The Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates (ABHA) is an inter-professional workgroup housed within the Emory University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Monthly meetings include discussion of ongoing initiatives and development of new projects. Past and current efforts have included developing and disseminating a voting initiative, providing a mentoring program for undergraduate students of color, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, providing educational presentations locally and nationally, drafting a legislative white paper advocating for increased behavioral health services for patients with complex presentations, engaging in scholarship on behavioral health advocacy training, participating in community behavioral health advocacy events, developing collaborations to other agencies, and visiting relevant organizations (e.g., Center for Civil and Human Rights).
Workgroup membership is open to all faculty (including adjunct), staff, and trainees associated with the department. Interested parties should contact Dr. Nadine Kaslow. Members are welcome to participate in ongoing activities even if they unable to make meetings.
Mission, Vision and Goal Statement
Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates (ABHA) is a group of behavioral health professionals in Atlanta, Georgia, who engage in advocacy aimed at optimally addressing the behavioral health needs of all individuals, improving access to quality behavioral healthcare, promoting population behavioral health and advancing parity in behavioral healthcare. As a collaborative group embedded in the Atlanta community, we seek the perspectives of, and elevate and amplify the voices of, community members so their interests and needs are known, respected and addressed. We partner with members of the SMI community in promoting social connectedness and advocating for community resources and legislation. We are committed to educating the public; increasing the availability and accessibility of quality behavioral health resources; and promoting community well-being and social connectedness.
We are a community-informed advocacy group that aims to:
- Educate individuals and organizations about stigma related to mental health problems, and problems with access and the availability of quality behavioral health care
- Advocate with and on behalf of those with mental health problems to community members, leaders and legislators about how to better meet the behavioral health needs of the community, ensure legislation expands the array of educational and employment opportunities, and promote well-being and social connectedness
- Provide clinical and consultation services to community members and organizations and help to disseminate existing community resources and support ongoing initiatives and projects
- Promote self-care among healthcare professionals and advocates