John O’Brien is a National Advisor for Manatt Health, bringing over 30 years of experience in behavioral health systems design, financing and implementation. John helps develop policy and financing options for federal, state and commercial health plans, and has experience working with Medicaid, mental health and substance use disorder authorities at the federal, state and local levels.
John’s background involves supporting health systems on work involving substance use disorders (SUDs), including helping states increase access to services, integrate SUD treatment and primary care, and reduce costs. He also supports states’ efforts to implement systems of care for children and families with mental health conditions and advises on community integration strategies for adults with mental illness.
Additionally, John has served in leadership roles for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). At CMS, he led the Innovation Accelerator Program for Substance Use Disorder and Primary and Mental Health Integration and coordinated the agency’s efforts to develop guidance surrounding parity for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
John also contributed significantly to the implementation of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act and in developing the Home and Community Based Services regulations.