Michael W. Johnson, MA, CAP

Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health CARF International

  • Tucson AZ

A creative, solutions-oriented leader who is passionate about improving quality in behavioral healthcare through CARF accreditation.

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Spotlight

1 min

Expert Spotlight: AI and Accreditation in Behavioral Health

Recently, Mike Johnson, MA, CAP, Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health at CARF International sat down with the host of the podcast No Notes to discuss how the major accrediting agencies are thinking about AI—and whether an organization’s use of AI ultimately impacts their accreditation.  Tune into this captivating discussion using the link below. Michael makes a point in the podcast that CARF has no issue with AI tools being used for documentation as long as the notes meet established standards for quality and accuracy. There are positive effects and benefits of responsible AI use in behavioral health—from reduced provider burnout and turnover to better client engagement and outcomes. But, how do these technologies stack up against behavioral health accreditation standards? And how do the industry’s top accreditation bodies feel about the use of AI in behavioral health practice? Michael Johnson is the CARF International Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health. If you are looking to know more or connect with Michael, view his profile below to arrange an interview today.

Michael W. Johnson, MA, CAP

1 min

Expert Spotlight: Suicide Prevention and Health Care Acccreditation

Recently, Michael Johnson, MA, CAP, CARF International Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health joined Adam Chu, MPH, from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, and Kasie Pickart, MPH, from Hope Network in an interesting panel discussion where they shared insights on implementing the Zero Suicide model and integrating CARF's comprehensive suicide prevention standards. The discussion highlighted these key elements: Introduction to Suicide Prevention Resource Center The center's mission is to advance suicide prevention across diverse populations using training, consultation, and resources. CARF accreditation standards:  CARF's consultative approach emphasizes quality improvement through peer-surveyed standards. Alignment with the Zero Suicide framework, incorporating risk assessments, safety planning, and care transition protocols. Hope Network's implementation journey: Leveraged a SAMHSA grant to adopt Zero Suicide practices across 200+ Michigan locations. Aligned practices with CARF standards for comprehensive suicide prevention. Developed standardized tools and a suicide care pathway for consistent risk management. Outcomes and challenges: Improved training and organizational culture around suicide prevention. Challenges include ensuring cross-team communication and sustaining practices post-grant funding. View the webinar: The discussion concluded with insights into maintaining long-term quality improvement and the benefits of CARF accreditation for suicide prevention efforts. Michael Johnson is the CARF International Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health. If you are looking to know more or connect with Michael, view his profile below to arrange an interview today.

Michael W. Johnson, MA, CAP

2 min

Demystifying Relapse: 2-part series on substance use disorder recurrence and treatment

CARF International Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health Michael Johnson is a contributor of this terrific two-part series on substance use relapse from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. NATCON and partnering contributors from CARF International, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP), and the Recovery Research Institute are excited to release the Demystifying Relapse series, which includes two issue briefs that explore the complex dynamics of substance use disorder recurrence and the difficulty of reengaging individuals in the recovery process. “I’m grateful to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing for the opportunity to work with them on these two important documents. The U.S. is facing unprecedented challenges in treating persons with substance use disorders, with access to care continuing to be difficult for many. The field, the payers, and the public at large needs to take time to recalibrate how treatment and return to use are viewed in order to have realistic expectations for care, to destigmatize what it means for a person to return to use, and to ensure there is appropriate types of care available to those who need to re-enter the treatment systems,” said Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health Michael Johnson. “Only when we recognize that persons who return to use need to have care that is individualized to assist them to stabilize, not start over, can we better ensure that treatment systems are more accessible based on the needs of persons served. The treatment for any chronic illness can be difficult as the path to wellness is often not linear. I hope these two papers can start a dialogue on how to reframe the systems to better meet the needs of those who continue with the recurrence of symptoms.” Michael Johnson is the CARF International Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health. If you are looking to know more or connect with Michael, view his profile below to arrange an interview today.

Michael W. Johnson, MA, CAP
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Biography

Experienced executive in behavioral healthcare, Michael joined CARF in 2013. He is a certified addictions professional and has more than 30 years of experience as a clinician, manager, and executive working in mental health, substance abuse, and intellectual disabilities. He was a CARF surveyor for 16 years. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal communications and a master’s degree in communications, both from the University of Central Florida.

Areas of Expertise

ASAM Level of Care Certification
Office Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT)
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
Mental Health (Severe Mental Illness) Practice and Policy
Suicide Prevention
Substance Use Disorders
Addictions Counselling
Performance Management
Behavioral Health Stigma
Addictions Treatment
CARF Accreditation

Media Appearances

CARF Accreditation: It's Not An Event, It's A Process

Simpiflyance  online

2023-07-14

Simplifyance™ had the privilege of speaking with Michael Johnson, Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health for CARF International.

We delved into the world of accreditation, discussing its immense value, the supportive process for organizations during surveys, and uncovering key best practices.

CARF is renowned for its commitment to ensuring excellence in healthcare delivery and service outcomes. Michael shared valuable insights into the accreditation process and shed light on how CARF assists organizations in achieving survey success.

Michael emphasized the importance of person-centered care, evidence-based practices, and fostering a culture of accountability and learning. These elements are crucial in driving positive outcomes and delivering compassionate, effective care to those in need.

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New CARF standards address variability of care in office-based opioid treatment settings

CARF International  online

2019-01-24

More than 170 advisory council participants and field review respondents provided feedback to create the first national best-practice framework. “Providers that attain this accreditation will be able to demonstrate to persons served, regulators, and payers that they offer a comprehensive array of services and supports designed to help persons served achieve recovery," says Michael Johnson, CARF’s managing director of behavioral health.

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Ill Treatment podcast

Ill Treatment  online

2018-12-20

Michael Johnson was interviewed for the podcast 'Ill Treatment." The mission of Ill Treatment is, "To continuously improve in informing the public, in collaboration with other prominent figures within the field, by evaluating drug and alcohol addiction treatment organizations and inspiring them to safely and effectively make an informed decision on where to obtain the highest quality of care."

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Event Appearances

Understanding the ASAM Level of Care Certification Program

Executive Summit on Addictions Treatment  Hilo, Hawaii

2023-05-07

Translating evidence to practice – Leveraging accreditation standards to promote best practices in suicide care

National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention executive committee meeting  Washington, DC

2019-03-21

Measurement-Based Care

Addictions Executive Industry Summitt  Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

2018-03-05

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Education

University of Central Florida

M.A.

Communications

1998

University of Central Florida

B.A.

Interpersonal Communications

1993

Accomplishments

Leaders Leading Leaders Award

2012-08-01

Inaugural award winner from the Marcus Buckingham Company

Certified Addictions Professional

1991-06-01

Certified Addictions Professional, State of Florida

Articles

Best Practices in Care Transitions for Individuals with Suicide Risk: Inpatient Care to Outpatient Care

National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention

2019-11-01

This report advances goals 8 and 9 of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and presents feasible, evidence-based practices that health systems can take to improve patient engagement and safety during the transition from inpatient to outpatient behavioral health care. Mike Johnson, as a member of the advisory group, contributed to the report, handout and video.

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