Building a Statewide Behavioral Health Referral Network

The Challenge

Behavioral health referrals were often managed through phone calls, faxes, spreadsheets, and disconnected organizational processes. Referring providers had limited visibility into referral status, available services, or whether an individual ultimately reached care.

HEALTHe Insights’ Role

HEALTHe Insights partnered with the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to shape the statewide strategy, translate provider needs into requirements, support system selection, coordinate implementation, and build the engagement and adoption structure required for statewide use.

Our Approach

• Conducted structured discovery with providers, state leaders, advocates, and partner organizations.
• Defined program goals, workflows, requirements, and governance needs.
• Supported evaluation and selection of the OpenBeds platform.
• Led the communications and marketing strategy supporting DTRN adoption, including development of the e-newsletter, project branding, website content and development, flyers, outreach materials, provider communications, and other implementation-focused marketing assets.
• Coordinated implementation, provider onboarding, training, communications, and adoption support.
• Used performance data and provider feedback to refine workflows and improve closed-loop referral practices.

The Outcome

DTRN created a shared statewide referral infrastructure that improved visibility into referral status, strengthened communication across organizations, and established the digital and relational foundation for Delaware’s later expansion into DTRN360 care coordination.