The Behavioral Health Planning Council (BHPC) is an appointed advisory group that helps the Director of the Department of Behavioral Health to:
- Advise the Director of the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) in the planning and implementation of person-centered, integrated behavioral health services that are accessible, and educate the public about available services and objectives.
- Review and evaluate the allocation and adequacy of mental health and substance use disorder services.
- Identify unmet behavioral health needs and
- Advocate for adults and children with behavioral health disorders.
DBH is currently accepting applications for the Behavioral Health Planning Council.
The appointments will be for a three-year term. The term begins on May 22, 2026, and ends on September 30, 2029. Applicants must be District residents who are: (1) recipients of behavioral health services; or (2) family members of adults with lived experience with behavioral health conditions; or (3) the parent to a child/youth with a serious emotional disturbance and/or substance use disorder.
Interested individuals are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the bylaws in advance of their Application submission.
If you are interested, please fill out and submit your Application by Friday, April 17th, 2026. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to DBH staff at [email protected].
How was the Behavioral Health Planning Council Created?
The Behavioral Health Planning Council was created by the DBH Department's establishment act, the Mental Health Service Delivery Reform Act of 2001, merging the Partnership Council (D.C. Official Code Section 7-1131.10) and the District of Columbia State Mental Health Planning Council (SMHPC).
Its membership is no smaller than 15 and no more than 25. The Behavioral Health Planning Council By-Laws outline its duties, responsibilities, and membership requirements.
Who Sits on the Behavioral Health Planning Council?
To ensure that the consumer voice will be heard, 51% of the membership must be consumers or their family members and their advocates. Each ward of the District of Columbia also must be represented. Other members include representatives of adult, children and youth, labor, and community private providers.
Who Appoints the Members?
Behavioral Health Planning Council members are appointed for a three-year term by the Director of the Department according to the requirements of the By-Laws. Members may be reappointed for an additional three-year term but can only be reappointed again after one year of non-membership.
How Often Does the Behavioral Health Planning Council Meet?
The Behavioral Health Planning Council meets every other month, virtually, on the last Friday from 10AM – 12PM. Confirmation or rescheduling of any meeting can be found in the D. C. Register along with a meeting agenda no later than five (5) days prior to the meeting.