At the beginning of 2023, the Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) directed staff to monitor the implementation and performance of Behavioral Health Redesign for Access, Value, and Outcomes (Project BRAVO), the first phase of the Behavioral Health Redesign initiative. Launched in 2019, the multi-phase Behavioral Health Redesign initiative is intended to improve access to and the quality and cost effectiveness of Medicaid behavioral health services in Virginia. To achieve these improvements, the initiative facilitates the development of a complete continuum of evidence-based, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented behavioral health services that yield positive outcomes for individuals receiving services. Project BRAVO includes nine essential behavioral health services selected to improve the well-being of adults and children in need of behavioral health services, and to reduce demand for inpatient psychiatric treatment.

To evaluate the implementation and performance of Project BRAVO, BHC staff examined the extent to which Project BRAVO has accomplished its goals and contributed to the strategic goals adopted by the Commission. Staff used a variety of research methods including interviews with program experts; data analysis; and reviews of the Code of Virginia, agency reports, and administrative manuals. Analysis was conducted using data for calendar year 2022 and the first quarter of calendar year 2023, the most recent period for which data and information about Project BRAVO was available.