Each state has different mechanisms for organizing the oversight of public mental health services. In addition to the state level mental health authority, there are generally county or regional entities that are accountable for design and oversight of mental health services at the local level. These local authorities may or may not also deliver mental health services. MCPP consultants have provided policy level consultation and system design services to our clients who have this public policy role.

MCPP has worked on projects with a majority of the Washington State Regional Support Networks (RSN) on system design, finance, policy development and/or information system planning.

Case Studies: Mental Health Authority

Case Study 1 MCPP worked with one RSN and its at-risk provider sponsored network on design and implementation of a new information system and the management reports and indicators to be used system-wide. In another RSN we gathered provider data and analyzed it in order to establish a cost per hour of service. In yet another, MCPP assisted in a redesign of the provider reimbursement system. Case Study 2 Another regional mental health authority project regarding Children's System of Care grew out of an earlier project focused on Children's Acute Care: An interagency team with parent representation was facilitated by an MCPP consultant. The group examined the issues related to children's acute care in the five county region. As the result of almost a year of work, which included focused case reviews, telephone key informant interviews, and an overview of best practices nationally, the team released a report (prepared by MCPP) with recommendations for both structural and service improvements. Key among the structural recommendations was the creation of an interagency executive policy team to assure the functioning of the system of care. MCPP then assisted the regional mental health authority in getting the Children's Policy Executive Team underway, facilitating the monthly meetings of the group as they moved through the organizational phase of activity. As a result of having this group formally in place, joint service initiatives are now being designed and implemented.