Fighting for Greater Access to Mental Health Services in Texas.
BHAT unites private behavioral health providers to advocate for the policies, access, and resources Texans need.
BHAT is…
Advocacy
A collective voice for private providers in the Texas Legislature and before state agencies.
Education
Timely updates, policy briefings, and resources to keep members informed and prepared.
Networking
Connections with fellow providers, stakeholders, and decision-makers across the state.
Support
A trusted community to share challenges, compare notes, and help each other succeed.
Quality
BHAT is dedicated to ensuring that all Texans have access to the highest quality mental health services.
Quality and comprehensive evidence-based practices will lead to more meaningful outcomes for individuals so they can live healthy and productive lives in their community.
Choice
BHAT is dedicated to increasing consumer choice for mental health services in Texas.
Texans deserve the right to choose their provider. BHAT works with lawmakers and managed care entities to strengthen the private sector and ensure patients have real options — not just whoever happens to be in-network.
Access
BHAT is dedicated to ensuring that all Texans have access to professional mental health services.
When people can't get the help they need, the consequences ripple across the entire system — overcrowded ERs, jails, and families in crisis. BHAT pushes for practical solutions that remove barriers to care and put more Texans in front of qualified providers.
About BHAT
Founded in 2010, BHAT is a statewide coalition of private behavioral health providers working together to shape mental health policy in Texas. We give private providers a seat at the table — so the people on the front lines of care have a voice in the decisions that affect them.
BHAT is dedicated to improving the Texas mental health system by:
Defining the behavioral health issues in Texas and providing a collective voice and message on the mental health issues-of-the-day by communicating a set of core messages consistently and effectively to target audiences, including legislators, community leaders, mental health related organizations, and the media when necessary.
Ensuring the coalition has a seat at the table on any issue that may affect Texas’ mental health system by establishing strategic local and statewide alliances with mental health advocates, and strong relationships with elected officials and other relevant stakeholders.
Developing effective relationships and processes to identify or anticipate other critical issues and develop mechanisms that enable the coalition to respond quickly and efficiently.
Ensuring broadened access for patients who need care the most by providing opportunities to have true choice in their provider.
Mentoring incoming providers into the mental and behavioral health industry especially within the niche of targeted case management and mental health rehabilitation services by providing insight into becoming a Medicaid provider; by sharing what to expect from the managed care enrollment and credentialing process; by comparing “notes” with each other to help a BHAT member solve issues with managed care organizations such as claims and billing; and by supporting each other to maximize the success of our members and all mental and behavioral health providers.
Our Vision
for the Future
“Advocate for expanded exceptional and cost-effective services AND to empower private providers to deliver quality services”
BHAT is a robust trade association that supports its members through Advocacy, Education & Research, Networking and Technical Support, so that they can focus on providing quality, timely services and meeting the needs of the persons they serve.
Here is a look at taking BHAT to the next level which is built on FOUR CORE PRINCIPLES:
Advocacy
Value
Trust
Competition
Membership Spotlight
Deblin Health Concepts
Represented by Debra Jackson
Chief Program Officer
Graduate degree MSW from University of Houston, 1984. Undergraduate, BSW from Texas Women’s University, 1982. Recognition as Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) since 1988. Experience in hospital administration (inpatient and outpatient), direct clinical treatment of adults, adolescents, and children in private practice; Quality Assurance Monitoring; Utilization Review; Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1988; Psychiatric Consultation for Psychiatric Hospitals; management operations; skilled nursing facilities; and other business/industry related companies.
Admore Behavioral Therapy
Abigail Wynne
Chief Executive Officer
Abigail is the CEO of Admore behavioral Therapy. Wynne has been in the healthcare space since 2003, owning and operating several health care businesses over the years. During this time, Abigail consulted and helped setting up startups. She studied Computer Sciences/ Electronics Engineering, then later nursing. Abigail is a mother of 2 sons and in her free time, she enjoys traveling, sewing, jogging, and cooking.
Meet Your Team
Eric Wright
Eric has over 25 years leadership experience both inside Texas state government and in representing some of the countries’ largest corporations and associations.
He has a unique and unmatched record of public service. Working with members and staff of the executive and legislative branches, Wright has helped craft meaningful solutions to complex and politically sensitive issues.
Courtney Williamson
After 15 years serving the great state of Texas, Courtney Williamson has joined Eric Wright & Associates and has served in the capacity as Legislative Director for four years.
Courtney is charged with working closely with the Texas Legislature, state leadership, and agencies on policy initiatives and legislative interests for a variety of clients.
For more information about becoming a BHAT Member, contact us today!
Courtney Williamson, Executive Director
Direct: 512-775-9854
bhadvocatesoftexas@gmail.com