H15 - Behavioral Health Independent Practice Associations: Emerging Trends and Solutions for Success in a Changing Environment

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM MDT

Location: 603

This presentation offers insights and practical advice on establishing an Independent Practice Association (IPA) for community behavioral health providers, CCBHCs, and behavioral health trade associations. The speakers will share lessons learned and tools to help providers navigate modern healthcare challenges like changing delivery models and higher patient expectations. The core message is that agencies can boost their revenue, sustainability, and scalability by moving beyond their traditional roles and making bold, strategic decisions in response to market changes.

Learning Objectives:

Define and describe the purpose of a behavioral health Independent Practice Associations (IPA) and how this model can help community behavioral health providers navigate a changing healthcare landscape.
Identify key challenges in behavioral health value-based care, such as a lack of infrastructure and complex contracting, and learn how an IPA can provide solutions.
Explain how IPAs can improve provider-payer relationships and demonstrate how strategic collaboration and shared resources can lead to enhanced revenue, sustainability, and scalability for behavioral health agencies.

Disclosure(s):

Colin Thomasset, MPH: No financial relationships to disclose

Kyle Kessler, MPA: No financial relationships to disclose

Renee Boak, MPH: No financial relationships to disclose

Breakout Presenter(s)

Colin Thomasset, MPH

CEO
Wheat State Healthcare
Topeka, Kansas

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Slides
Kyle Kessler, MPA

Executive Director
Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas
Topeka, Kansas

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose