Expanding access to mental health care: an increased commitment to action fueled by a renewed sense of hope

As we approach the end of 2025, I am filled with a renewed sense of hope as I reflect on our efforts across Providence to expand access to mental health care and address the most pressing mental health needs within our communities. At the heart of everything we do is a simple truth: behind every initiative, every program, and every effort is a person who deserves care, support, compassion, and hope. 

While challenges persist, notably proposed reductions in federal funding related to addiction and overdose prevention, school-based mental health services, and programs supporting marginalized populations, these hurdles have strengthened our resolve. We remain steadfast in our commitment to make meaningful impacts, striving toward a future where everyone experiencing mental health and substance use challenges receive the care and support they deserve. 

Transforming depression care 
In 2025, significant strides have been made to meet patient needs, particularly in transforming depression care to improve outcomes for what is a leading cause of disability. We’ve seen an 85% improvement in patients’ response to depression treatment across Providence’s seven-state footprint. This improvement is truly a testament to our caregivers’ unwavering dedication and commitment to delivering compassionate, whole-person care to our patients.  

Physician & APP peer support program launch; AI-driven workplace suicide prevention training  
Our dedication to cultivating a culture of well-being extends to our health care workforce. Evidence supports that structured peer support programs help lower levels of emotional distress and burnout. Our newly launched physician and advanced practice practitioner (APP) peer support program provides real-time emotional support from peer volunteers who offer guidance during challenging times like unexpected medical outcomes. 

Additionally, we’ve integrated an innovative AI-driven suicide prevention training into Providence’s No One Cares Alone (NOCA) Program, enhancing the robust suite of well-being resources available to Providence’s 125,000 caregivers. This training is provided to caregivers at no cost, empowering them to engage actively in suicide prevention efforts within Providence and their communities. 

Collaborating with community organizations & increasing access to mental health for unhoused populations 

Our work to drive the greatest impact by addressing our communities’ most critical mental health needs is also focused on partnering with community organizations to help bridge key gaps in the behavioral health care continuum. One example is our partnership with the Emergency Mobile Opioid Team in Everett (EMOTE) in Snohomish County, Washington. This organization meets patients where they are – physically, mentally, and emotionally – by providing peer support, counseling, and medications to treat opioid use disorders.  

EMOTE’s innovative approach combines street outreach with accessible health care services, specifically targeting unhoused individuals who struggle with opioid use disorders and mental health challenges. Throughout 2025, EMOTE has made an incredible impact by increasing the number of unhoused individuals receiving medication for opioid use disorders and serving more than 900 individuals with compassion and dedication.  

Our partnership with EMOTE underscores the power of collaborative efforts in enhancing community health and well-being. We have also established more than 48 sustainable community partnerships, collaborating with organizations like Spokane Treatment and Recovery Services, Kedren Mobile Street Medicine Program, and Friends of Youth. 

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to nurturing such partnerships that pave the way for healthier communities and a more hopeful future.

Advancing mental health and well-being for all 
On a national level, we have continued our partnership with the Kennedy Forum’s Alignment for Progress initiative working closely with leaders throughout the United States to reach the following goals by 2033: 90% of the population is screened for mental health and substance use disorders, 90% who need it receive quality treatment, and 90% manage symptoms and achieve recovery. 

As we look toward 2026, we are strengthening our resolve to expand access to mental health care and create a future where we are advancing mental health and well-being for all in our communities and across the nation.    

Learn more in the links below about some of the amazing work taking place throughout Providence to expand access to mental health care. 

Wishing you happy holidays and a joyous new year.