LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) said on Thursday that the state is strengthening its behavioral health services.
Officials said the strengthening comes from updated contract requirements for Community Mental Health Centers (CMHSs). These units exist to serve adults with serious mental health issues and adults in a behavioral health crisis, they said.
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The contracts begin July 1, officials said, the first day of the state’s fiscal year. The contracts provide different providers in different state regions, according to DHS.
The contracts establish clear expectations for crisis response, care coordination, forensic services, community-based treatment and quality assurance to help seriously mentally ill adults receive timely care in their communities whenever possible, officials said…