One of the behavioral health industry’s largest trade organizations has rebranded itself.
The National Council for Behavioral Health, which represents almost 3,500 members, has changed its name to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, effective immediately.
Along with the name, the National Council has also changed its logo, but will keep its web URL the same.
In a press release announcing the news, the National Council said that the name change comes after months of discussion among its board of directors, staff, consultants and members, who are behavioral health organizations.
The National Council cited the need to more accurately define the work of its member organizations as a primary reason for the change. The organization — which was founded in 1969 — also mentioned the changing fields its members work in as a reason for the new label.
“By changing our name, we are changing the conversation,” National Council CEO Chuck Ingoglia said in the press release. “Not only is the National Council for Mental Wellbeing inclusive of mental health and substance use, our new name boldly states our goal – to make mental wellbeing a reality for everyone.”
Ingoglia further commented on how the pandemic has worsened Americans’ mental health and driven up rates of substance use disorder (SUD), subsequently contributing to a record number of overdose deaths.
“Today, the work of mental health and substance use treatment organizations is more important than ever,” Ingoglia said. “Our challenge is to ensure that everyone has access to comprehensive, high-quality, affordable treatment when they need it. By promoting comprehensive approaches to prevention, treatment and recovery supports, we will ensure mental wellbeing is a reality for everyone.”
The National Council’s rebrand also comes as a number of Americans are dealing with comorbid behavioral health conditions. Approximately 9.2 million adults have a co-occuring disorder between mental health and SUD, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reported that one in four individuals who have serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression also struggle with SUD.
Although Ingoglia did not mention comorbidity as a reason for the National Council’s name change, the move is perhaps reflective of the industry’s shift toward a more holistic approach to care.
“This change also presents an opportunity to align our name with our goal of promoting mental health, recovery from substance use challenges and equitable access to high-quality care,” Ingoglia added.
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