Karin Jeffers, CEO of Clinical & Support Options (CSO), discusses the founding of CSO in 1955 and the organization's mission to provide mental health services to families across Western Massachusetts. She highlights the evolution of behavioral health care and the progress made in reducing stigma, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeffers also discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in Western Massachusetts, including the need for collaboration and recruitment of staff. She emphasizes the importance of integrating behavioral health care and the transition to value-based care. Jeffers shares insights on implementing change, the role of Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers, and the need for closing the gap in salaries and funding between mental health and medical care.Key Takeaways

Clinical & Support Options (CSO) was founded in 1955 to address the mental health needs of families in Franklin County.

The COVID-19 pandemic has helped reduce stigma around mental health and increased willingness to seek help.

Collaboration and recruitment of staff are ongoing challenges in providing behavioral health care in Western Massachusetts.

Integration of behavioral health care and the transition to value-based care are important for improving outcomes.

Closing the gap in salaries and funding is crucial to recognizing the value of behavioral health care.

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