Ana Valladares, Nan Rich, Silvia Quintana
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and highlight the importance of accessible mental health care. In Broward County, the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition (BBHC) stands at the forefront of this mission, advocating for and managing a behavioral health system that supports individuals and families facing mental health, substance use, and co-occurring challenges.
As the region’s nonprofit managing entity for behavioral health services, BBHC oversees a comprehensive, culturally competent system of care. With a network of 40 community-based providers, BBHC ensures individuals receive the right support at the right time, whether through prevention, crisis intervention, outpatient therapy, residential treatment, or long-term recovery services.
While all BBHC providers play a vital role in the system, Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to spotlight those organizations that shine in delivering high-quality, compassionate mental health services. Providers such as Smith Mental Health Associates, LLC., Mental Health America of Southeast Florida, Henderson Behavioral Health, Inc, Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Health Center, Citrus Health Network, Inc., Behavioral Health / Primary Care Integration, The Chrysalis Center, Inc., SunServe, Silver Impact, Inc., and NAMI Broward County, Inc., offer a range of specialized mental health programs for children, adults, and families. These partners deliver evidence-based treatment tailored to the needs of diverse populations, including individuals experiencing serious mental illness, youth with emotional and behavioral challenges, and those navigating trauma, grief, or life transitions.
BBHC’s work goes far beyond funding. The organization also manages local and federal grants that support innovation, training, and system improvements, ensuring care remains effective, responsive, and grounded in the latest clinical research. From peer support programs and school-based mental health services to trauma-informed care and early intervention initiatives, BBHC empowers its providers to meet community needs with compassion and skill.
As a collaborative force, BBHC also partners with schools, hospitals, law enforcement, and community leaders to create a seamless, integrated system of care across Broward County.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, BBHC encourages residents to reach out, speak up, and seek support, because mental health is health, and no one should face their journey alone. To learn more, visit: bbhcflorida.org.
