Online Program

Oral

This dynamic and timely session examines the current transformation of the behavioral health field - the shift from a framework rooted in early intervention and the treatment of disease to a paradigm addressing population-based and comprehensive prevention strategies. This reorientation of public behavioral health will be discussed from research, policy and practice perspectives within our field. Sandro Galea, MD, DrPH will present the session’s theoretical framework, the role of social and economic factors in behavioral health and the epidemiology of population-based health promotion approaches designed to prevent the onset of severe and persistent mental health symptoms. Ron Manderscheid, PhD will discuss efforts to transform behavioral healthcare practice by adding public health practices and strategies to the clinical orientation of this discipline. He will describe how the Affordable Care Act’s behavioral health promotion and mental Illness prevention strategies contribute to the transformation. Bernice Pescosolido PhD will discuss how current research on stigma advances policy and practice - impacting individuals, communities and delivery systems. Wayne Clark, PhD will offer California as a case study in implementing a research-based public health approach to preventing mental illness and promoting mental health. Dr. Clark will describe a multiyear statewide comprehensive strategy developed for people from diverse age and ethnic populations living in rural and urban settings. Accessible tools and strategies that support population-based mental health promotion will be offered to symposium participants.

Session Objectives: Describe three social determinants of behavioral health and why the “prevention approach” differs from the conventional paradigm of behavioral health treatment. Describe research findings that support a population-level approach to behavioral health based on (i) research addressing mental health stigma and (ii) policy and practice opportunities funded through the Affordable Care Act. Identify research-based strategies that are designed for widespread dissemination into local communities (diverse populations living in urban and rural environments) using the case example of California's comprehensive statewide prevention and early intervention campaign for mental health promotion.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)