, HHS and across the nation. The Framework reinforces the importance of using science and knowledge as the basis for developing strategies and practices that work in reducing racial and ethnic health disparities.

In addition, SAMHSA maintains the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) to provide the public with reliable information on mental health and substance use interventions. However, recognizing that practices and evidence may be generated through different methodologies, the NREPP now includes a Learning Center and a Practice-based Evidence Corner.

To further advance this dialogue, SAMHSA’s National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (the NNED) sponsored a virtual roundtable to highlight collaborative approaches among practitioners/program developers, researchers/evaluators, and members of the community to elevate the science for culturally-based practices. For more information, visit NNED.net .