The Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems (MABHS) is the only trade association in Massachusetts whose central mission is to focus on inpatient psychiatric and substance abuse issues. Originally founded in 1989 by the freestanding psychiatric hospitals, the MABHS has grown over the years and now consists of 50 inpatient facilities statewide, from the Berkshires to Cape Cod. Its member facilities have over 2,200 beds, and admit over 60,000 patients on an annual basis. Its members include freestanding psychiatric hospitals; substance abuse facilities; and psychiatric units in acute general hospitals.

The MABHS is based in Belmont Massachusetts, and is staffed by a full time Executive Director, David Matteodo, who also is a registered lobbyist. The MABHS is very involved with all levels of state government, especially in the Legislative and Executive Branches. Among its major priorities are advocacy for better payments from MassHealth; advocacy for improvements and timeliness in placing state DMH and DCF clients into post-discharge settings; Parity in Insurance Coverage for Mental Health and Substance Abuse; and advocacy with private managed care firms and carve-outs. The MABHS filed seven of its own bills in the current Legislative Session and will testify on numerous bills, including the State Budget.

Member hospitals meet on a quarterly basis to receive status updates; review MABHS priorities; and discuss issues of common concern. Among the major priorities are better access to services for our patients; fair reimbursements for our facilities; and provision of the highest quality behavioral health care in our facilities.

The MABHS works cooperatively with other Behavioral Health trade associations and professional societies in Massachusetts and also closely works with the National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems on federal issues. The MABHS is a non-profit 501(c) 6 Trade Association.