The Miami-Dade County Behavioral Health Advisory Board convened on September 22, 2025, to discuss various initiatives and community resources aimed at improving mental health services in the region. The meeting began with a brief acknowledgment of the recent NAMI Florida conference, where Miami-Dade's representation was limited due to budget constraints, but future participation was encouraged.

Following this, the agenda was set unanimously, allowing for community presentations to commence. Yomaira Perea and Alex Jerezas from Brave Health presented their organization’s mission and services. Brave Health, founded in 2017, aims to bridge the gap between individuals needing mental health services and their access to quality care. The organization has expanded significantly, now operating in 14 states, and focuses on providing comprehensive mental health support through a telehealth platform.

Perea highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with complex needs, such as food and housing insecurity, and emphasized the importance of continuity of care. Brave Health employs a model that avoids using independent contractors, opting instead for W-2 providers to ensure consistent patient interactions. The organization utilizes various therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), to address trauma and mental health issues effectively.

A key feature of Brave Health's approach is its user-friendly technology, which eliminates the need for patients to download apps. Instead, patients receive text messages with links to access their sessions, streamlining the process and reducing barriers to care. The organization serves a diverse population, including adolescents, seniors, and individuals in foster care, and is committed to timely patient assessments and follow-ups.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of collaboration among community resources to enhance mental health services in Miami-Dade County. The board expressed a commitment to ongoing discussions and initiatives aimed at improving access to mental health care for all residents.