Behavioral Health Innovations during COVID in Black and Hispanic Communities

In an effort to address behavioral health disparities, authors conducted a community engagement research study to identify innovative practices that behavioral health agencies utilized in Black and Hispanic communities during COVID-19. Research methods included community agency input, a targeted survey of 15 behavioral health agencies, and focus groups. Authors identified innovative practices in eight areas of physical safety, emotional safety, accessibility through technology, accessibility for face-to-face counseling, affordability, leveraging resources, availability, and changes in procedures. Authors discuss recommendations and implications for social justice action to decrease behavioral health disparities.