Expert Tip from Ravin Consultants

As behavioral health needs continue to surge—particularly in underserved communities—community health centers and other 340B providers must ensure their 340B strategy is inclusive of mental health and substance use treatment medications. These include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and medications for opioid use disorders, all of which are essential for holistic patient care. By intentionally incorporating behavioral health prescribing into your 340B workflows, organizations can dramatically expand access to life-saving treatments while generating meaningful savings.

Start by analyzing prescribing data and visit types to confirm which behavioral health encounters and medications are eligible under your current 340B setup and at what rate these visits are occurring. Then, work with your in-house pharmacy or contract pharmacy network to ensure these medications are included in your purchasing and dispensing strategy. The use of injectable medications for behavioral health has been on the rise in recent years. These injectables offer increased medication compliance and more stable effects in most cases. In-clinic injectables come with their own set up complexities and require a solid process to ensure these claims are captured correctly. Finally, don’t overlook compliance—behavioral health drugs must meet all program requirements, including accurate documentation of eligible encounters and providers, especially under HRSA and manufacturer scrutiny.

At Ravin Consultants, we specialize in optimizing 340B programs for high-impact areas like behavioral health. From analyzing prescribing patterns and patient eligibility to developing compliant workflows and expanding pharmacy access, our team partners with health centers and other covered entities to ensure they’re leveraging every opportunity 340B provides—without compromising compliance. We also help you stay ahead of changing regulations and manufacturer restrictions so you can focus on what matters most: delivering quality behavioral healthcare to your community.