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The Transformation of Behavioral Healthcare in New Mexico

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Abstract

Since 1997, public-sector behavioral healthcare in New Mexico has remained under continual transition. We have conducted qualitative research to examine recent efforts in NM to establish a recovery-oriented behavioral healthcare system, focusing on comprehensive community support services, clinical homes, and core service agencies. We examine how decisions made in the outer context (e.g., the system level) shaped the implementation of each initiative within the inner context of service provision (e.g., provider agencies). We also clarify how sociopolitical factors, as exemplified in changes instituted by one gubernatorial administration and undone by its successor, can undermine implementation efforts and create crises within fragile behavioral healthcare systems. Finally, we discuss findings in relation to efforts to promote wraparound service planning and to establish medical home models under national healthcare reform.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (R01 MH76084), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Technical Assistance Collaborative. The methods, observations, and interpretations put forth in this article do not necessarily represent those of the funding agencies. The authors wish to thank Caroline Bonham, Elizabeth EnglandKennedy, Elizabeth Lilliott, Patricia Hokanson, Miria Kano, Jill Reichman, Gwen Saul, Paula Seanez, and Marnie Watson for their contributions to this research. They also wish to express appreciation to the research participants for their generous assistance and cooperation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Behavioral Health Research Center of the Southwest, 612 Encino Place, NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87102, USA

    Cathleen E. Willging

  2. Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, MSC01-1040, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA

    Cathleen E. Willging & Louise Lamphere

  3. Department of Anthropology, Michigan State University, 2825 E. Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, USA

    Barbara Rylko-Bauer

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  1. Cathleen E. Willging
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Correspondence to Cathleen E. Willging.

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Willging, C.E., Lamphere, L. & Rylko-Bauer, B. The Transformation of Behavioral Healthcare in New Mexico. Adm Policy Ment Health 42, 343–355 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-014-0574-0

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