The Philadelphia Model: Integrating Behavioral Health in Long-Term Care

The Philadelphia Model: Integrating Behavioral Health in Long-Term Care

October 20, 2026

6:00-8:00 PM

via Zoom

Program Description:

This program explores the Philadelphia Model, an integrated approach to addressing behavioral health needs within long-term care settings. The City of Philadelphia recognized that many individuals who suffered from chronic mental health issues were in

need of a safe discharge plan from acute care hospitals; however, area skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) lacked sufficient supports for their staff to adequately care for these individuals.  Participants will learn how the City of Philadelphia selected SNFs,

worked with behavioral specialists and opened specifically designed units within existing SNFs to meet the needs of residents, staff and the community.  Participants will also determine how this model can be applied in other communities.

Speakers:

Katharine Finlay, PMP, MPH, is a consultant for the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) who combines her

passion for improving healthcare access and quality with her 15 years of program management experience to lead teams of healthcare professionals through transformation

efforts. In her career, Katie has reinvented herself a few times - starting as an elementary school teacher followed by a healthcare IT trainer and then a project manager for the

Philadelphia Department of Public Health. She eventually co-founded the Population Health Department at Drexel University where she found an interest in utilizing data to

drive change and her superpower - organizing chaos. Katie started consulting with a variety of organizations in 2020 to develop innovative solutions to address complex

public health and care delivery challenges through partnerships with private, public, and government organizations. She enjoys sharing her passion for the field and innovative

spirit through volunteering her time presenting on topics at the collegiate and national levels.

Melissa Rosenberg, NHA, MSS is a consultant for the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disability Services (DBHIDS). Melissa is a senior

healthcare executive with proven leadership, communication, relationship, and customer service skills, with over 35 years of experience in senior living. Melissa

currently serves as the Operational Lead for The Philadelphia Model: Integrating Behavioral Health in Long-Term Care. Additionally, with the City of Philadelphia,

Melissa designed and implemented work plans for approved strategic long-term care and personal care strategies and spearheaded and implemented the PEACE Program

which transitioned vulnerable older adults experiencing homelessness to sustainable housing in long-term care housing, utilizing existing federal entitlement programs.

Prior work experience includes Melissa serving as Chief Operating Officer of a non- medical home care company, and as the Vice President of Health Center Operations for

a leading not-for-profit, stand-alone senior living community. Her early career focused on Social Service positions for local government, hospital, and nursing home

organizations.

Melissa holds a Nursing Home Administrators license and received her master’s degree in social services from Bryn Mawr College.