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.
Community
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
Members
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.
Represented by Courtney Milburn
Executive Director
Courtney Milburn is an Executive Director in behavioral health with a heart for people and a passion for making a difference. He's dedicated to creating spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Known for being encouraging, loving, God fearing, and people centered. He believes real impact starts with compassion and connection. Every day, He strives to lead with purpose, integrity, humility and help others move toward healthier, meaningful, and independent lives.
Represented by:
Tanya Malveaux, LCSW-S, LCDC | Chief Operating Officer
JTL is one of the leading providers of behavioral healthcare services for children, adolescents, adults, and families in Texas. Our diverse group of assessors, therapists, case managers, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and ARNPs has helped people of all ages and backgrounds realize their full potential through outstanding mental health programs.
In addition to the services we provide at our offices, we also bring health and support services directly to homes and schools. We look forward to continuing to meet the needs of our neighbors and communities through innovative and compassionate approaches to behavioral healthcare.
Represented by:
Ayanna Carr-Brown, Chief Executive Officer
At The Village Life Center, we are honored to provide high quality, compassionate, outpatient services to children, adults, and families with mental health needs. We understand that each treatment is as unique as the individual seeking it. See how the treatment services we provide in Louisiana and Texas can help you reach your goals and live a happy, healthy, positive life.
Represented by:
Gary Ivory, President and Chief Executive Officer
YAP® provides young people, adults, and families with intensive support in their homes, schools and communities through our YAPWrap® model that blends best practices from research in wraparound, mentoring, and positive youth development.
We partner with families to build and strengthen essential skills and resources needed to thrive throughout life, such as increasing their ability to safely problem-solve their needs, developing social, emotional, academic and career competencies, and building networks of community support.
YAP® Advocates meet with participants multiple times a week at the times most needed by the individual and family, with an emphasis on safety and support. Individualized plans balance involuntary service demands with activities driven by the participant’s prioritized wants and needs.
Admore Behavioral Therapy
Represented by:
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.
Represented by:
Richard Denegall, Chief Executive Officer
National Smart Healthcare Services, Inc. began providing services in 2006. For over a decade. We have worked to consistently meet the needs of adult consumers who have been diagnosed with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness and are enrolled in a Texas Star+Plus Managed Medicaid plan.
National Smart Healthcare Services, Inc. is meeting the needs of adult consumers with a Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) diagnosis, enrolled in a Managed Medicaid plan, and living in the following service delivery areas:
Harris County, Jefferson County Nueces County, Travis County, Bexar County, El Paso County, and Hidalgo County.
Our staff consists of Psychiatrist, Nurse Practioner, Psychiatric Registered Nurses, Qualified Mental Health Professionals, Case Managers, and Counselors. All of them have had extensive training and experience in meeting the needs of consumers with Severe and Persistent Mentally Ill ( SPMI) adults in their home/ community setting.
We partner with community providers, MDs, and Nurse Practitioners for medication assessment and monitoring then follow up with in-home nursing care.
Represented by:
Dr. Cassandra Montgomery
Calabri Health, LLC offers the highest level of outpatient behavioral health care services. Our clients receive individualized treatment plans based on their needs, strengths, abilities, and preferences.
We assure that our behavioral health care services exemplify quality, efficient care. We begin services at the age of five through adulthood. We are committed to safe care and respectfully treat clients with patience and proficiency.
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
Courtney brings nearly three decades of experience serving the State of Texas and advancing public policy initiatives across complex regulatory and legislative environments. She joined Congress Avenue Partners in 2017 as Legislative Director, where she partners closely with clients to develop and execute effective strategies before the Texas Legislature, state leadership, and regulatory agencies.
She is recognized for her deep understanding of the legislative process and her ability to navigate state government with precision and strategic insight.
For more information about becoming a BHAT Member, contact us today!
Courtney Williamson
Direct: 512-775-9854
courtney@wrighttexas.com