Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center (BHTAC)
The UNM Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center supports the implementation of the NM Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act (BHRIA) also known as Senate Bill 3 (SB3). SB3 was signed into law on February 27, 2025. This new law takes major steps to strengthen and rebuild New Mexico’s behavioral health system, including significant changes to how behavioral health and substance use treatment programs are managed statewide.
The BHRIA takes a regional approach to behavioral health care. Each region will identify up to five behavioral health priorities and request funding to implement a four-year plan. This new structure incorporates all three branches of government and brings stakeholders to the table to strengthen the state’s behavioral health care service system.
The UNM Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center (BHTAC) serves as a centralized, university-based resource to
Assist regional entities to build the capacity and accountability needed to execute their behavioral health plans.
Support alignment with state-adopted standards, evaluation protocols, and workforce development efforts.
Provide technical expertise to prioritize disproportionately impacted communities and meet identified funding gaps.
Enhance collaboration between higher education, service providers, and state agencies to develop and retain a behavioral health workforce.
Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center ( BHTAC)
The University of New Mexico HSC has brought together the expertise, experience, and knowledge to create the BHTAC to provide seamless support and technical assistance for the planning and implementation of the BHRIA.
