Study: Pandemic Puts CBHOs’ Finances in Dire Straits

Nearly two-thirds of community behavioral health organizations believe they can only sustain their operations for three months or less because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study released last week by the National Council for Behavioral Health. The survey was conducted jointly by the National Council and ndp | analytics from April 6 to April 12, and 880 behavioral health organizations across the country participated.

“We are only one month into this pandemic, and it already has crippled the ability of behavioral healthcare providers to offer lifesaving treatment and services to patients,” National Council president and CEO Chuck Ingoglia said in a news release. “If we can’t handle demand from people who are struggling with depression, anxiety or substance use disorders today, there is no way we will be able to handle the crushing demand for behavioral health care we know is on the way.”

A look at how organizations are faring, by the numbers:

• 92.6% have reduced operations, including 61.8% of respondents who have closed at least one program.
• 46.7% say they have had to or plan to lay off or furlough employees.
• 82.9% say they do not have enough personal protective equipment to cover two months of operations.
• 9.4% could survive financially for a year or more in the current conditions. Conversely, 62.1% say they would last three months or less.

Earlier this month, National Council sent a letter to Congressional leaders seeking $38.5 billion in emergency funding for behavioral health organizations. Ingoglia, along with three other executives of industry associations, also signed a separate missive to Vice President Mike Pence expressing concern about a lack of PPE for behavioral healthcare professionals.