Innovative Behavioral Health Research Project Launches in Ohio

A new research project in Ohio is set to explore the transformative potential of Case Aide Services in the behavioral health sector. This initiative, a collaboration between Northwoods, Concord Counseling Services, and The Ohio State University, is funded by a SOAR Network Innovation Grant from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The project seeks to assess how technology-enabled case aide support can alleviate staff burnout, enhance job satisfaction, and streamline service delivery in behavioral health settings.

Case Aide Services, developed by Northwoods, have already shown significant success in child welfare by saving caseworkers time, improving compliance, and increasing retention rates. This 12-month pilot will test whether similar efficiencies can be achieved in behavioral health agencies through the use of AI-driven operational efficiencies and AWS technologies. Linda Jakes, Executive Director at Concord Counseling Services, expressed optimism about the project's potential to provide new tools for the workforce, thereby improving client services and reducing staff burnout.

The project's outcomes, including staff satisfaction, turnover rates, and financial impact, will be evaluated by Tom Gregoire, Associate Professor at The Ohio State University College of Social Work. Richie Diers, Chief Advisor at Northwoods, highlighted the partnership as an example of how technology can redefine work processes in the behavioral health field. This initiative aligns with OhioMHAS's broader goals of fostering innovation in behavioral health through technology-enabled, people-centered solutions.