Advocacy From the Inside

In behavioral health quality improvement, emphasis on metrics and performance measures can unintentionally shift focus away from the individuals those measures are intended to serve. Social workers and client advocates often navigate the complex intersection of regulatory requirements, HEDIS performance goals and person-centered care. This presentation examines how social work values, advocacy and ethical practice can be integrated into behavioral health quality initiatives to improve access, care coordination, engagement and meaningful outcomes.

Drawing on frontline experience in behavioral health quality management, the session will highlight practical strategies for embedding advocacy into quality improvement efforts. Topics include partnering with providers to promote evidence-based behavioral health and substance use treatment, supporting clients in re-engaging with care, and addressing social determinants and systemic barriers that frequently impede progress. Real-world case examples will demonstrate how ethical decision-making and client advocacy can coexist within highly regulated healthcare environments.

Participants will leave with actionable tools to translate quality metrics into client centered interventions, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and use social work leadership to advance equity, accountability and improved outcomes across behavioral health systems.