Supporting older-adult behavioral health: building the first state Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health and...

The behavioral health (BH) needs of older adults are unique, increasing, and, too often, poorly understood.

Oregon established the first state-level center of excellence in the United States focused on the BH of older adults via a state-university-community partnership. Oregon's Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health and Aging (OCEBHA) was conceptualized by the state health authority and initially funded using a block grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

OCEBHA seeks to expand the capacity of health and social programs and providers to deliver BH services for older adults with serious mental illness and substance use disorders through translational research, workforce development, and policy innovation.

This review article describes the United States' and Oregon's BH and aging landscape, highlighting the disconnects between research evidence, clinical treatment/intervention, and policy implementation. It outlines the rationale for establishing centers like OCEBHA, which was designed to bridge these gaps. By detailing OCEBHA's structure and focus areas-translational research, workforce development, and policy innovation-the article shows how this model can help align evidence-based practices with service delivery and policy. It also offers a roadmap for other states seeking to strengthen support for older adults with BH needs.