In recent years, Mecklenburg County has identified behavioral health as a top priority for improving the well-being of residents. As part of this commitment, the County has invested significant funding to address gaps in behavioral health services not provided through federal, state, or private resources. Despite the expanded investments made by the County, along with the realignment with Alliance Health as Mecklenburg’s Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), the behavioral health infrastructure of the community remains fragmented and difficult to navigate.

As a result, Mecklenburg County is leading the development of a behavioral health strategic plan to help guide the use of public funding for behavioral health services in the community. The behavioral health strategic planning process was initiated in November 2022 to improve access, quality, and coordination of the community’s behavioral health services. As part of the planning process the County established a steering committee with various community stakeholders.