Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

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Atlanta, GA
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

DBHDD was created to provide a network of support for citizens with mental health & IDD challenges.

Created by the Governor and General Assembly in 2009, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) and its network of community providers offer treatment and support services to help people with behavioral health challenges achieve recovery by focusing on their strengths. Through uniquely tailored supports and services, we help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities attain independence and lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.

11/03/2025

Listen Now: DBHDD’s Rachael Holloman was a featured guest on NPR's WBUR show "On Point". Hear her discuss mental health resources such as 988 and more.

10/27/2025

🌟 Servant Leadership Spotlight: Jason McSwain

As DBHDD’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Operations, Jason McSwain leads with purpose—guiding our Office of Information and Technology (OIT) and ensuring that innovation directly supports better outcomes for Georgians.

Under Jason’s leadership, DBHDD’s OIT team continues to modernize government systems that strengthen how we serve our communities. Most recently, DBHDD received its fourth Technology Innovation Showcase Award at the 2025 Georgia Digital Summit for the Forensic Referral Program (FRP)—a collaboration between OIT and the Office of Forensic Services.

The FRP application was one of only six projects selected statewide by the Georgia Technology Authority for outstanding “Business Process Innovation.” This new platform streamlines how forensic orders are initiated and tracked—making Forensic Services operations more efficient and leading to faster referrals for Georgians in the criminal justice system.

👏 Congratulations to Jason and the entire OIT and Forensics teams for exemplifying what servant leadership looks like—using technology and teamwork to drive meaningful impact.

10/24/2025

The DBHDD Board formally recognized Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) for its leadership in advancing recovery support and patient care for individuals affected by substance use disorders and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

Through partnership with DBHDD, NGMC has established several innovative peer support programs in both the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department. These include the Maternal Peer Support Program in the NICU, the ED-CARES Program, and peer support programs for individuals experiencing substance use or alcohol-related emergencies.

The Board expressed its appreciation for NGMC’s continued commitment to improving outcomes for patients and families and for serving as a model of recovery-oriented care in Georgia.

Special thanks to NGMC’s Elizabeth Holcomb, Executive Director of Gov. Affairs, and Brittany Smith, NICU Nurse Director, for traveling down to share their work with our Board this week.

10/23/2025

In collaboration with 988, we were honored to be part of the Georgia Grown Pavilion at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, GA October 2–12! 🌾💚

With over 612,000 total attendees, our 10+ booth staff members and volunteers connected with nearly 7,000 visitors and distributed more than 18,350 window clings, postcards, brochures, and other items to help keep 988 top of mind.

Farming can be stressful, and we want Georgia’s agricultural community to know that . Reach out to 988 anytime for free, confidential support.

10/18/2025

👏Thanks so much Haven Hope House for inviting DBHDD Regional Director Valona Baldwin and our local team to your ribbon cutting in Houston County.

This shelter is designed to reduce homelessness by providing a structured environment where up to 70 residents can work toward self-sufficiency.

Special shoutout to Mayor LaRhonda Patrick for developing community-wide systems that lead to long-term solutions for mental health.

10/17/2025

🌾 This week, DBHDD Region 4 staff joined thousands at this year’s Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, connecting with attendees about agency resources across rural Georgia.

Farmers and agricultural workers are the backbone of our state — and their mental health matters! DBHDD is proud to support our rural communities through outreach, education, and access to care.

📸 Featured: Transition Coordinator Chantell Metcalf, Hospital Transition Specialists Julie Cosper and Janna Long, and Regional Services Administrator Jimmy Bennett, who presented on DBHDD’s services.

10/16/2025

✨ Staff Spotlight: Please join us in celebrating Letitia Robinson, Assistant Director for Supportive Housing at DBHDD!

Earlier this year, Letitia was honored with the 2025 Community Service Award from Community Friendship, Inc. for her outstanding leadership in the field of homelessness and her work administering Georgia’s PATH program (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness).

Letitia’s dedication to ensuring safe, supportive housing and her unwavering compassion for individuals experiencing homelessness make her an incredible example of commitment and care in action.

Congratulations, Letitia — and thank you for all you do to make a difference every day! 💙🏡

10/09/2025

🌟Last week, behavioral health leaders, providers, and advocates from across Georgia gathered at the 2025 Behavioral Health Symposium, hosted in partnership by DBHDD and the University of Georgia.

Commissioner Kevin Tanner opened the event with a message of hope and action, emphasizing that “behavioral health is not a side issue – it is central to the health of our communities.”

This year’s theme, Opening Doors to Recovery, reflects Georgia’s ongoing commitment to building pathways to care through innovation, collaboration, and compassion. Commissioner Tanner highlighted several key priorities shaping the future of behavioral health in Georgia, including:
🔹 Expansion of 988 and crisis services statewide
🔹 Growth of crisis stabilization and community-based care
🔹 Strengthening co-responder programs and law enforcement partnerships
🔹 Investments in the behavioral health workforce through new university partnerships
🔹 Leadership through the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust, ensuring settlement funds directly support prevention, treatment, and recovery

The Symposium served as a reminder that meaningful progress happens when partners across state government, higher education, and communities work together.

Thank you to all who joined us and continue to help us open doors — to care, to recovery, and to hope — for every Georgian. 💙

10/08/2025

The Pathways Center Mental Health ACT Team's non-traditional approach to ensuring client success leads to great outcomes as they help each client work toward independence. Check out this video highlighting their work.

10/04/2025

🏈 Don't forget to take a timeout for your mental health! Need to huddle on some of life's challenges? Call/text #988 today!

DBHDD is proud to partner with UGA Athletics during today's game to spread awareness of #988. Your mental health matters.

10/03/2025

❤️🖤In partnership with UGA Athletics, we want you to know that it's okay to not be okay!

Too much to tackle? Make #988 a part of your mental health game plan.

Watch UGA Football on Oct. 4 - celebrating Student Athlete Mental Health Week!

10/02/2025

🏈 On Oct. 4, DBHDD is teaming up with UGA Athletics to highlight the importance of mental health during Student Athlete Mental Health Week.

We’re proud to stand with Georgia’s student athletes — reminding them that strength is more than physical and resilience starts with mental wellness.

Together, let’s make mental health a part of the game plan.

Address

200 Piedmont Avenue S. E
Atlanta, GA
30334

Telephone

+14046572252

Website

http://dbhdd.georgia.gov/

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