Morgan Matthews, Vice President of Partnerships at Connections Health Solutions, has been named a 2023 Future Leader in Behavioral Health by Behavioral Health Business. This prestigious recognition is awarded to high-performing professionals under 40 who are making significant contributions to improving patient care and outcomes in the behavioral health industry. The Future Leader title is granted through peer nominations, acknowledging individuals who demonstrate passion, vision, and advocacy for behavioral health patients and the professionals dedicated to their well-being.
Morgan’s selection as a Future Leader in Behavioral Health highlights her exceptional leadership and her commitment to shaping the future of the industry. Her work at Connections Health Solutions reflects her deep dedication to creating meaningful change for those in need of crisis care.
What Drew Morgan to the Behavioral Health Industry?
Morgan’s journey into the behavioral health space was driven by a desire to tackle complex challenges and provide care for underserved populations. After graduating from business school in May 2020, a turbulent time in healthcare, Morgan found herself disillusioned by the healthcare industry’s focus on solving easier problems, while leaving systemic issues unaddressed. Instead of seeking out companies that were scaling up rapidly, Morgan was determined to find a place that addressed the more difficult, complex issues in the behavioral health landscape.
Connections Health Solutions immediately stood out to Morgan because of its core model of providing care to individuals in crisis, often when they are experiencing their worst day. The company is committed to treating everyone with dignity and ensuring that no one is turned away, regardless of the severity of their condition. This approach resonated deeply with Morgan, who was eager to work at an organization that prioritized real, impactful change in behavioral health care. Connections Health Solutions’ model of providing immediate access to care for those in crisis reflects the kind of leadership Morgan wanted to be a part of, and it helped solidify her path as a future leader in behavioral health.
Biggest Lesson Learned: The Power of Advocacy and Community
Since starting her career in behavioral health, Morgan has learned that the most powerful tool for change is advocacy and community. She points out that we are currently at a pivotal moment in the behavioral health industry, with increased attention and funding directed toward initiatives like the 988 crisis hotline, mobile crisis response teams, and crisis response centers. These advancements are the result of decades of advocacy work, and Morgan is keenly aware of how much effort it took to get to this point.
As a future leader in behavioral health, Morgan is deeply committed to continuing this work, knowing that it is built on the shoulders of those who fought for decades to raise awareness about the need for better services and resources. The current momentum in behavioral health presents a unique opportunity to continue pushing for systemic change and to ensure that resources are directed where they are needed most.
A Change Morgan Would Make: Mental Health Parity in Commercial Insurance
If Morgan had the ability to make one change in the behavioral health landscape, it would be to address the disparities in mental health services provided under commercial health insurance. One of the most frustrating issues Morgan has encountered is the inequality in access to mental health resources, particularly between those covered by commercial insurance and those covered by Medicaid.
Morgan recalls meeting a woman whose child experienced a psychotic episode, only to find out that, because the family had commercial health insurance, they were unable to access the same mental health resources available to Medicaid recipients. This kind of disparity is not only frustrating but also harmful to those in need of care. As a future leader in behavioral health, Morgan is dedicated to advocating for change in this area, pushing for mental health parity so that all individuals, regardless of their insurance coverage, have access to the care they need.
What’s Next for Behavioral Health: Looking Toward 2024
Morgan is excited about the future of behavioral health, particularly in 2024, when Connections Health Solutions is set to open its first crisis facilities outside of Arizona. These facilities are poised to provide critical services to individuals in crisis and will serve as a key part of the industry’s transformation. As a leader in behavioral health, Morgan understands the importance of these new facilities in gathering data about patient needs and the types of services that will best help individuals navigate a crisis.
These facilities will also provide new insights into the state of behavioral health, offering a clearer picture of how the industry has met or failed to meet the needs of those in crisis. The data collected will help shape the future of crisis intervention and support services, ensuring that people receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve during their most challenging moments. As the behavioral health industry continues to evolve, Morgan’s leadership will play a key role in ensuring that crisis care is not just a service, but a comprehensive, effective system of support.
The Future of Behavioral Health: Present
When asked to describe the future of behavioral health in one word, Morgan chose “present.” This response speaks to the fact that much of what we consider the future of the industry is already unfolding before our eyes. Morgan believes that we are in a unique moment in behavioral health, one that is characterized by unprecedented energy and attention. However, she also emphasizes that it’s crucial to take full advantage of the momentum we’re experiencing right now.
As a future leader in behavioral health, Morgan is keenly aware that the energy and resources currently being funneled into the industry may not last forever. This is why she urges her colleagues to seize the opportunity and continue working toward creating lasting, meaningful change in the field. The future of behavioral health is here, and it’s up to all of us to make sure we capitalize on this moment to improve the lives of those in need.
Advice to Her Younger Self: Build an Ecosystem, Not Just a Service
Looking back on her early days in the behavioral health industry, Morgan would advise her younger self to understand that when you’re building behavioral health services, you’re not just creating a service—you’re building an ecosystem. Initially, Morgan thought about the key players in healthcare in terms of providers, payers, and patients. Over time, however, she realized that successful behavioral health services require a much broader approach.
As a future leader in behavioral health, Morgan now recognizes the importance of building a network of support that goes far beyond just those three groups. Effective behavioral health services depend on the collaboration of families, advocates, law enforcement, city leadership, state leaders, EMS, and many other stakeholders. Developing a robust ecosystem of care ensures that individuals in need of mental health services receive the support they require from all angles. By fostering these partnerships and connections, behavioral health leaders like Morgan can create a more comprehensive and effective system of care.
Morgan Matthews’ recognition as a 2023 Future Leader in Behavioral Health reflects her dedication to improving the field and ensuring that individuals in need of care receive the services and support they deserve. As she continues to grow in her role at Connections Health Solutions, Morgan’s leadership will play a critical role in shaping the future of behavioral health and fostering systemic change that benefits everyone in the community.
