CORE began when a group of behavioral health provider agencies in North Carolina, called the Saguaro Group, looked for a better way to provide community-based, mental health services. These services should focus on helping recipients learn and master life skills to increase autonomy, stability, and wellness within their chosen communities. But even experienced providers can find delivery of community-based, rehabilitative services to be tricky. It is especially common for well-meaning direct service professionals to slip into the habit of “doing for” versus “doing with” - this negatively impacts outcomes for persons-served and put agencies at risk of revenue recoupment as a result of post-payment audits.

To increase clarity and direction, leadership from the Saguaro Group created the first iteration of CORE. This paper-based collection of resources outlined a framework and common language for all staff, from direct service professionals to clinical supervisors. During the first year of CORE implementation, Saguaro Group providers reported a significant decrease in non-compliance in critical areas of service delivery. This early version of CORE was also utilized to successfully appeal a notice of overpayment - with the clinical decision-making process effectively demonstrating that services met medical necessity.

CORE has since evolved from an internal resource to a robust digital health tool supporting providers across the country. Our team is a reflection of the belief that clinical tools should address real world needs and application. The Clinical Development Team at CORE is composed of healthcare professionals with diverse backgrounds - our resources are authored by Paraprofessionals, Peer Supports, Licensed Clinical Social Workers and other licensed professionals, Quality and Risk Management professionals, licensed health educators and community health workers, and experts on the implementation of recovery programs.