Vantage Clinical Consulting LLC

07/22/2025

We’re not always aware of the recipients of the Gregory J. Hand Addiction Recovery Scholarship.

If you've ever wondered what we do with donations received on behalf of the scholarship, they go to students at Governors State University who are training to become SUD (addiction) counselors..

Thanks to everyone who have supported this scholarship in the past. Our dad would be happy💜

07/22/2025

Excited to speak at ConV2X Smart Tech Transformation in NYC!

Join our CEO Jamelia Hand on Oct 30–31 for insights on the future of health innovation with a global network of experts as we dive deep into smart tech transformation in healthcare.

Sept 25–26 | Early Birds Register here: https://telehealth.conv2xsymposium.com/shop/?add-to-cart=3259

07/21/2025

🧭 Vantage Policy Watch | Week of July 21, 2025

The federal layoffs at HHS are here. This week’s policy shifts signal more than administrative change. They point to a restructuring that could reshape how communities access mental health and substance use treatment across the country.

⚠️ What does it mean when grant cycles stall, surveillance data disappears, and technical assistance disappears overnight?

It means ripple effects for frontline care including delays in crisis center funding, gaps in service coordination, and fewer supports for vulnerable populations.

📍Read our latest update, catch up on previous weeks’ updates, and explore what these changes mean for frontline care here: https://www.vantageclinicalconsulting.com/post/vantage-policy-watch-week-of-july-21-2025

07/16/2025

🧠 Thoughtful Reduction in Healthcare Burden by The Joint Commission

In a thoughtful (and timely) move, The Joint Commission has released pre‑publication updates that streamline Critical Access Hospital and Hospital accreditation standards which is an important step amid healthcare’s fast‑paced changes.

🔍 What this means for mental health and substance use care

• Core procedures for behavioral health, su***de prevention, and addiction treatment remain intact under the revised National Patient Safety Goals.

• 714 administrative requirements have been eliminated; thus, freeing up valuable clinical bandwidth to focus on patient engagement and evidence-based interventions.

• Critical components of SUD care (assessment, referral, follow‑up) are preserved, ensuring continuity while reducing paperwork.

🔄 Why this matters now?

With staffing shortages, shifting regulations, and rising demand for behavioral health services, this streamlined approach allows hospitals to:

• Sustain timely, uninterrupted mental health and SUD treatment

• Minimize disruptions to essential workflows

• Stay nimble and responsive at the front lines of care

At a time when the behavioral health workforce is stretched thin, this is a thoughtful move that keeps care front and center.

Here’s a link to the general announcement: https://www.jointcommission.org/resources/news-and-multimedia/newsletters/newsletters/joint-commission-online/july-2-2025/~/link.aspx?_id=F304E604CA514629A068D72662F5B59F&_z=z

07/14/2025

This week’s federal developments offer a clear message: what happens at the top directly impacts the care delivered on the ground.

As the restructuring of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) continues and vital mental health programs face budgetary setbacks, the implications for treatment continuity, crisis response, and provider capacity grow more urgent.

🚨Highlights This Week:

• HHS continues its restructuring, merging SAMHSA into the new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA).

• SAMHSA funding cuts and leadership changes are disrupting behavioral health systems across the country.

These shifts demand the attention of anyone working in addiction and mental health care. We break it down for you weekly with clarity, urgency, and insight.

🔗 Catch up on previous weeks’ updates and explore what these changes mean for frontline care here: https://www.vantageclinicalconsulting.com/post/vantage-policy-watch-week-of-july-14-2025

07/11/2025

Major Fentanyl & Fi****ms Bust in South Suburban Chicago

Federal agents recently seized over 1.5 kg of suspected fentanyl, 850 g of co***ne, and 25 fi****ms (some modified for rapid fire) from homes in Frankfort and Oak Lawn.

Two people were charged as part of Operation Take Back America, a federal effort to dismantle drug and gun trafficking networks.

Our communities are safer when we stay aware. Full story here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/federal-law-enforcement-seizes-fentanyl-and-25-fi****ms-suburban-chicago-residences

JAMES HOWARD, 32, of Frankfort, Ill., and SHANTEL ROBINSON, 31, of Oak Lawn, Ill., are charged with drug conspiracy.

07/09/2025

🗣️New Blog: AI in Substance Use Treatment: Promise, Progress & Pitfalls

“We haven’t fully adopted AI yet, we’re still figuring out where it fits.”
That quote stuck with me. Because it’s real.

While headlines celebrate the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in healthcare, those of us in substance use and behavioral health treatment are still asking the hard questions:
• Will this help our patients?
• Is it equitable?
• Who’s accountable when it fails?

AI has the potential to enhance care. Whether it’s screening for OUD, predicting relapse, even personalizing treatment, it’s encouraging. But without strong policy, ethical safeguards, and human-centered implementation, we risk widening the very gaps we hope to close.

In this piece, I explore:
✅ Real-world use cases (and what’s still theoretical)
✅ Ethical and equity concerns
✅ Why the policy vacuum is the real threat, not AI itself
✅ How providers and advocates can prepare and protect patients now

Read here 🔗: https://www.vantageclinicalconsulting.com/post/ai-in-substance-use-treatment-promise-progress-and-some-pitfalls

Let’s make sure tech doesn’t outpace trust.

07/02/2025

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

This month is a powerful reminder that mental health equity is a justice issue.

Racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S. often face:
🧠 Misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis
🚧 Systemic barriers to care
📉 Lack of culturally competent providers
💬 Stigma within and outside their communities

This month, we don’t just raise awareness, we also raise accountability.
We spotlight stories, center lived experiences, and promote solutions that lead to real, equitable access to mental health care.

Let’s honor Bebe Moore Campbell’s legacy by doing more than posting. Join us by taking action.

07/02/2025

There have been many moments in history when advocacy shaped the future of healthcare, and this is one of them.

Access to care is being challenged in ways that affect not just providers and systems, but entire communities. Even if you’re not in the healthcare field, you’re impacted. Consider the health of your children, loved ones, friends and neighbors. This is about all of us.

Now is the time to speak up. Call your elected officials. Join a local health coalition. Support organizations doing the work because advocacy is how we protect care, equity, and lives.

07/01/2025

🗣️It’s an exciting week for substance use and behavioral health in Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Human Services officially launched the new, unified Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, merging the former divisions of Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention & Recovery.

So, we published a blog breaking it down for providers:
🔗 Read it here: https://www.vantageclinicalconsulting.com/post/care-reimagined-illinois-launches-new-unified-substance-use-behavioral-health-division

As someone who served both systems, statewide advisory committees and as a consultant, here’s what I want providers to know:

➡️ This is more than a name change…it’s a cultural shift.

➡️ Most clients served live with both mental health and substance use challenges. This move reflects that reality.

➡️ The work is being led by Director Dr. David Albert and Assistant Director Dr. Rafael Rivera, Ph.D., MBA, thoughtful leaders who care deeply about our field.

➡️ It will take time. Be patient. Stay involved.

The blog includes insights and steps you can take NOW to prepare because we’re not just witnessing change, we’re part of it.

06/25/2025

Getting feedback isn’t always easy, but it can help us grow.

At Vantage Clinical Consulting, we know how tough it can feel to hear criticism, especially when your SOUL is tied to your ROLE…

That’s why we created a simple visual guide just for you:

“How to Receive Feedback with Professional Grace”
✔️ 5 practical tips
✔️ Easy to follow
✔️ Made for the work we do every day

🧠 Whether you’re a counselor, peer specialist, supervisor, or support staff, this guide can help turn hard conversations into something useful.

📌 Save it. Share it with your team. Use it when it counts.

🔗 Want more tools like this? Download my free mentorship eBook created for helping professionals who want to grow, lead, and support others with confidence. https://www.vantageclinicalconsulting.com/product-page/mentorship-magic-e-book